Lane Tech College Prep High School - Arrowhead Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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A Glance at Our Past Probably to a stranger, the flooding motion of Lane Indians surging from the doorways into the halls would be startling; but to us graduates, that five minute passing period symbolizes the live energetic spirit typical of Lane. To a real extent this presents Lane as more than just an immence structure of brick walls, ceiling and windows but as having an undying spirit weaving us together: a “School of Champions.” A synthesis of a typical Lane graduate can be obtained by drawing bits of character from each of the thousands of students. Almost visibly hovering above the currents of fellows passing to classes a brotherly feeling will be seen in the way one pushes another. Many friendly conver¬ sations indicate the inherent spirit of good fellowship. From an average classoom or shop are ex¬ tracted the traits of ambition and initiative for our 1945 graduate. Observation will discover the splendid cooperation among the fellows on teams and in clubs which is so essential in making the world-peace of tomorrow successful. Turning back the hands of time four years reveals us as freshies lost in a labyrinth of co ri- dors yet fascinated by this giant edifice of learning to be regarded as home for the succeeding vears of accomplishment in high school. At that time our concept of graduation was far distant in the future. Now we realize with regret how short this high school career has been. The first year acquainted us with the somewhat amazing new atmosphere, and developed a clearer understand¬ ing of high school in general. Soon came the realization that we were truly a part of this “School of Champions” and our chests swelled with pride. The first year sped rapidly and was climaxed by our feeling of self-importance when requested to choose either World History or Biology for the second year program. Becoming sophomores made no radical change in our lives. We continued adding to the list of new friendships begun in the first year. Our heads were full of nonsense. We had discovered what a barrel of fun high school could be. How gleefully we became part of the dail} hunger throng hurrying to its destination in our capacious lunchroom! The activities of clubs after school also attracted our insatiable desire for fun. As all good things come to an end this year of gaiety was no exception for it ended half our hi gh school Ufe. Acknowledging the sucessful venture of two years in high school we anxiously stepped into the ranks of upperclassmen as Juniors. This step inflicted a pronounced change upon our general scope of life. It dawned upon us that the time for graduation wasn’t as far off as we had thought. Now negligence in our education would prove disastrous in the future unless we buckled down to work. Our preparation must be superb to insure our place among the gallant warriors of our angered Nation now engaged in a stupendous conflict. Occasional visits by Lane alumni who were veterans of battles in the far reaches of the world made us eager to get into the fight. The job at hand for us, however, was to choose a course applicable to our ambitions. This was not an easy task for some since the selection of courses consisted of General Tech., Engineering Tech., College Prep, and Smith-Hughes. As we focused our mental energies upon .Mr Corps, Navy Air Corps, the V5 and V12 programs. .Ml of these opportunities were open to us. them. We were told of coming examinations for specialized training in hte service; the Army Our teachers graciously helped us prepare fo these tests. This third year made us begin to realize how close we were to becoming men. At last we were elevated to the rank of Seniors. The closer graduation came the more we wondered if what the alumni had told us was true. “You boys will miss Lane once you’re out,” they would say. After trying to visualize ourselves out of Lane we decided it was true. There would be something missing. The class of January 1945 wishes to thank the teachers in two ways. First in words, sec¬ ondly by proving that their conscientious efforts made to transform us to intelligent men have not been in vain. To our parents belongs our most sincere gratitude. We can never hope to repay all they have done for us. As the climax of our education at Lane approaches the thought of leaving causes us to hesitate and want to live over the many unforgettable enjoyments of tbe past four years which shall never be erased from our memories. Now a glance at Lane reveals that once frightening structure as mellowed and kind—a dear refuge against a forbidding world. H.xrold J. Schwennesen

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HAROLD J. SCHWENNESEN President Generously the cigars flovvcd from the coat pocket of a proud father upon the arrival of his brand new baby boy May 31, 1027. This chunky little newcomer was named Harold Joseph Schwennesen. Passing through infancy, childhood and early youth with many adventures and few mishaps he was ready to begin the four years strug¬ gle in high school. After graduating from the John C Coonley elementary school in February, 1941, “Swanny,” as he was nick named, entered Amundsen High School due to a precedent set by his older brother. Because of a growing interest along the lines of science and technical work, however, he transferred to Lane in his sophomore year. The overwhelming size of Lane made an indelible impression on him. The many opportunities, both scholastic and social, immediately stimulated his ambition. Swanny’s enthusiasm was aroused at the sight of the Gymnastics Team in pratice. He tried out for the team and was overjoyed at winning his letter three semesters later. Although Harold has worked after school during most of six semesters he has enjoyed membership in several clubs: Ushers, History, Model Airplane, and Dance Clubs. Harold’s scholastic attainments resulted in freshman, sophomore, and junior scholarship awards. He was duly elected a member of the National Honor Society. Since science is his great concern his ambitions are concentrated in this field. If destiny makes it possible Harold hopes to study medicine.

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Merle ary mar Merle then. “School as he was MERLE H. RICHMOND Vice-President of Class led, was born on Febru- Newton Bateman Gram- d in January of 1941. mbition of atteivfijig the entful One day the Lane Tech Daily stat that the Crew was in need of members. Merle decided to try out, and to his satisfaction made the team, earning his first letter in 2B. In 2A he played as a regu¬ lar in the Frosh-Soph football team. Merle played as a regular on the varsity team earning a letter for each of his two semesters. Intramural sports took up some of his time when he wasn’t en¬ gaged in football. Merle is a member of the German Club and in 4B was elected president of that organization. He hoped to go to college, but it will probably be at a future date for Merle is plan¬ ning on entering one of the branches of the service. LOUIS F. BONESS Secretary of tli lass Louie was born in Oak Park, IllinoW’ pLMay 9, 1927 arrival in Chicago he was enrolled in trie Knickerbock School where he recieved his elementary education graduation in January, 1941, he entered Lane. During his four years at Lane he was active in t intramural sports, and among other activities was a the Student Council and a Student Librarian. In his 3 he became a member of the Senior basketball team realized his athletic ambition. Louie has received four scholar¬ ship awards and is a member of the Honor Society. After graduation he plans to futher his education at Wright Jr. College until he is called into the armed forces. emPer of semester d thereby BERWYN ANDERSON Treasurer of the Class It was on the fifth day of the year, 1927, that “Andy,” accom¬ panied by his twin brother, was born. He attended the Onahan Elementary School and upon graduation, in 1941, entered Taft High School in Norwood Park. From there, as a saphomore, he transferred to Lane, a choice he has never regretted. In prepar¬ ation for a college engineering course he chose the general tech course, for its math and shops. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has four scholarship awards to show for his scholastic abilities. Upon graduation he expects to enter one of the armed forces.