Lawrence High School - Lawrencian Yearbook (Cedarhurst, NY)

Page 16 text:

MR. ARTHUR W. COOMBS Superintendent of Schools I CENTURY ago the United States, then only il four score and five years old, entered a horrible civil war. Brought on by greed, violence and stubbornness on both sides, it almost destroyed us. Having recovered, and, without the surrender of personal freedom, having grown into a great nation, we ought to examine our American way of life to discover some of the inherent strengths which made this possible. Lawrence High School seniors in this class of 1961 have distinguished themselves. Many will become leaders with strong influence on the action and thinking of others. I urge that each of you, as young people educated in the public schools, assume the moral obligation to search your minds and souls as you face decisions concerning the welfare of your country. Narrow, divisive selfishness, if it creeps into our thinkings on such matters, will be more destructive than atomic explosions. TW-w (, THE fact that you are about to graduate from high school is sufficient evidence that you and your parents subscribe to the generally held principle that education is a good thing.” You have heard various reasons advanced as to why it is good: that from the economic standpoint, you can’t get anywhere without it”; that it’s a cultural and social asset; that it teaches the obligations of citizenship. Education can and should serve you and society in all of these ways. It is my hope, though, that its benefits will not end there, but will include plus values which will make possible the fulfillment of your personal dreams, your aspirations, and your destiny. MR. HENRY C. BOSCHERT Assistant Superintendent of Schools 12

Page 15 text:

The Natives Were Restless ILTHOUGH the new glass Lawrence High is a far cry from the White House, the Class of 1961 entered with the determination to carve a New Frontier overlooking Potomac Creek. As did ]FK, we insisted upon revolutionary means to accomplish our goals. New surroundings and exuberant Seniors helped transform the once lethargic student body into a new over-active group. A noble Peace Corps composed of our A-l politicians served as mediator between the administration and those fighting the age-old battle for the formation of a Student Council. Our Versailles Treaty (which we hope will be more successful than the last) was undersigned by Mr. Gunther Kuehn, who became faculty advisor of the first League of Students.” The Seniors this year were blessed with an overabundance of spirit which some energetic leaders channeled into a shooting club” called B.S.A. (Boo-Sters Association). Their screams, posters, dances, and sweatshirts pushed the football team onto VICTORY, VICTORY. VICTORY, LAWRENCE HIGH! For those of us who were not satisfied with a six hour school day, the faculty generously provided both a Sunrise Semester and a Twilight Zone. The former was led by Mr. Gabriel Uhlar, the latter by Mr. Stanton Umans (assisted by Mr. Oed. Hamlet). This was in addition to Saturday pilgrimages by the Uprooted to the Hewlett Library. We learned the symbolism behind Macbeth, Congressional Digests, Walter Lippman, and patriotically colored index cards. To complete our course in culture, Sunday afternoons were spent with the Phoenix Theater Acting Company viewing such classics as We Fly to Conquer and Plowing Through the Stars.” However, lest you think we are all eggheads, let us remind you that basketball games were on our list of activities as well. Mr. Uhlar saw to that. He not only printed the tickets and gave out infallible directions to all away games, but also his sideline coaching was second to none (including the referees). How do you think we won the championship? Gary Ritchie Andsal Freddy Tommy. The rest of the year flew by amidst such momentous events: Senior Boards — proctored by Mr. and Mrs. Young, Senior Day — proving Senior boys do own ties, Senior Skit — the less said the better, Senior Picnic — hail to T.R., Senior Prom — tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow — GRADUATION DAY — which had the singularity of possessing an air of excitement and expectation. We might, at any moment, find ourselves leaving our beloved Lawrence High by canoe, floating down the creek to some far-distant land once studied in history.

Page 17 text:

MR. JAMES H. SIMMONDS Principal I AM pleased to extend greetings and congratulations to this Lawrence High School graduating class of 1961. I hope that the four years you spent in Lawrence have been fruitful ones for you. I trust that you have learned not only about your aptitudes but also about your shortcomings, and that any endeavor must be performed according to established rules. I wish all of you happiness and success in the years ahead. (CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 1961—the first class to be J graduated from our beautiful new building. Our new building is wonderful and exciting to explore. Each turn into aonther hall opens new and interesting sights that provide desirable facilities far beyond one's expectations. Likewise, in life you are now on the threshold of starting to explore the paths of opportunity for the fulfillment of your dreams and plans. May each of you continue to experience the newness and wonderment of opportunity and be especially successful in utilizing the fundamentally sound concepts and knowledge obtained in school, at home, and in your place of worship. MR. FRANK X. KRIZ Assistant Principal IIY sincere congratulations to the graduating class of 1961. The 111 officers and members of this class have done an outstanding job in leading the student body through its first year in our new high school. 2 MR. WALTER A. KRETZ Assistant Principal