Holyoke High School - Annual Yearbook (Holyoke, MA)

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CLASS HISTORY The class of 1946 has spent its days at Holyoke High and now the end is at hand. We have accomplished the education which was our main objective, and in addition we have made a Hne record for this, the history of the past three years. Let us begin in September of 1943. This was the year we entered Holyoke High as insignificant sophomores. Although we were not as active as our upperclass- men, we did have a chance to display our ability in the Student Government, when members of each section were chosen for the Student Council. The work done by them during the year was excellent. When election of class ofhcers came we thought care- fully about the students capable of filling such an honored position. We were wise in our decision when we chose the following students. Andrew Dougherty, President: Bertha Brackman, Vice President: Claire Sullivan, Secretary: Roy Walker, Treasurer: and Leroy Hyland, Marshall. On November 10, 1943, the entire school was present at the formal dedication of the service flag of Holyoke High. Many of our brothers and sisters were repre- sented here and it was a proud moment for us. December 7, 1943, the second anniversary of Pearl Harbor, found our class successfully doing all we could in promoting the sale of war bonds and stamps. Basketball season was here and Holyoke High's courtmen proved they were destined for fame by win- ning game after game. As a result of their splendid playing they were in line for the New England linals. They were nosed out, however, by Sommerville in a close game with the decision of one hoop. They made all of Holyoke's fans proud of them as well as their coach Mr. Sullivan. Junior Miss , a play given by the Dramatic Club in which many of our class mates contributed their talents, was a tremendous success. For some of us, it was the first chance we had had to display our acting ability. When Color Day came, we all wore the traditional purple and white, and were proud of it, for it dis- tinguished us as members of Holyoke High. Then on June 6, 1944. came the long anticipated D-Day. Regardless of all expectations, the shock was great. Many hearts were heavy that morning, when we went to auditorium to pay tribute to the sons of America who were risking their lives that we might live in a world of peace. Let us pass, now, from our sophomore to junior year. This year saw three changes in the personnel of Holyoke High. Miss Julia Brown, our school nurse, left to serve in the United States Army Nurses' Corps. Miss Muriel Landers, speech teacher, accepted a position as speech director at Northwestern University. Mrs. Manning, our matron retired. They were replaced by Mrs. Senay, Miss Grace Healey and Mrs. Katherine Dowd. Those of our class who had been elected in June 1944 as members of the student council were: Margaret Shea, William Fitzgibbons, and Frank Matuszek. At the September election of cabinet oiiicers, Margaret Shea was elected secretary. Miss Gertrude Griiiin and Mr. Wyatt Harper replaced Miss Anna Gear and Mr. Frederick Mockler as Faculty Advisors for the council. Miss Gear and Mr. Mockler had devoted many years to the Student Council and we deeply appreciated the time and effort given during those years. Class representatives were chosen and they were on their way with an excellent group to work with. This year the council established a Lost and Found department. To those who were forever losing books, pencils, pens, and other numerous articles, this was a God-send. Again we held election of class oliflcers, choosing such capable students as: William Fitzgibbons. President: Dorothy Galary, Vice President: Phyllis Steinbock, Secretary: Donald Cauley, Treasurer: and Leroy Hyland. Marshall. On November 17, 1944, the Big Sister party, which had been omitted in our sophomore yearwas resumed. This was to be something new for us as well as our little sisters. Girls of Holyoke High attended this affair and it was one of the most successful events of the year. Football season was here again. This year our pros- pects were brighter. Under the direction of Coach Arthur Roberts training began. As a result of hard vigorous training the team was ready for its triumphant season. It was one of the most successful seasons in the history of Holyoke High, even though we lost the Western Massachusetts championship to Adams. On December 26, 1944, the annual Senior-Junior Prom was held in the War Memorial Building. The Senior-Junior officers combined in a committee for the dance. Lovely girls in equally lovely gowns added color to the festive occasion, and all attending enjoyed a delightful evening, despite the bad weather. The prom wasn't the only dance of the season. Definitely not ! ! The Student Council Herald dances drew a large group. Fun and frolic was in the air at both dances. The basketball team showed no loss of ability this year, for they received the Valley League champion- ship award and again proved the outstanding athletic skill of Holyoke High.

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ADDRESS OF WELCOME Parents, Teachers, and Friends: The senior class at Holyoke High School is fortunate and thankful to be able to present the first peace-time Class Day exercises since 1941. We are fortunate and we are thankful also to have parents and teachers whose prime endeavor has been to preserve and pass on to us the permanent features of education through the chaotic world conditions which have prevailed during our high school years. To our parents we owe a debt of gratitude which words cannot express. From our earliest youth they have instructed us in the American ideals of. love of God and country which three years of high school have nourished and developed in our minds and in our hearts. Every goal that we have reached and every success we have attained reflects the sacrifice, the patience, and the understanding of those who have sponsored our undertaking, our parents and our teachers. We are now ready to take our place in an uncertain world. We fully understand that we, the high school graduates of today, must preserve and guard the peace which has been so dearly won. With this thought in mind, it is reassuring to know that we possess the best possible foundation to undertake the task, This foundation is a good education, and it is for this education that we extend to our principal, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and to all the faculty, our deepest thanks. When we entered Holyoke High School three years ago, this day seemed far distant. But now we have completed this period of our formal training. We are eager to advance to the next phase of our lives, but our eagerness is somewhat dulled when we realize how many friends will be separated when we setforth from this school. For this reason we rejoice in the oppor- tunity to review our three years at Holyoke High School. It is my privilege today to extend to you, in behalf of the members of the class of 1946, a most cordial welcome to our Class Day Exercises. .

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s 1 This year the play given by the Dramatic Club was Plane Crazy. Again many of the class of 46 contributed their time and effort to its production. The play was a great success as usual and there was a full house both nights. An innovation next occurred in the high school. Strangers coming to Holyoke High in need of direction were now to be greeted by receptionists, who were appointed by the Student Council in March. They continued to fulfill their duties throughout the year. Favorable comments were made on the courteous manners of these receptionists. April 13, 1945, is a date clear in the memories of everyone. This was the day our beloved President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt died. A deep feeling of sorrow was prevalent in the hearts of everyone. To us he symbolized all the great men of the world and his death left us stricken with grief. May 8, 1945, such a short time after the death of our President, V-E Day was announced. The man who had strived so hard for this day was not with us. We assembled at Mackenzie Field to give thanks to the Almighty for bringing to an end the European War, and to pray in gratitude for those who had fallen that freedom might live. June was here and we were invited, as a group, to attend the graduation exercises of the class of 45 . This experience was to aid us when our class reached its goal. My but we were impressed by the large group of parents who received their son's diplomas. Little did we know that when we returned as seniors this service was no longer to be held. World War II had ended and when we entered in September of 1945 our minds stirred in retrospect of three years of war. We could never worthily and fittingly appraise this class, whose outstanding war contributions aided in the winning of the peace. Our efforts were not in vain, for the peace which we had strived for was no longer a dream but a reality. This year we were to see many changes pattern. We were seniors and as seniors we had much to do. The Student Council elected cabinet officers, and representatives of sections by their section members were chosen. The officers of the cabinet were: William F itzgibbons, President, Margaret Shea, Vice-President, and Joan Schiebel, Secretary. 'For the first time since the war started the Student Council Convention was held. Representatives of our Student Council attended this convention. The annual Student Council dance was held at the War Memorial building on February 21, 1945. Jimmy Downing's orchestra provided music for dancing and with everyone enjoying a splendid evening, the dance was a success. Miss Lillian Maxfield, Dean of girls, was taken ill late in November and her absence from us was to be for an indefinite period of time. Our wishes for a speedy recovery were extended to her as were our hopes for her return in the near future. Miss Elizabeth O'Hern, head of the Economics Department, was appointed in Miss Maxfield's place, temporarily, that she might give the helpful counsel and guidance we were accus- tomed to. We appreciate the untiring efforts of Miss O'Hern and hope she enjoyed her position, for we think very highly of her. Miss Maxfield returned to us in February. We were pleased to see that she had fully recovered and was back with us to stay. We elected Senior leaders in November, 45 , choosing the following students: James Shea, Presidentg Dorothy Galary, Vice Presidentg Ruth Ann Regan, Secretary, Michael Bolko, Treasurerg and Austin Mulqueeny, Marshall. The 1945 football season saw Co-Captains Andy McCormick and Austin Mulqueeny lead our eleven against powerful New Britain High of Conn. and against Pittsfield, Agawam, Westfield, Adams, Chicopee, Greenheld, Northampton and Springfield Tech. Lack of experience resulted in several defeats throughout the campaign, but the team gained a decisive victory over Northampton High and avenged a 44 football loss by defeating Adams High. These were the only two wins of the year. The Student Council again took the initiative. They were the first to hold a special installation of officers. The president of each class and the cabinet president, took oath of office, as administefed by Mr. Fitzpatrick, our principal. Any inaugural address was given by each of the presidents. We began to wonder whether we were to have an Annual this year. A meeting was called by our princi- pal to choose the staff. We had an excellent group with Thomas Cody, as Editor-in-Chief. Prophets were chosen and the yearbook was on its way toward completion. With the completion of our Yearbook the events shared by the Class of 1946 draw to a close. As we gather together for the last time, at Graduation Ex- ercises, let us look with hope to the future for which we have been preparing since we entered Holyoke High. Take the advice of the American Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Look not mournfully into the Past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the future. lt is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear, and with a manly heart. -RUTH ANN REGAN