Lexington High School - Lexington Yearbook (Lexington, MA)

Page 16 text:

“No, don’t say ‘ah,’ say ‘u.’ Purse the lips—keep your tongue down. Now try it again.” We lack a language lab, but Miss Brega, the new head of the Language Department, and her staff, try hard to teach us the fundamental phonetics of French, Spanish, Latin, and German, and give us a touch of European literature as well. Miss Adams and Mr. Hennessey have threatened us with dire warnings and flattered us with honeyed language to make us learn. Miss Allen proves daily that Latin is not a dead language, and although her students do not unanimously share her firm belief that a good working knowledge of Latin is a necessity for college and life, they . 7 devotedly continue to translate the classics. In exchange for a lot of hard work drilling on the fundamentals of phonetics and grammar, our dedicated French teachers Miss Piermarini and Mrs. Orenstein share with us the delights of French culture: its literature and arts. learning

Page 15 text:

advancing the arts i Mr. Mann and Miss Sielian, through their work with Art Club and their art classes, have brought many new talents to light and polished up some older ones. Their young ‘prodigies have brightened up the school under their direction and aided with school productions as well. Absolute quiet is required in the library at all times, and our librarians, Mrs. Gavin, and Miss Richmond, threaten horrid punishment to those who don’t keep it. But, if anyone needs help, then they forget their threats and agree to do almost anything to find information, no matter what type of assignment we bring in. Our music staff includes Mr. White who conducts our band and also makes rounds to the elementary schools to give lessons in various instruments. Mr. Vasil, who has replaced Mrs. Sandberger this year, has by sheer physical labor inspired the chorus to great heights. Mr. Gillespie has brought out our musical best. Mr. Eleftherakis has pulled our orchestra up by its violin strings, straining every gut.

Page 17 text:

Sr. Barrera, recently arrived from Madrid and Venezuela, has been a great addition to the Spanish department. Striving to prove that, contrary to student opinion, Spanish is not a snap course, he has also proven it to be worth the effort. Mr. Noyes has been patiently listening to our fractured French for two years and continues to try to help in any way he can, even when there is no hope for us or the tongue we “speak.” Two fine teachers were lost to the Language Department during this year: Miss Leppanen temporarily, due to an arm fracture, and Mrs. Leake, who retired early this winter after three decades of service to Lexington. The learning process will go on, of course, but we will miss her. Miss Silverman and Mi Denalivan came to us this year as well-qualified additions to the French teaching staff. Mr. Denanyan has stepped into Mrs. Leake’s place and filled it as well as anyone could. the lingo 11