Iona College - ICANN Yearbook (New Rochelle, NY)

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wmmmmmmm HISTORY OF THE SENIOR CLASS OF 1931 September. 1928. two clashes started their careers in the north side v. of the school, whose pupils were composed of the whole of Westchester's crazy-quilt of towns. Hurrying, beetle-browed youths there were from Mount Vernon: honeying, gliding youths from the groves of New Rochelle: and garrulous, tumbling youngsters from far off White Plains. All were destined to meld gracefully and perfectly into that body of savants which was to be one of the most outstanding bodies of boys to pursue the muses, gods of sport and of wisdom, commonly known as the Class of '3 1. These two bodies were designated by the empty names of first years. “A” and B”. and were situated. “B in the science room and “A” in the room directly over it. Most of the old-timers of Iona were situated in the B class, downstairs, and taught by Rev. Brother Tuohey, formerly the principal of our institution, while the young hopefuls above were drilled by Brother O'Keefe. Then started that bitter competition by the two classes against each other for the laurels of first year, on the field and in the class-room alike. The two classes were almost entirely unknown to each other, and even had a certain coldness towards each other, for the whole of nineteen twenty-eight. But then, after a varied year of hard, new studies in High School, the widely separated grades were brought into close contact in second year, which did much to pro- mote perfect harmony between them. It was at this period that the class began to assume a definite character, in spirit, activities and general movement. But the 'group , at this stage of its inception suffered a keenly felt loss, when James Weller, a quiet, studious fellow, and a fine sincere gentleman was taken from the midst of them. This was the only direct casualty felt by the class in its four-year program. In this1 year (1929) the class of '31 soon demonstrated to the rest of the school its unity of idea and purpose when it selected its class banner proudly, and sent out its men of sports, some to attempt the varsity teams, and making them. Also, the class was more than fully represented in literary and dramatic efforts, boasting of steady contributors to the school publications, and presenta- tions. which is rarely done by any Sophomore class. The preceptors of the Sophomore year were Brothers McAleer and Knight. Surely the class was better organized in spirit and action! A feeling of loyalty grew up and the class pro- gressed. The officers for this year were. President. Latham Jeffress: Vice-Presi- dent, William Crabtree: Secretary. Peter Lersch, and Treasurer. James Sheils. Thus we see that the class, in electing its own officers of both the two former classes A and B had harmonized into one. That year was ended in a fine F a § I I t t 1 d re t I re rc g I p F S £ [Page Fifteen 1

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spurt of ener?’ by a big outing at Coney Island. In the course of the year, some boys hac. been lost by means of death, and domestic plans, but the class had still a substantial number, which was thirty-five students. The ensuing vacation period, long as it was. flew swiftly down the corri- dors of time for the fellows, and the year nineteen twenty-nine found them back, and in the third-year class-room. Of course, some of the old faces were gone, sadly enough, and still again, new ones were in their stead: new ones who assimilated quickly Iona’s splendid tradition and spirit, and were at once drawn into the class. In the first of the year, the officers were again elected, with William Crabtree as President. James Shells, Vice-President. Peter Lersch as Sec- retary and F. Kenneth Brastcd as Treasurer. The third year work was hard, and the class had a long year before it. well full of work and play. Time flew, and exams were passed or ’ flunked.” but the class went on without cease. The first big activity of the year was the handball tournament, which was won by the Class of ’31. in both first and second places, adding to Iona's laurels. Then came the Junior Prom, which was plied with a diligence and good will to be envied in any class, and needless to say. it was an un- qualified success. The class had by this time (mid-year) proven itself on the athletic field, and in the halls of the institution. Its representatives on th grid- iron were esteemed, and on the press, extolled by the student body, and nally on the stage they were highly commended. The term was crammed with ction. Everybody in the class was ’31 conscious”, to the vast benefit of the class. Then came the Senior year! New ideas, new duties, the goal! All of the class was present on the first day. upon which began the retreat, which is cus- tomary at Iona. These terms or sessions are indeed passing swiftly. The Senior Prom, as we know, was the most successful ever put forth by a Senior class at Iona. The activities on the field of sport have grown better in leaps and bounds. James Sheils. William Crabtree. John McGowan and Wm. Byrnes, re- spectively. as President. Vice-President. Secretary and Treasurer, being elected, are fully proud of their class, in all activities. The class deserves your praise. Its mark is left in Iona's annals, and a high mark it is. New ideas were put forth by the class, and they are being adopted by the classes to come. Thus, the class, leaving its Alma Mater, salutes her and her faculty as she leaves for the higher paths of learning, with truly fond recollections of her grace and sweetness. [Page Sixteen)