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

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are often the most discontented, while the poor are the happy ones who find joy in simple things. Those who see the gloomy side of every picture are not the ones who usually attain success. The optimistic person is the one who climbs steadily on to his goal and reaches the highest mark. Occupation is a necessity. The mind must be occupied, the hands must be kept busy, or we cannot have contentment and peace. Those who rise and watch the day pass with no work to do feel only wretchedness. But the ones who can sit down at dusk with the thoughts of a day well spent and tasks well finished have the blissful feeling of utter satisfaction. The old adage, “The devil finds work for idle hands,” shows the absolute necessity of occupation if a person wishes to make a good name for himself. The man who has no purpose for which to work in life is lost. A definite goal must needs be set up so that he can look forward and work steadily, or he may stray from the path. The idle person spends his many leisure hours thinking of some quick, but usually dishonest means of obtaining what he desires. Most wickedness and discontent breed in the idle hours of the unemployed. Our tasks can never be accomplished by shirking them. Although the job may seem difficult, we must not be discouraged. The larger tasks cannot be accomplished unless the little, tedious labors are first well done. Those who don’t weaken under failure’s weight, who shrug their shoulders at despair, who never cry at fate’s blows, are the ones who reach the heights. Hard work makes men and women out of us. The person who is always depen- dent on others never learns to stand on his own feet. If his way is made smooth by friends, if cares and tasks are kept from him, then he will never know what to do when trouble comes and there is no one near to help him. Going to bed tired from honest labor and fighting our own battles will serve to increase our perseverance and make us resolute. Emerson says: “Every man’s task is his life preserver.” Work should be every man’s watchword, whether it may stand for the simple labor in the fields or more distinguished employment in the cities. We must not demean labor as if it were only efforts which the poor must put forth in order to live. Neither should we think of work as a means only of earning a livelihood. We should enjoy our labors, find happiness in work, joy in our well- accomplished tasks, and pleasure in our achievements. Work will not ask any one to sell his pride. The man whom we see with his head erect and his shoulders thrown back, who walks with an elastic, independent step, had some honest job with which to earn his living. He has a clear conscience; he is not afraid to face the world. If a man is willing to labor, then he need not ask any one for small favors, nor does he hold his place at any man’s kindness. He gains his position through his toiling, and it is then his undisputedly. The energetic worker has

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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

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no fear of the future. He has freedom, and he is not afraid to voice his opinions to any otte. His soul is his till the day he dies. Work commands respect, maintains freedom, upholds pride, sustains faith, promotes peace, and yields happiness. If a man’s duty is favorably done, he may realize any of these desirable rewards. But the pay which he relishes the keenest is the pleasure and satisfaction he gets out of a task well done. Truly, the way to happiness is work. Edgar A. Guest expresses it in the following lines: “ Who reads the book of life may be assured The happiest hearts have many an ache endured. For that contentment mortals prize ’ Twixt storm and strife forever lies , And happiness , the truth to tell , Is man ' s reward for tasks done well.” Now our work in this school is finished, and we must say good-bye to our faithful teachers who have been such great help to us. You, the teachers in Bassett High School have instructed us carefully and have guided us in the best way you know how. We are extremely grateful for your patience with us; your kindness will never be forgotten. To our parents, we owe the greatest tribute. You have always stood back of us when we needed support. Your advice and encouragement have never failed when we needed them. You are always the first to congratulate us in victory and to sympathize with us in sorrow. When disappointment stings and failure seems to stare us in the face, we know that you will ever be near to com- fort us. And we know that your interest in us does not cease with this milestone we have reached. Even though we may not attain the heights reached by great men and women, you will watch us fill our nook wherever it may be. For this we are thankful. We, the Class of ’37 of Bassett High School, have toiled together for four long years. There were days of hardships, when the way looked dark and dreary. But always some guiding hand gave us a lift, and we started again on the journey. Since we have worked together for such a long period of time, very intimate associations have been formed. Tonight, there is a tug at our heartstrings when we realize that we stand together as a class in Bassett High School for the last time. I, as the last spokesman for the Class of ’37, wish to say to you, my class- mates, that friendships have been formed through our associations here which will never be severed. We shall watch the progress of one another eagerly and secretly exalt when some victory has been won. Let us hope that life’s path- ways may cross often and the contacts which we began here in Bassett High School may be renewed with fervor. We leave you with sorrow in our hearts, but with real gratitude for the Class of ’37 and what it as a class has meant to each of us. To one and all, a fond farewell! Thelma Brammer