Iron Mountain High School - Argonaut Yearbook (Iron Mountain, MI)

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'N--'-'--M-f THE HHEUHHUT VALEDICTORY Fellow Classmates: At this time we are all concerned with those things by which we have laid the foun- dations of our youth-those shining opportunities which make us the promise of America. Entering a world which is open to receive us, we live with a sense of satisfaction for a few short years. But soon, beginning that long trek down 1ife's highway, our own individual thoughts begin to take form, we begin making our own decisions and controlling our own destinies. Every one of us, through the years, has the wonderful opportunity to build his world, a world which is eventually the determining factor of our success. Along the way we may reach out and grasp costly but worthless richesg we may reach out and grasp riches which are somewl at tarnished but have much value for us. These riches may be the food with which we must feed our minds, the nourishment which does mean much to us: it is directly responsible for the physical and mental condition of our bodies, the position of our earthly stations, the success of our many adventures. The strength of a country is the strength of its people, the strength of youth is the strength of tomorrow. Our thoughts and actions are of the greatest importance to all. for it is we who must uphold our democracy, it is we who possess the instrumentalities of definitely contributing to worldy progress. More than a century ago the United States set a goal of universal-free education for all children. Education became the foundation of our democratic society, a preparation for life in all its phases-home membership, health, leisure time, citizenship, employment. Thus the American dream of the little red schoolhouse became a reality, a symbol, a star lighting the path for those travelers eager for knowledge, for adventure, for success. This world has entered a new era, an era of more complexity, also progress. As a re- sult, a real and lasting peace must be insured if we intend for this civilization to continue its progress. This task rests on us-the youth of the world. It is up to us to gather the pebbles with which to build the tower of peace. . In order to accomplish this mighty responsibility we must be prepared. We must be educated!! There is no excuse for any one of us to travel down life's highway ignorant of cur- rent problems, possibly desiring to know and understand these but just lacking the initiative to go out and seek knowledge. With public educational institutions available for all, we are able to go out, grasp, and retain some knowledge. Many universities offer extension courses for classes held off the campus and for individuals or groups taking the work by correspon- dence. Libraries, the modern radio, and forums furnish ways in which individuals may edu- cate themselves. Religious groups, social clubs, business organizations, fraternal organizations, and the like, all provide a means for constructive educational activities. Youths interested in vocational training may acquire this knowledge through apprenticeships and trade schools. Commercially inclined students may attain skill through business schools or agencies spon- soring such training programs. Colleges and universities, though higher on the rung of the educational ladder, are available to those whose abilities and interests are desirable. In recent years many cities, like Iron Mountain, have inaugurated adult education classes for those people out-of-school who wish to further their education. Having completed the first lap of our life's journey, we now come face to face with that struggle against the many vicissitudes of this life. As the time of graduation approaches, I think it is prudent to mention some plain and simple maxims which, if practiced, I am sure will make you estimable members of society and prepare you for that eternity whose shadow ever encompasses your footsteps. First of all, revere God and keep his commandments. ' Be truthful and honest, for these constitute the cardinal virtues of a good life. Practice the policy of being industrious. Labor diligently, and, whatever you under- take, complete with thoroughness because indolence mothers poverty, unhappiness, and crime. Cultivate a courteous personality, for politeness leads to popularity and station. Read good books which have received the commendation of competent critics. Books which have survived the touch of time deserve to be studied. Govern your temper. This fiery steed will carry you into many difficult situations if you allow it to run away with you. Discipline your individual thoughts and actions. Blanche Thebom, metropolitan opera star who sang in our high school auditorium last March 27, says, self-discipline must be practiced if one expects to attain his goal. This refers not only to the world of music, but to every other activity which we expect to undertake. Economize your time, do not procrastinate. Remember that you cannot repossess one single moment in your lives. You must extract what you can from that ponderous wheel whose steady, ceaseless revolutions hurry you on, Last of all, revere your country and obey the laws. Cherish your institutions of freedom and the rights of man. By the observance of these maxims I know we will be inspired to higher motives, a higher faith, a greater love for mankind. May G0d bless and DFGSEFVC .YOU fI'01'fl all harm. The best of luck and succes to each and every one of you, fellow classmates. . Farewell. Geraldine Lindstrom Page Scvcntccn

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illi lllllilllllllli ---N--NWN Valedictorian and alutatorian Geraldine Lindstrom - Diana Khoury National Honor Society Near the close of each school year, a group of seniors who have shown outstanding qualities oi character and leadership, and who have maintained a high record of scholastic achievement and service to the school are selected to become members of the National Honor Society. These students are inducted into the Iron Mountain Chapter of this society at the last P. T. S. A. meeting of the year. Three members of the class, Mary Ann Spencer, Margaret Dundon, and Dave Free- man, were elected in our Junior year. The others, who were admitted in the spring of their Senior year, make the number in this organization twenty-three. Upon holding an election, the group chose Bob Mortensen as their President and Margarel Dundon, Secretary. We are proud that the class has had more members elected than any has had for many years. Congratulations, honor students! Row 1: Geraldine Lindstrom. Diana Kiioury, Marfyarel Dundon. Robert Mortensen. Rosalie Fontana. Patricia Scheffer. Row 2: Jean Flodin, Margaret Draxler, Janet Steiner. Patricia Fox, Mary Furnu. Marcella Zambun. Beryl Miench, Ellen Cohodes, Mary Ann Spencer. Row 3: Tom Gronlunrl, Raymond Piatii. Jim Verrette. Bill Carpenter, Paul Gingrass, David Freeman, David Dwnrsky, Bill Marcou. Page Sixteen

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THE HREUHHUT ' SALUTATORY Teachers, parents, friends, and classmates: We, the class of 1948, welcome you. Through all the years of High School, our efforts have been directed ultimately to- ward the day of graduation. We will have completed our work here at the High School when we receive our diplomas in two days. These diplomas will represent the culmination of one of our first great dreams-graduation. Our main reason for attending school is to make a success of our lives and the word diploma itself can be used as a measure for that success which we all want. With your permission I would like to take the word diploma and show how it might be used as a guide for success. The first letter, D I shall let stand for duty. Duty is that which one is obligated to pay or do. Throughout our lives we shall have to face great numbers and many kinds of duties. The choosing of 'an occupation, friends, and leisure attractions, must be done wisely. Sometimes the decisions one is forced to make, require a great amount of real courage, and many times, sacrifice. To God, man has a very important obligation. This of course is to keep the body physically and spiritually pure. In our every day contacts with people, there is the duty that belongs to friendship and to business. Some of these we do unconsciously, some require effort, and some are ignored at every opportunity. In regard to those that are ignored, it is not beyond the capacities of any of us to take on these duties if we have the courage to do so. I shall represent industry. Here in a single word is one of the most important factors in determining success or failure. Habitual diligence, or industry, is the only way great success can be achieved. Many times much labor brings small gain, but if the laborer feels his work has not been in vain, the reward is the great satisfaction derived. Industry cannot be emphasized too much-especially in a country such as ours. Here where there is no caste system and where our own labor determines how much wealth that we have, there is no limit to the heights that can be reached. P may well stand for purpose. Every well balanced and successful life must be the result of a purposeful endeavor. While we have been discussing industry, we must re- member that this labor is for the purpose of achieving something. Through initiative, perse- verance, and common sense, one must strive to attain this goal. There are many purposes in life, some large and some small, and while we are achieving one goal, another might grow just as quickly in its place but the satisfaction derived from conquering these purposes one after another, will warrant all the energies put forth. L is the first letter in the very meaningful word liberty. Webster defines liberty as freedom from external restraint and compulsion, power to do as one please. In our country this is indeed a good definition of the word if we take it in a general form. However, if we take the definition literally, we will see that it is not altogether true. It is true that we are allowed to do as we please, but there is the stipulation that we must not infringe on the liberties of others. The aim of liberty is not merely self, but the greatest good for the great- est number. O introduces a word that today seems to have taken on a new meaning. This word is obedience. Unless we return to ideas of obeying the rules laid down for us by the great thinkers and statesmen of the past, and obey laws of our God, we shall stay in the turmoil and corrupt ways of the world at large today. People of the earth are seeking to put self above their God, and this can never be. What we need is a combination of some of the sanity of the past and the progress of the present for a more peaceful and Godlike future. M can usher in one of the much needed words of our time-mission. We need people with missionary minds and ideals. In the past we have thought of missions as having connection only with religious matters. Today we need missionaries for other things. We our- selves can be missionaries by just being thoughtful of our fellowmen and thus spread good will. Today we need missionaries who will live and spread the ideas of the democratic ways of living and working together. We need people to crusade for what they believe is the best way of life. This is a point that not only makes the individual's life a success but it also helps to make a success of others lives. We come now to the last letter A which we shall call action. This is indeed a timely word since the earth is in such a turmoil. What the world needs today is action. Talking things over is a practical and reasonable measure, but after a certain point, it only seems to get us deeper into conflict and misunderstanding. The great graduating class all over the land should be turning out girls and boys who have been prepared to meet world problems, and action should be one of the qualifications. If we can make use of the words, duty, industry, purpose, liberty, obedience, mis- sion, and action, we can go far on the road to success. As we think about life and success many resolutions form in our minds, and all the tomorrows, in which we can fulfill these resolutions, stretch out before us as we stand on the threshold of a new and different life. As each tomorrow successively becomes today we look forward to the opportunity of fulfilling the resolutions we have made all during our school years. Each tomorrow brings new life, new hope, and new chances for improvements. We can bring forth our fondest dreams and ambitions with a stronger determination to accomplish them. Page Eighteen