Lafayette High School - Oracle Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

Page 14 text:

MESSAGE TO THE SENIORS OR more than fifty years the doors of Lafayette High School have swung open to welcome thousands of boys and girls of this community, and just as regularly the doors have opened to permit many thousands of young men and women to leave these hallowed halls to take a prom- inent place in the life of the city. If the portals of our school could but talk- -what a tale of opportunity seized they would tell. There is not a pro- fession--medicine, dentistry, law, teaching, engineering, or the ministry which has not been enriched by the pres- ence of a Lafayette graduate. There is no mercantile es- tablishment, no political party, cultural or philanthropic program in this community which has not felt the presence of a Lafayette alumnus to its own advantage . It is difficult to describe the thrill I felt when I first entered this venerable school and the feeling of awe which came over me as I realized that upon my shoulders had ATE has brought Lafayette students a new and trusted friend in the person of their new princi- pal. Recalling school days, students will imme- diately remember Mr. Axlerod's quiet friendliness . His belief that boys and girls should share the bad as well as the good at Lafayette has increased their sense of responsibility, and his appreciation of their effort has inspired many to work harder. Certainly Mr. Axlerod has made the long hard climb to the door of graduation pleasant and fruit- ful. Mr. Abraham Axlerocl Principal been thrust the responsibilities which had been those of Mr. Arthur Detmers, Captain Mellen, and Mr. Frank Gott. These men faithfully kept open the doors of welcome and opportunity for more than half a century. They and their loyal staff have given to Buffalo and, indeed, to the nation, a contribution so valuable as to be unmeasurable by any standards. I shall strive with what strength and ability God has given me to be worthy of the great trust which has been placed on me to keep open the doors of welcome and opportunity to all the young men and women who want an education and appreciate its importance.

Page 13 text:

AFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL has been the great door, opened to all in their joumey toward knowledge . Teachers have helped con- stantly to unlock lesser doors that will lead to the ultimate goal. When students stumbled - into laziness, teachers inspired them to bear climbing the steps ahead. Through their teach- ers' understanding, leadership and wisdom, students gain the key to open all doors, a diploma. K DIANNE LOS!

Page 15 text:

R. HAYES, our new assistant principal, has contributed greatly to the terrific surge of school spirit now evident in all student activities . Students have found in him a never ending source of new ideas and enthusiasm. He helped to make football games, the Christmas program, the Sweetheart Swing Dance, and the Variety Show memorable occasions. His faith in students and his desire to help them find their place in our school have made him a dear friend of all who know him . Mr. J. Norman Hayes Assistant Principal MESSAGE TO THE SENIORS OU. the Class of 1956, could not have made a happier choice for your yearbook theme than The Open Door.' In all ages, the open door has signified warmth, friendli- ness and mutual trust, and you must always remember that your own courtesy and consideration for others are twin keys that will open every door, however securely locked it may be. Remember, too, that co-operation is civilization at its very finest and that the open door im- plies not only your right to enter but even more so your re- sponsibility to respect the rights of those who live across the threshold. For you, commencement means opening the door into a wonderful land of opportunity in a country dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. This equality is not one of intelligence, physical stature, wealth or ability, but of equal opportunity for all and the equal moral value of all. Remember that success is not your right, but only the opportunity for it. Good luck and God bless you and many thanks for making my own fresh- man year at Lafayette such a pleasant one.