Major Edwards High School - Mesa Yearbook (West Boylston, MA)

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- 2 - a test, and the inevitably good papers; the chuckles and sudden reversals of decision when the menu was read;the lingerers at two-thirty who wailed they would never get so much homework done in time — usually in time to ge out that night; the good humor boys and girls who delight- ed, and usually succeeded, in getting a laugh from the teachers; the hikes, and parties, and rehearsals — and now the many friendly letters in my mail box and the in- vitation to join you in your Year Book, Indeed, I find myself glowing like Mr Chips with pride and sentiment and gratitude. Like him, I shall look forward to your letters and visits for years to come No doubt this letter should include advice, a trad- ition which cannot be neglected though the advice often is. During your four years of high school you should have developed y ur common sense and your sense of humor. You win find both equally important in your adult life; they should go hand in hand — or should I say that one should keep the other in hand? Long-time planning is a popular slogan today. If it is applicable to the world in general, it is also applicable to your world in part- icular — to your career,. Look to the future and plan a- head today. Whether you’re joining others in the armed services, in schools and colleges, or in defense occupa- tions, choose wisely and with forethought that the post- war world may find you an able, an essentiar, and a happy member of society. Above ' all, retain your enthusiasm and your idealism in the warring world of today and the postwar world of tomorrow. With these you can face the future with confidence and zest. True, world chaos is not a pretty graduation gift, rather it is a challenge and a tremendous opportunity— a challenge to solve many problems old and new, and to solve them your way; an op- portunity to pioneer in the establishment of a brave, now world, ' the kind of world you wish to live in. You may have to give much, but you have much to give and much to gain. Knowing your spirit, I am sure that you will play a prominent part in building the world of to- morrow and in making it a typical America.n success, G-ood luck. Class of 43, and Godspeedi Sincerely yours

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Washington, D. C. May 14, 1943 Dear Class of ‘43, Since I can’ t be there to grasp your hand and say Congratulations and good luck, this letter must bear my good wishes — and sincere appreciation of the many happy hours we’ve enjoyed at M. E. H. S. It seems but a few days ago that you tumbled into Room 3 for your first class in English II. So these are the Sophomores.” said the new teacher as he put on his spectacles. (The spectacles obviously did not im- press you.) He launched into his what-I-expect-of-you- a.s-a-class speech and an assignment. This time you were impressed. Several were noticiably pale. So these pale ones are the otudcnts the men behind the desk observed,, or the frightened flunkers. Our assignment was The Third Ingredient. Remember? The next morning a huge white, bulbous onion reposed on the desk. Someone had found The Third Ingredient, and 1 had found someone with a sense of humor. I’ve often wondered if you ex- pected a stew on the teacher’s part .Anyii ray , you didn’t expect what you got. ' fou didn’t know the word pun as yet, but you learned quickly. I didn’t expect such en- thusiastic response to impromptu themes on Appealing Onions, but I too learned quickly that here v as a class with spirit, humor, and tremendous enthusiasm. From that day on it via.s smooth sailing — and very enjoyable sailing for me. One of the greatest rewards of teaching is getting others to enjoy what you enjoy — a novel, play, idea, or some challenge to the mind, to the imagination. As the actor requires audience react- ion, so the teacher thrives on class response, whether in wholehearted agreement or violent disagreement. For- tunately, we have known both in our meny spirited dis- cussions, anecdotal digressions, and in my many exper- iments. My one hope is that you learned as much from me as I did from you — and as pleasantly too. There are many things that I shall remember of the class of ' 43: the looks of horror on many faces during

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A IIESSA E FROM THE PRINCIPAL To you, my friends of the class of 1943 of Major Edvjards High School, I give in part- ing ties e brief words of greeting and farewell. Ily first suggestion to you would be this: give your best to your job, v hatever it is. Any work worth doing is worth doing well. If you put your heart into your work, you will put in your best material. Formulate a sound philosophy of living. The road ahead is uncertain and full of dif- ficulties; there will be no secure, rosy fu- ture except as each of you makes it for him- self. It is trite but true that there can be no roses without thorns, no hills without val- leys, no rainbows v ithout rains. Kovj will you meet your difficulties? A poet has put it this way: ’’Did 3 ' -ou tackle the trouble that cane your vray, With a resolute heart and cheerful? Or, did you hide jrour face from the light of day. With a craven soul and fearful? Oh, trouble is a ton, or trouble is an ounce , Or trouble is what you make it. It isn t the fact tha.t you’re hurt that counts — But only, ' How did you take it?’ Finally, remember the words of your motto and bo Always Ready. Bo ready to give your lives, your fortunes, and your sacred honor to the cause that is most dear to you. You are beginning your lives in a period offering great opportunities and limitless challenges. Accept these challenges with resolute hearts fired with the faith that onlj a democracy can give. G-o forth courageously with that faith, and may God go with you.