Kokomo High School - Sargasso Yearbook (Kokomo, IN)

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PROVIDED THE KEYS TO EDUCATION The School Board's good organization of the Kokomo-Center Township Schools paved the way to our successful school system. The seven School Board mem- bers, working with our school superin- tendent, Mr. O. M. Swihart, acted as the chief organizers in establishing a sound introduction into education for Kokomo youngsters. Many important matters were brought to their judgment and guidance-deter mining teachers' salaries, budgeting school funds, planning the school term, and instituting such school improvements as the new elementary schools which have recently sprung up. Mrs. Katharyn Fell presided over this board whose other competent members were Mr. L. O. Williams, secretary, Mr. Max Comerg Mr. J. O. Finley, treasurer, Mr. C. O. Simpson, Mr. Merrell A. Brunk, and Mr. Charles Hathaway. The City Council appointed Five of the board members while a Superior Court judge and Circuit Court judge chose the other two. These seven people through devoting a great deal of their time and efforts have become the Seven Keys which un- lock the doors to Kokomo Education. They spent long hours developing and improving the school system. Top Row: Mrs. Kathryn Fell, Mr. Merrell Brunk, Mr. Otho Simpson. Bottom Row: Mr. J. O. Finley, Mr. Max Comer, Mr. Charles Hathaway, Mr. L. O. Williams. Page 23

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AN EFFICIENT SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Every day Mr. O. M. Swihart faced many important school problems. After carefully studying the information, he made the Page 22 final decision. lboctor Walter' Kent, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and ln- struction, handled mostly the problems of what and how we will teach in Kokomo. lt is Fitting that the only Doctor resid- ing at KHLS acted as Physician of Kokomo liducationn. Taking the pulses of Kokomo classes, he analyzed their ail- ments and attributes. Some new courses and new ideas were Dr. Kent's prescrip- tion for the improvement of the school city as he charted the course toward better education. lirom De llauw University he received his HA. degreeg at Michigan University he earned an AM. degreeg and he re- ceived his doctorate from Indiana Uni- versity. The Chief Engineer of Kokomo's school system was Mr. O. M. Svvihart. His long title, superintendent of Kokomo- Center Township Consolidated School Corporation, places on him the responsi- bility for keeping the whole system in tip-top shape. He investigated and recommended ap- plicants for teaching vacancies, planned an all-over budget, and helped solve ad- ministrative problems. Mr. Swihart worked also with the ,School Board in the improvement and expansion of the school system. Mr. Swihart, who served as President of the Indiana State Teachers Associ- ation last year, received his AB. degree at Manchester College, his M.S. in edu- cation from Indiana University, and did graduate work at Columbia University. Dr. Walter Kent endeavored to improve the school curriculum as he checked his statistics before making a report to the school board.

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UNDER THESE GUIDING HANDS Mr. O. I. Farmer was responsible for our smooth functioning high school. He always found time to answer questions and to Page 24 help students with their problems. One of the busiest men around lil-IS was found in 207 scoring tests, planning our programs, and looking out for our future. Mr. lienneth Crook, Assistant l'rincipal and Guidance Director, acquir- ed his TLS. degree at Manchester College and his M.A. at Ball State Teachers Col- lege. 'ln his administrative duties he helped to plan the curriculum for the year. The testing program, Freshman Day, College Night, and the Scholarship Committee fell under his auspices as Guidance Di- rector. If we were in doubt about plans for the future, Mr. Crook was the man we saw. Organizer! Supervisor! Ambassador to the public! Administrator! Mr. O. I. Farmer, principal of our own KHS, had to be four persons! at once during the busy school year. With a bachelor's de- gree in social studies and a master's degree in education, he is certainly well- equipped for his tough job. Planning programs and schedules, see- ing that all plans were carried out successfully, checking classes, ironing out difficulties, talking with parents, directing all activities, and overseeing all school records left Mr. liarmer only a few spare moments. Always calm and collected, Mr. Farmer graciously answered students! questions and offered his help. VVC are certainly grateful to Mr. Farmer who, though burdened with many school responsibil- ities, always came up with a smile. ' Our testing program was under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Crook. The results from the various aptitude and scholarship tests were recorded on permanent records and sent to colleges of the student's choice.