Madison High School - Trojan / Madisonian Yearbook (Madison, IL)

Page 7 text:

“SEARCHLIGHT” spreading its intense light-rays over vast areas of earth or sea is of wonderful value. It is a most powerful weapon for good. No darkness is thick enough to withstand its attack. It points out the path of safety, prevents the loss of property, makes possible the saving of life, strikes terror to the heart of the guilty. These remarks as to the physical searchlight will read- ily give you a clue to our choice of a name. Our annual throws a powerful light on many things, scatters the dark- ness of ignorance, shows the path of safety running up the hill of education, and makes evident the necessity for much work if the summit is to be approached. Furthermore, “Searchlight” embodies the ideals of the class of '20, which believes in turning the light of day on every transaction to the end that dishonesty, trickery, hypocrisy and bluff may be exposed—that the oppressed may escape the oppressor before being entwined in his ever- encircling snare. The class of '20 is proud of its friends—proud that the searchlight may be turned upon them without fear of expos- ing anything wrong or unclean. Some prefer darkness to light because of their unwillingness to have their deeds ex- posed ; but not so our friends, upon whom we turn our “Searchlight” with pleasure, and we hope, with profit.

Page 9 text:

THE SEARCHLIGHT y THE MADISON HIGH SCHOOL E majority of the citizens of Madison are perhaps aware of the fact that the Madison High School had a very poor beginning. In fact, in the year of 1900, the pupils were obliged to attend a one-room school. Later, the Harris Public School building was erected and both grade and high school classes attended it. In 1905 there was only one graduate, namely, Edith Griffith, now Mrs. J. Macklewain. The high school classes continued to be held in the Harris Building until 1912, and the building then having become con- gested, plans were made for a new high school. Our present high school, which is a modern building with every convenience, was built in 1914, and the pupils who first entered this school were thankful for the new opportunities opened to them. Though handicapped by the fact that the building was not quite finished at the time the classes entered, the pupils soon felt at home in their new sur- roundings. Soon after its erection, our school was dedicated. Mr. Baer took charge of the dedication which was held in connection with a program by the different schools. In January, 1915, we lost our most beloved superintendent, Mr. Baer. Everyone mourned his untimely death. His place was filled by Mr. Jackson. Although Mr. Jackson did not stay with us very long, we shall always remember his memorable work done for the benefit of the M. H. S. Mr. Stice was our next superintendent. We were under his super- vision for two cr three years, and we are very thankful for the advice and help given to this class by him while he was our advisor. Mr. Stice left us in December, 1919, to accept a position in Chicago. Our present superintendent is Mr. Ellwood, formerly professor in mathematics at Shurtleff College, Alton, Illinois. Mr. Ellwood assumed his duties as superintendent during February last, and we hope the classes of coming years may not have need of adding to our list of superintendents. Our high school seems to be at a higher standard this year than ever before. We have several societies, a basketball team, prospects of a baseball team; publish an annual and take part in all of the activities participated in by other schools. The number of subjects taught is large and at least one more subject will be added to the course next year. May the good work of the M. H. S. continue in the future. Five A man of pleasure is a man of pains.—Bernard Anderson