John D Bassett High School - Timber Tints Yearbook (Bassett, VA)

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Salutatory Address Fellow Classmates, Teachers, Parents and Friends: r I A 0 ME has been given the honor of welcoming you here tonight. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here, parents and friends — to this, our graduation exercise. This is an occasion we have eagerly anticipated for four long years; for ton ight we are on the top of the hill looking into the wide expanse — the future. It thrills us to know that you, our friends, are interested enough in us to wish to share this memorable evening with the Class of ’37. Again, let me say, we extend to you a hearty welcome! If we wish to succeed in life we shall need the qualities of leadership which are most essential, namely: Courage, initiative, and dependability. If we win life’s battles we must strive to be good leaders, to have courage, and push on. Courage is a characteristic trait of any great leader. General Pershing, who was commander of the American forces in France during the World War, is a good example of a successful leader who possessed this trait. Courage, initiative and dependability are the essentials of leadership — Pershing lacked none of these. His courage and dogged determination to see things through has been the saving grace in many crises faced in his life. He was not regarded as brilliant, but as one destined to succeed through hard, earnest work. Pershing’s youthful ambi- tion was to attain a superior education. He succeeded in doing this. He won a scholarship at West Point. When he graduated he at once became active in war service. Courage was, indeed, the answer to General Pershing’s success. Initiative is a second important quality of leadership. The ability to take the lead and keep the lead will bring any one to his goal. Several boys and girls of the Class of ’37 possess the ability to lead. For four years they have shown their abilities as presidents of various organizations in the school. They have organized several new clubs and have labored earnestly to make them successful. There are others who have made fine followers. They have contributed to the success of these organizations by their whole-hearted cooperation with the leaders and other members. As we enter into this new life we are sure that each will become leaders in their community. A third quality of leadership is dependability. If a person is faithful and reliable he will win popularity with every one. Faithfulness and reliability help to establish a reputation which will mean success. This trait will aid one in secur- ing a good position. These traits have placed several members of the Class at the head of its activities. Because they could be trusted to work hard and do their best, certain students have been placed in charge of important projects. I assure you that every member of this class wants to be and can be trusted to do his or her part; for each has shown in his school days that he wants to accom- plish something.

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ELMEAD TURNER Industrial Arts Club, ’37; Literary Society, ’37; Beta Club. Elmead is a U B ” student — “ there ' s no doubt about it.” . . . A sense of humor behind a sober mein. . . A quiet, hard-working shop student. . . A steady thinker ODESSA TURNER Dramatic Club, ’36; Literary Society, ’37; Home Economics Club, ’ 37 - “A small, still voice.” . . . Quiet as a tiny mouse. . . Always con- scientiously working. . . A very helpful classmate. . . Always knows the assignment at least WASENA WRIGHT Dramatic Club, ’33; Literary Society, ’35, ’37; Industrial Arts Club Exceptional shop student. . . Aspires to be an electrician. . . His hair is his crowning glory. . . Used to have a car. . . He now drives a Ford JUANITA WILLIAMS Literary Society, ’35, ’36, ’37; Dramatic Club, ’35, ’36; Basket Ball, ’34, ’35. Works hard at anything she undertakes. . . Thinks there is nothing like classical music for relieving the thoughts of school worries

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We wish to extend a warm welcome to our parents who have helped us reach this important milestone of our lives. You have been our inspiration when days were hard and tasks were difficult. You have given us encouragement when we needed a boost to help us over the ruts in our path. We know you will follow us and keep a watchful eye on our progress after we leave Bassett High School. To our teachers we also extend a gracious welcome. You have been our guiding light — the beacon on the hill. With tireless patience you have struggled to instill in our minds the traits of character which will make us fine men and women, to impart to us the knowledge we have so eagerly sought at Bassett High School. To one and all assembled here we extend a hearty welcome. Elmead Turner Valedictory Address Parents, Teachers, Classmates and Friends: T T APPINESS is the requisite of a successful life. It is a virtue which all people desire, and a quality for which everyone strives. It is the goal toward which all eyes are turned, for happiness is one of the greatest assets a human being can possess. Man cannot endure the trials of the world without some joy and happi- ness to which he may look forward. There are many brave souls who struggle valiantly on, even though the way seems dark and narrow, but through the dark clouds they see a ray of hope. Their trust and faith that they will receive the reward of joy and peace in the end makes these souls strive courageously on. Although many have to put forth great effort in order to gain happiness, this state of bliss is a gift with some people. Those who are fortunate enough to have this good disposition should help others in their struggle for it. People with the gift of an optimistic nature could help greatly, for happiness is very contagious. Association with a genial person always puts one in a better frame of mind and revives his spirit. Joy shows in our faces, for happiness always shines through our eyes and leaves a smiling visage. A pleasant countenance is one of the greatest ornaments one can have; it is to be desired more than riches and fine clothing. A smiling visage wins for us many true friends, as every one likes to be near a happy soul. Although one may have much wealth, triumphs, and honors to his name, his life is not successful unless he acquires happiness. Riches do not make happiness, for this quality cannot be bought nor sold. The wealthy people