La Porte High School - El Pe Yearbook (La Porte, IN)

Page 17 text:

Dr. G. O. Larson, Elwood Hahn. Ben C. Rees, and W. R. Godwin comprise the Board of Education. The work and authority of this group extends over all the city schools. Due to their fine leadership and direction, La Porte has one of the finest school systems in the state. Mr. Godwin, in the few years he has been here, has won the respect and loyalty of all the students. He well deserves it. Working conscientiously, and always with the student's benefit in mind the school has become an institution of cooperation so essential to our dem- ocracy. Under Mr. Godwin's leadership we shall go forward. Mr. French has the tremendous responsibility of making our school run smoothly and efficiently with the least possible confusion. To do this he has had to employ understand- ing. kindness, patience and a maximum of executive ability. We herewith pay tribute to him as a man and an excellent principal. Dr. Hauptman, director of secondary education, and psychologist, adjusts pupil-teacher relationships, lectures, and is a wise advisor to anyone who seeks his help. His presence at conferences has brought to La Porte High School many new and valuable ideas for a better school organization. Working in close coordination with Mr. Godwin and Mr. French, he is one of the school's most outstanding leaders. The office force with Mrs. Leona Collins, Mrs. Jean Hilgendorf, Mrs. Frances Burden. Mrs. Genevieve Serwatka and Mrs. Sadie A. Barnes as members, take care of all the routine business. To best describe the part they play in L. P. H. S. life is practically impossible but in a few words they are our friends.

Page 16 text:

W. R. Godwin, Superintendent Board of Education: El wood O. Haun, Ben C. Rees, Dr. G. O. Larson. John M. French, Principal. Leo M. Hauptman, Psychologist 12 Office Force: Mrs. Leona Collins, Mrs. Jean Hil- gendorf, Mrs. Frances Burden, Mrs. Gene- vieve Serwatka, and Mrs. Sadie A. Barnes.

Page 18 text:

 This year an entirely different aspect has been taken on by the students toward their friends, the teachers. Through four seemingly short years in La Port© High School, we have gained much. Students realize that definite credit is due where it has been deserved for years although never fully paid. Above all other things that the teachers have done they have tried to instill in our mind definite courses in mathematics, science, social studies or other subjects which will prove of worth to us during later years. Sometimes we wonder if our so-called blue Monday” isn’t iust a horrible nightmare to them. Students mope through an hour of every class with that What are you talking about?” look on their faces. In spite of all handicaps the teachers come through with flying colors; and as a result of their untiring efforts to try to impress some small bit of knowledge into the cranium's gray matter, we are able to leave high school and make a bigger and better place in the world. They answer every beck and call sent forth from the mystified faces, and in their casual way of encouragement, they have spurred us on to higher goals. All a teacher is paid to do is to teach, but he does more than that. Our counsellors have offered their services by advising us upon a definite course that in their opinions would be best for us. These we respect and usually follow. They have acted as sponsors for our clubs; and while we shirked the big responsibilities, they shouldered them without a word of complaint. They also have stood guard at every door, extending greetings no mat- ter how much they disliked being there, when they could have been enjoying a good play or game. They have directed our plays and coached us so that we might enter into com- petitive contests with other schools. All of these extra-curricular activities plus teaching contribute more knowledge to the student, more experience in handling our responsibilities, and development of our characters. They have tried to make us accurate and careful, tact- ful and courteous, patriotic and loyal. All of these, which every student really desires, con- stitute the traits that every employer and intelligent person looks for in another individual. These members of the faculty must all possess these traits before they may ever try to pass them on to us. These, ingrained in their hearts make them outstanding above all other groups of professionals. Each and every student has a warm spot in his heart for the fac- ulty members although he continually keeps it locked in the deepest recess of his heart. Very seldom does he let these thoughts pass from his lips even though they are there when he stops to think of all good things done for him by this unselfish group of men and women. No matter how hard someone may try to erase it. the faculty of every generation leaves an indelible mark of faith, hope, education, and understanding upon the lives of their students. 14