Hastings High School - Saxon Yearbook (Hastings, MI)

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DEDICATION In these perilous times, America is facing the gravest crisis in her career as a nation. Our hearts are with her in victory or defeat. We stand willing to support our government in any action it may take to further the cause of democracy. We, the youth of today, will play an important part in the reconstruction of world trade and international relations. Our education will prepare us to cope with these post-war problems. This preparation is part of our contribution to the defense and future of the United States. With these thoughts in mind, we, the students and faculty of Hastings High School, dedicate ourselves and this Doomsday Book to victory.

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Foreword William I ordered a Doomsday Book to he compiled in 1086 A. D. for recording the deeds of the Saxons who comprised his realm. This Doomsday Book, too, is a record of the Saxons—the Saxons of Hastings High School. Here are some outstanding activities of the year. November 6 and 7—National Defense was the theme of the annual Ag-HE Exposition pre ented by the agriculture and home economics departments. November 8—Firemen’s Ball enjoyed by the four classes. December 12—Dramatics class presented the senior play, “Contrary Mary”. February 13—“School Daze” was the theme of the annual Spotlight. February 20 Saxons tied with Belding for the West Central League cham- pionship in basketball. February 26 and 27—“H. M. S. Pinafore” sailed into port. March 27—Oratory and declamation contests. April 10—Everyone swung at the Spring Swing. April 24—Dramatics Class presented “Foot Loose”, junior play. May 1—Juniors entertained seniors at the annual J-Hop. May 23—Regional tennis and state track meets held. May 31 Baccalaureate services. June 4—Class night. June 5—School year closed with commencement exercises. As you turn the pages of this book, you will see more of the record. In the years to come, may our Doomsday Book provide pleasant memories for all those mentioned herein.

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“UNITY FOR VICTORY” At last the crucial time has come when our ultimate strength is tested, and the hopes of the world rest upon one decision—“Unity for Victory.” We look for victory with tremendous tasks ahead. In order to meet these tasks, we must achieve unity; but unity to be lasting must be based, not on our present failures, but on the program of victory. Unity is the most precious possession a nation can have, that is. if it is going to be lasting. We must strive to keep it that way for the duration of the war. Unity demands leadership. Our armed forces are governed by the very finest of individuals, and they are made up of the very finest of men also. If unity of cooperation exists among our armed forces, a decisive victory should be made possible. In this grave hour, it is necessary that we make sacrifices that are bound to affect all phases of our lives. If we consider ourselves loyal Americans, we should be proud to make these sacri- fices, remembering once again the true significance of America’s heritage. Our forefathers fought gallantly to preserve for us a nation that we would consider a privilege to live in. They fought to set our country free, and we must fight to keep it so. Since December 7. 1941, it has been made clear to the people of this nation what war really means. As each day passes, the sacrifices it will demand become more and more apparent. No one can say that the American people have not responded nobly to the call. People from all walks of life are for an all out effort to win the war. Unity must be present in our factories, mills, and on our farms. We all know that by keep- ing our production up to par we can march onward to victory. Our allies can then defeat Ililter. Mussolini, and the Japs, because we will have the men, planes, tanks, ships, and ammunition in greater and better quantities than the powers arrayed against us. Our men must out-think and out-fight the enemy. We must demonstrate that the United States of America presents an unbreakable, unshakable front, one that can carry the fight to the enemy’s shores and never yield to the evil forces opposing us. The morale of our people is higher now than ever before, and it is our duty to keep it that way. A high morale among a unified people will play an important part toward our reaching a victorious goal. As a nation we do face a tremendous task if our way of life is to be preserved in the world and if the ruthless plans of the dictators are to be frustrated. In unity there is strength. At the present time, it is necessary that our allies are backed by strength. Such strength cannot be developed as a totalitarian strength. Only deeds will reassure a nation as it mobilizes in war effort, that its unguarded domestic institutions w ill not be threatened. That kind of reassurance will cause the nation to surge forward, unitedly, to a victory which will secure for us and our posterity the blessings of liberty! Maure tie llaavind.