Kingswood Oxford High School - Retrospect Yearbook (West Hartford, CT)

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Jonathan L. Beldcn “Vic” There arc few places on the campus of Kings- wood that have not rocked to the boisterous laughter of Jack and his audiences. Jack, a handle which he acquired during his existence under the smiles of Mr. Knapp, has been gifted with a sense of humor which is famous among comedians. In class he was denounced by a teacher who is noted for conducting informal gatherings. Beldcn”, exclaimed the teacher, “It isn't fair for you to make your little side com- ments because they’re too dern funny.” Vic’s sense of humor has often put him in some dangerous spots, but he often saves him- self by using his shrewd ingenuity. For example: few forget the day Jack got locked in the cupboard. Jack was investigating the innards of a wall cupboard in Mr. Farquhar’s new classroom with hopes of playing a practical joke. Suddenly someone locked him in, and English class had begun. Realizing he was doomed for trouble if it were found he was cutting class in the cupboard, he started working on his plan of defense. During this time he maintained a monologue which mimicked different teachers. Jack has a remarkable ability to imitate | cople, especially teachers who always seem a little different. Each remark resulted in a muffled roar from both within and without the closet. Infuriated beyond description with this disturbance from inside the walls, the door was swung open. Jack rolled onto the Hoor gaged and bound hand and foot, so well, in fact, he needed assistance getting unshackled. Vic, of course, remained incognito with the discipline committee, for Mr. Farquhar believed he was bodily forced into his hide-away. Regardless of where he may venture through bring his good cheer and merriment; and to spread some sunshine during the day’s dark moments. In a world as confused and disturbed as ours is today, it is unfortunate that there arc not more people like Jack to bring a little gaity and help brighten life’s burdens. 10

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John Conklin “John” To start at the beginning, John was one of the charter members of the class beginning his career at Kingswood in Mr. Werner’s First Form with several other soggy-looking new- comers of whom not the least notorious were Bolden. Korpcr, and Foote. He right away dug down and showed himself an able scholar, winning a permanent place on the honor roll with the exception of one term, and this due only to a series of rather unfortunate incidents in Mr. O’Harc's math class. However, he did manage to carry oil the Dux Prize in Form I. During his lower school years, John was a member of the Lancastrian sect, played soccer, skied, and took softball to occupy his afternoons. He also was a star pupil in Mr. Leonard’s afternoon art classes, for John’s one of the most artistic members of the ’55 Hock. By the time the class had beat its way to the Fourth Form, he began to show an interest in dramatics, and gained the title of assistant stage manager in that famous production of You Can’t Take It With You”, and in the next year, he inherited the full stage-managership for “Lady Precious Stream” and “Julius Caesar” in which he also portrayed Octavius under Mr. Kaptcyn. By the end of last year, he found himself a surprised assistant editor of the News, art editor of the Wyvern, and a member of K.T.K. Sportswisc, he managed wrestling and soccer, and wielded a tennis racket in the spring Form six marked John’s biggest year. As an editor of the News, he shared headaches with Swan and Foote, and brightened that drab journal with a sarcastic little column called “Conversation”. As Ernest in “The Admirable Chrichton”, he spouted epigrams nobly, designed some magnificent sets, and in general proved himself indispensable. Along with these activities, he poured fourth a prolific stream of articles for the Wyvern. John is headed for Yale, where he hopes to major in English Literature and dabble in stage design. It goes without saying that he will be successful in cither of these, or any other field, he wishes to enter. Salve ct Vale, John! 11