Los Angeles High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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ernment committee was elected by the House of Representatives and con- sisted of one member from each half grade, including post-graduates, besides eight members elected from the school at large. In summer 1912, a Senior Board control was inaugurated which has continued until the present time. Much older than the branch of Self-Government is that of the Star and Crescent Society. Its Wealth of foliage tells of a glorious past and testifies to the fact that it was once the main feature of this great tree. Formed by the class of 1879, the Star and Crescent Society was for many years the only organization of the school, and hence, one of great importance. To be its pres- ident was considered even a greater honor than we now consider to be pres- ident of the Student Body. The society grew both in membership and importance as the first president prophesied in his inaugural address. Shining now with the feeble light of crescent moon, yet Ifull of promise, it shall in time blaze with the full luster and glory of the stars. At first all except ninth graders were members, and the chief purpose of the society was to give students instruction in debating and essay writing. Later, however, the lower tenth graders were excluded and the purpose of the society became to entertain rather than instruct. At pres- ent, the society holds but one meeting a term and membership comprises the eleventh and twelfth grades. At this meeting, the old custom of presenting each graudate with a Star and Crescent pin is enacted. Ever seeking to give their strength and energy to the support of the great tree of L. Afs traditions, are its faithful alumni represented in the Alumni Association. In this association are some of the leading business and profes- sional men and women in the city. Yet, they never seem too busy or too oc- cupied with their own affairs, to stand by or protect their alma mater whenever occasion calls for it. One of L. A.'s most cherished traditions is the tower. How many adven- turous youths, in times past, have sought to explore its mysterious heights! How many tales have been woven about it! Then there was the old clock in the tower on the hill. L. A. has scarcely ever been without a publication of some kind in which to record the life of the school. The first paper to be published was the Star and Crescent which appeared in 1881. It was discontinued after several years, having accumulated a considerable debt. The next paper to appear was known as the Idea, and was first published about 1891. It served as the official organ of the Star and Crescent Society. Another paper, devoted to the interests of the Lyceum League in Southern California and L. A. High School which was known as the Lyceum, appeared in 1895. The present Blue and White Weekly fnow Dailyl was started in 1912. The traditional semi- annual or record of the class made its bow in 1897 and has appeared twice each year, without exception. ever since. Another important branch of the tree of traditions which may not be slighted is that of commencement. Commencement, today, is very different from what it used to be. Every member of the class had to contribute something to please his relatives. Orations, musical selections, and some- times debates were given. The large crowd which always gathered to witness the gala event, necessitated its being held in a downtown hall. The class play has always been an important tradition and it used to be considered the greatest event of the term. At the very beginning of the semester, the search for a play was begun. The parts were much sought af- ter, and it was a great honor to receive one. The productions were staged on a lavish scale under the supervision of a professional coach. Such is L. A.'s tree of traditions. Each year has seen something added to 'itg something making the tree just a little higher and just and little broader. It is now large and stately, but it has not stopped growing. It will ever continue getting more beautiful and -more rich with treasures as the years pass. May those who will in the future control .its destiny, do so with the same care and faithfulness of those who have watched over it these many years and may it prosper and grow ever greater under their care. Freeman Ambrose 27

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