Humboldt County High School - Winnada Yearbook (Winnemucca, NV)

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H. C. H. S. WIN NAD A 1927 Justly, then, we claim to have practiced a method of investigation, the principles of which are very hygienic for the mind. We Have attempted to prevent a morbid dread of change by viewing a great number of different societies preparing us to understand and to tolerate variety of usages. Lastly, the contemplation of evolution, which enables us to understand the transformation of humanity, has saved students from the temptation to apply worthless “street” analogies to the explanation of social science. MODERN LANGUAGES In our American high schools there are expended vast sums in the teaching of Spanish, French, and German. What objects have we in teaching these subjects and are these objects realized? In other words, has the community received a com- mensurate return for the maintenance of a modern language department? The primary purpose of language study in the secondary schools is a practical value, but a mastery of the subject matter alone cannot long be held as an efficient basis in program building. By a selection of subject matter, pursuit of method, and other devices, a cultural value is likewise added; further, the processes of any language study furnish means for clarifying in general, the vehicle of thought. In our language teaching, we may stress the utilitarian side, making a speaking knowledge our first aim, or we may make reading our primary object. It is incon- ceivable that constructive language methods could be formulated and good speech developed in the periods allotted and with the number of students enrolled; conse- quently, in the Humboldt County High School, reading has been the first aim, subordinating other values. The ability to read a language is more likely to be permanent, practical value than any conversational knowledge that might possibly be gained in school classes. MATHEMATICS Mathematics is the science of number and form. It is the language of exact science; the tool of accurate thinking; the final expression of ultimate truth. The great prizes of today are not going to orators and debaters, but to the mathematical thinkers. If- one would become a specialist in engineering, architecture, surveying, or statistics, he must master mathematics. For mathematics is the master key that unlocks the door to all these pursuits. Dr. Smith of Columbia University says that if all mathematical knowledge were eliminated, civilization would be demoralized, factories would stop for want of machinery, and life would revolt to chaos. J. W. Young, chairman of the national committee on mathematical require- ments, says, “There is' no subject, except the use. of the mother tongue, which is so ‘intimately connected with everyday life, and so necessary to the successful conduct of affairs.” :’in - This is the era of machinery and exact measurement. The parts of an automo- bile are assembled from distant manufacturing plants. They must fit accurately.

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•e} WINN ADA p 1921 H. C. H. S. DEPARTMENTS THE VALUE OF AN EDUCATION j DUCATION deals with human nature in the rough. Its function, is the transformation of a potential savage into a responsible citizen, equipped to render the largest possible service to local, state and national communities. This generation of adults is reponsible for the well being of the next generation. The progress and welfare of the next generation will depend on the quality and validity of the education that this generation of adults provides for its youth, who will in the next generation become the arbiters of social welfare. Our boys and girls constitute the hope of advancing civilization. Only through them can continuity of social purposes be achieved. • From the individual point of view, also, education pays. The following study of Who’s Who in America evidences the value of education: The number of persons listed who had attained distinction None 1368 1627 7709 Therefore, without education one would have no chance to become noted; with a common school education one would have one chance in 9000; with a high school education one would have one chance in 450; with a college education one would have one chance in 42. Certainly one should strive for both a high school and a college education. Many students of education reject as invalid the statistical arguments presented above. They claim that the graduates of high schools and colleges are successful because of their superior physical and social endowments, which enables them to secure an education. Then one should get a high school and college education and thus become one of the select few—one able to render distinguished service to humanity. SOCIAL SCIENCES The haunting pictures of the World of Art hold no greater place in the field of humanity than the social sciences possess in the unfolding of youthful imagination. Their subject matter takes in the sum total of human achievement. History aims to understand and to picture the entire life of the various races and groups of man- kind at all times throughout the course of long ages. Sociology attempts to depict the “how” and “why” of rational society while economics considers primarily the development of the practical arts. The motley parade of social sciences which pass just within the pale of the adolescent have not escaped our treatment of these subjects in the Humboldt County High School, but there was attempted with quite unusual success, the inculcation of love and appreciation for these basic branches of the curriculum. Without education With common school education— With high school education With college education

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H. C. H. S. WINNADA 1927 This requires very nice mathematical calculations on the part of engineers, drafts- men, pattern makers, and mechanics. An inexactness of a few micromillimeters would cause a loss of thousands of dollars—and some one’s job. Without a knowledge of geometry little would be known about our earth, the solar system, or the universe. We could not construct bridges, design mosaics, tile- patterns, or oilcloth. Mathematics is now applied to the social sciences in graphic representation of statistical data. Realizing the importance of mathematics, the Humboldt County High School has, in the school year just closing, not only offered, but has actually taught, a com- plete course in mathematics, consisting of elementary algebra, advanced algebra, plane geometry, solid geometry, and trigonometry—a course adequate to prepare anyone to enter any college of engineering in any university. COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Commercial activity has stimulated all creative thought and action. It is re- sponsible for the culture of the world. As a result of the West seeking the East and the East seeking the products of the West, we not only have a world commerce in material commodities, but a world commerce in ideas and culture. Since a very large per cent of all human contacts are due to business relations, the value of educa- tion in business must be recognized. Commercial subjects have a dual objective: they provide specific knowledge usable by the student and also teach him to adjust himself in his relations to society. Investigations have proved that creative thinking can be done through these subjects, and that each individual can reach the limit of his capacity in the acquisition •»f knowledge. In the Humboldt County High School, attention has been given to two classes of students; those whose secondary work is preliminary to a four-year college course, and those whose education will be completed upon graduation from this institution. The former type of student applies himself to commercial work with the under- standing that such course will prove of inestimable value in the pursuance of a general college course; the latter with an appreciation of the fact that in a home institution, without unusual expense, he may accumulate such knowledge as renders him able to occupy a position which demands efficiency and offers a fairly good rate of remuneration. HOME ECONOMICS The Home Economics class began the year’s work with the problem of remodel- ing an old garment, and finished the clothing unit by making many attractive wool and silk dresses. In association with this laboratory project the study of interior decoration and color harmony were studied. Dress design proved very interesting as each girl determined the best color harmonies and styles suited to her own indivi- dual type. As a summary of this work Virginia Echave gave a very interesting talk in the assembly September 24th, on “The Economy of Home Economics.”