La Salle Academy - Maroon and White Yearbook (Providence, RI)

Page 91 text:

PES 2 OON and WHITE i . N . . . - Senior Svmnkvr HIS year marked a revival of an old Senior institution at l..a Salle-the smoker. Due to a complexity of causes the old reliable get- to a complexity of causes the old reliable get-to- gether and pep revival event, seemed doomed to pass into the realm of precious memories. But there are souls ever watchful over the traditions of Alma Mater and to this group, the abandon- ment of the old custom bordered on the sac- rilegious With the zeal of reformers, they set to work to arouse a little enthusiasm among the leather-lunged Seniors and, due to their efforts, a date was set for the big event. Weeks of hectic preparation, all pointed to the evening of January l6th. A real, live com- mittee had prepared an elaborate programg tickets were disposed of and all things were ready. Accordingly, the Seniors, with a small gather- ing of invited guests, gathered in the school gym- nasium to pay heavy homage to the God of sport. Provided with the accessories that go with the smoker the boys set to work with much zest. Old timers and timid tyros were soon inhaling the smoke of the weeds with a variety of results. Some initial attempts were cut short by vio- lent fits of coughing, while others who had never been seasick, protested to their neighbors that somebody was rocking the gym. In the throes of his affliction one youth was heard to gasp, It's a bad habit, anyway: Mother always told me so. Scattered among us that night were many who had fallen to the seduction of a popular adg they got by, by smoking Murads. But as one black crow to another, Who cares. There were other big things going on. Kasparian's Kroning Kroniesf' led by their in- imitable leader, sent the rest of the program off with a bang. Into the squared arena came the gladiators who furnished the major part of the evening's program. The bouts were fast and furious. Like everything else, we thought the boys were only friendly rivals, but how they tuk and guve. Aiding the leather-pushers was Ken Quirk, whose stentorian voice announced the results. Then there was I-lec Allen, our popular coach, who told the boys when to be nice people. The high spot of the evening was a comedy bout between Tomboy Barrie and Kipper Kearns. It was a wow! With the heavy part of the program dispensed of, we turned to listen to a quartet, consisting of Dolan, Dillon, Connelly and McArdle. It was everything, including a quartet., A report from the kitchen announced that the victuals were ready. When the inner man was well satisfied, we were treated to a few remarks from Brother Paul and John Going, President of the Alumni. Both speakers commended the boys on their efforts, and well they might. May the underclassmen continue our efforts. It was a won- derful night. 87

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,- or 2 . 'fA, sa is c OON and WHITE g QB1:rtpzatra There sal a group of friends, enclianlecl With the delicious melodies. HETHER playing a haunting melody of olden days or the lilting strains of a modern melody, the La Salle orchestra has enchanted its listeners with its perfection of tone. By dint of hard and continued practice the orchestra has attained a standard seldom reached in high school circles. Following the completion of a highly successful season in l927-28, many va- cancies were to be found as a result of graduation. Prospects for equalling former records of La Salle orchestras were not particularly bright. But four former players retained their positions: Donald King, George Brennan, Lawrence Batastini and William Ellis. But the new registration provided ample talent to replace the vacancies, The new material gradually reached its present peak under the tutelage of Brother Jerome and Prof. Joseph Piacitelli. se .y The performances of the La Salle orchestra have taken in a wide scope. In the two big social events of the La Salle calendar, namely, the an- nual dramatic presentation, April 25 and 26, and the commencement exercises, June l4, the line en- tertainment provided by the orchestra evoked words of praise and encouragement from all. Every Friday afternoon the orchestra has fur- nished musical performances for school and class assemblies. However, the work of the La Salle orchestra does not rest solely in school activities. On November 24 the orchestra played at the Immaculate Conception parish. At other parochial entertainments in the city the school orchestra has proudly displayed its wares, with great benefit to themselves and to the school. It is a source of satisfaction and delight to know that most of the members of the orchestra are underclassmen. Graduation will in no wise injure its personnel. Next year they can pursue their course, confident of extended success.

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it 5 E 2 G 4 E f g oorxr ggaxmfraii and WHITE g l 'g1JiZTH luh HE. TYPISTS Club of La Salle is a long- established one, indeed. Looking into its ancient record book we find its pages treasuring the names of many who at present are conspicuous leaders in the business of our city. One look at their records was inspiration enough to the commercial class of '29. They had, indeed, left their footprints upon the sands of La Salle, and we, who followed them, never for an instant strayed from their beaten and hallowed path. Installed in our new Senior quarters, we set to work immediately to achieve the coveted awards, presented by the various typewriting com- panies. It was hard work, requiring much per- sistency and practice. Drills were copied, speed tests made, until our proficiency induced our genial and thorough tutor, Brother Gregory, to give us the tests. Though there were many who were called to take the tests, few came forth triumphant from the initial attempts. Perhaps the most outstanding student is John Theroux, who won the Remington and Underwood silver pins for his proficiency at 88 the keys. Theroux is the speed artist of the club, attaining a speed of fifty-one words a minute for fifteen consecutive minutes. In the competitive tests assigned by the Un- derwood Company the following were successful in securing certificates. George Broderick, Francis Barrie, Joseph Fay, Richard Walsh, Alan Gorham, Francis Neilan, John Theroux. Spurred on by the success of these efforts, the members of the Club soon prepared for the grind sent to us by the Remington people. In these tests, James Tyrell, Thomas lVlcGettrick, George Broderick, Edmund Egan, Edward lVIcGeough, Alan Gorham and John Theroux made the grade, receiving certificates for proficiency. Other tests are to come, but we feel prepared. Into the humming mart of the city's business life we intend to take the thoroughness and application that was characteristic of our course at La Salle. We shall have no fears. T hose before us have succeeded and why can't we do likewise? To the Class of '30 we bequeath our records. May they equal and surpass them.