Lane High School - Chain Yearbook (Charlottesville, VA)

Page 13 text:

CITY SCHOOL BOARD Mr. A. G. A. Balz, Chairman Mr. Ranpolph IT. Perry, Vice-Chairman Dr. James G. Johnson, Clerk Mrs. Mason S. Byrd Mr. W. T. Dettor Mr. Hope W. Gleason Mr. John F. Harlan Mr. B. Lee Hawkins Dr. A. L. Hench Mr. Harry H. Robinson Mr. W. H. Snyder Dr. George T. Starnes Mr. Homan W. Walsh Mr. Sulfrldge In planning the revised program for Lane High School in 1940, the administration added sev- eral new subjects to the curriculum. One of these was music. Our first band was organized in September 1940 under the direction of Mr. H. Gaylen Strunce. The bulk of the funds needed to purchase basic instruments was furnished by the Lions Club of Charlottesville, whose loyalty and unfailing support from the beginning have meant much to the success of the undertaking. In 1941, Mr. Strunce entered the armed forces and Mr. Sharon B. IToose was secured as direc- tor. Most fortunate in its leadership and support, the band has developed steadily in both mem- bership and quality until today it is recognized as one of the leading organizations in the State. Under the direction first of Mrs. Catherine Richard Martin and later of Mrs. Mae Evelyn Blume, choral music at Lane High School has become well established. Not only has participation in assembly singing been stimulated but classes in music appreciation and special groups eligible for advanced training have been organized. The Choir made up of boys and girls selected for their interest and talent in music is making a distinct contribution to the musical life of the school and the community. It is difficult to estimate the true value of music in the school. Music expresses that which cannot be said in words. It furnishes a medium of artistic expression ranging from the simplest folk song to the most complicated orchestral or operatic composition. It is truly a universal language, uniting, harmonizing and inspiring. In the absence of music, religion would lose much of its fervor and beauty ; patriotism, much of its zeal and inspiration. Therefore, the decision of The Chain to emphasize music as its theme for 1945 is most timely and appropriate. 9 Principal

Page 12 text:

DR. JAMES G. JOHNSON IN APPRECIATION Du. Johnson Dr. Johnson’s years of devoted service have been characterized by a zeal and loyalty to duty that have developed an excellent academic and citizenship program for the youth of this com- munity. A profound scholar himself, he has always known that there is no easy road to learning. By giving the pupils of Charlottesville full opportunity to become acquainted with the rich cultural storehouse of the past, he has helped them to be prepared to take their places in the world of today. His judicious, inspiring and courageous leadership has enabled him to secure and to re- tain principals and teachers of outstanding ability to help develop and operate a public school system superior to that usually found in cities the size of Charlottesville. His terms in office have been characterized by his untiring attention to details that have re- sulted in an efficient administration of the public schools. A former mayor of this city once pub- licly expressed the generally known fact that Dr. Johnson annually saved Charlottesville many times his salary. No task has been too small to warrant his undivided attention; no worthwhile goal has been too distant nor too beset with difficulties to lack the last full measure of his skill and faith. “Know the truth and the truth shall set you free” has been an important principle of Dr. Johnson’s administration ; hence, research either by himself or by those under his direction has been an integral part of each year’s work. An example of his resourcefulness in directing re- search occurred several years ago when, because of an epidemic of poliomyelitis, the schools were closed for a month. Dr. Johnson kept all the teachers busily engaged in examining the entire curriculum and in rewriting those parts which would further improve instruction or better co- ordinate the various years of school work. Thirty-six years of loving, devoted service have left an ineradicable impression upon the city of Charlottesville. Five thoroughly modern, well-equipped buildings that will serve the community for many years to come form his physical monument. In the lives of the men and women in whose destiny his leadership has played so great a part he has provided himself with a lasting memorial. 8

Page 14 text:

FACULTY 1. Commercial Miss Blanks, Mrs. Gall, Mrs. McCue 2. English Sitting : Mr. Johnson, Miss Martin, Miss Hardy, Miss Rinker Standing: Miss Jones, Miss Horwitz, Mr. Blunie Administration Sitting : Miss Decker, Miss Bolen Standing : Mr. Sulfridge, Miss Brown, Miss Vest 4. Music Mrs. Blume, Mr. Hoose 5. Vocational M iss Weaver, Mr. Sauder, Mrs. Barrow 6. Science Mr. Reitz, Mr. Nickels, Miss Duke, Miss Clay 7. Workrooms Mrs. Michie, Mrs. Woodson 10 8. Mathematics Standing: Miss Elam, Mr. Walker, Miss Berrey, Miss Schuder, Mr. Dameron 9. Athletics Mr. Bodnarik, Miss Hale 10. History Dr. Swindler, Miss Butt, Mr. Speidel 11. Language Mrs. Scarpetta, Miss Thornhill