John Marshall High School - Marshallite Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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must complete three years of English, one of American history, and democracy, which is a one-term class. The English classes deal alternately with grammar and literature. Three of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Jutius Caesar, Jflachelth, and Hamlet, in addition to novels and poetry, are studied in this class. We study in American history the colonization and wars of our na- tion. The other history classes, which are not compul- sory, study about the civilizations of Near Eastern and European countries. Democracy, which was added to our curriculum this year, is the thorough study of the American's freedom and the citizen’s duties in return for these privileges. This class is unique in the fact that there is no one textbook, but the wnformation used is gathered from many sources. The subjects studied in this course are those that cannot be fully explained in history. Also included in this history department is a course in Modern Problems. Here the students delve into the everyday problems of business, finding out what training is necessary for various vocations, where and how such training may be procured, learning about many The Jlonacte at work Watch your fingers! Translating Cicero different occupations, in order that they may be better prepared to choose the ones they would like most. All sorts of topics are brought up in this class as is shown by This year the modern problems class studied as one project juvenile delinquency, and gave a- Parents and friends came and entered in, too, giving the adult point of view. its very name. public discussion on the subject. The language department offers us Latin, French, and Spanish. The Latin classes read the legends of ancient heroes and the works of the great Latin poets, while the students of French read some of the famous novels of France and, in addition to their regular work, they learn words which are frequently used since the beginning of The United States’ Good Neighbor Policy, South American countries, and literature, are studied by the Spanish classes. In addition to these classes there are two clubs, the Don Juan and Sans Souci, which stimulate interest in the languages. The Don Juan, or the war. Spanish Club, discusses news and our relations to Spanish-speaking countries, while Sans Souci, which is the French Club, presents skits, puppet shows, and plays {18 }

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clothes as to materials and patterns, all the practical problems of home management which, more than likely, they will need in the not-too-distant future. They discuss social problems, manners, and correct procedure in everyday happenings. This year at John Marshall the girls are offered a new course in family relations. On the other hand, the boys can take machine shop, electricity, mechanical drawing, and auto essentials. Since the war, many boys have found it helpful to take pre-induction radio, since it teaches the basic principles of this subject. The vocal classes, under the direction of Mr. Charles Troxell, have become among the most popular in the school. For those who are talented and wish to continue with the study of voice, there are the Girls’ Chorus and the A Capella Choir. Another form of musical study offered is the orchestra, which is conducted by Captain he Camera Man James H. Donohue. These groups all have officers who Smile while your work take care of the business part of their activities just like any other organization. The choir and orchestra often play and sing at other schools and at special civic occa- sions. Their season is climaxed by the Virginia Music Festival, which is held in Richmond every spring. Our vocal classes and our orchestra, as well as the John Marshall cadet band, are quite often called upon to help out in the city for various reasons. During the Com- munity Fund drive, for many parades, bond sales, and the like, our pupils are called upon to help in the pro- grams—a privilege which they enjoy, as well as do will- ingly, to lend a helping hand. Every other year at John Marshall, an opera is given, done mostly by the vocal classes, accompanied by our orchestra. On alternating years, of which this year was one, at the school play, the orchestra furnishes music for intermission. In order to graduate from John Marshall, a student Designing Will it explode? {17}

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games in French—which is a most exciting pastime. The commercial classes are divided into two courses, one leading to stenographic work, and the other to accountancy. Shorthand, typewriting, and bookkeeping are the subjects taught in this course. These classes are among the most popular at John Marshall, because the department has such a fine reputation, and this type of work is so much in demand. Business men are always coming or phoning to see if they can get boys or girls, after school, or pupils who come half day, to work. The commercial students are kept busy, having their regular classes in typing and shorthand, then the daily period for transcription. They know that practice is necessary, and are eager and anxious to use all their spare time to increase their speed or accuracy. The mathematics department offers to the students one year of plane geometry, two years of algebra, solid geometry and trigonometry. In connection with these is the Math Club which discusses navigation, solves difficult and tricky problems, and learns of the practical uses of math. In the past few years when enough stu- dents have applied for the course, a class in refresher math has been offered. Merely a concise review of the most important facts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, with a slight amount of calculus added; this course is especially good for boys who are to be inducted into the armed forces shortly, but even some girls do enroll. One of the most important jobs of the art classes is to design and make the sets for the spring plays or operas. In addition to this, the classes study costume designing, commercial art, portraits, and other subjects. Making objects from clay and then baking them in the oven is a great pleasure to many of the art students. Some make pins and other jewelry, others small ornaments, etc., but since our oven is small, the objects to be baked must be small, too. The public speaking class helps to develop poise and assurance before an audience. The drama class presents plays and skits before assembly or classes. Each spring Coach takes it easy! Student Association