Manasquan High School - Treasure Yearbook (Manasquan, NJ)

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49. EET CLASS assi! WASHINGTON TRIP I MIRIAM sU'rroN At five o'clock on the third day of April we seniors assembled in the audi- torium of the high school eagerly waiting to start on our long-anticipated trip to the nation's capitol. Beside the busses, our parents stood surrounded by suit cases and lunches, waiting for us to say good-bye. When we were at last ready to leave, the hands of the clock pointed to 5:20. The first day of our glorious trip had begun. We arrived in Washington at 11:30. After lunch in Potomac Park we visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where the paper money and stamps of the United States are printed, then we viewed the tropical beauty of the Pan-American'Building, the center of the embassies of all the American republics. Next we became fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the sound waves produced by our own voices at the National Academy of Science. The United States Capitol, the last building on our afternoon tour, proved of particular interest, for we were allowed to see Congress in session. Were some of us, especially Miss Leitch, thrilled by a sight of Vice President Garner? At night the Congressional Library and the Capitol Building were great white palaces: the Lincoln Memorial was an indescribable tribute to a truly great man. The next day the magnificent Washington Cathedral under construction on Mount St. Alban impressed us with its beauty and spacious chapels. The Franciscan Monastery, with its gloomy Catacombs and Purgatory Chapel was an unusual experience for all of us. We greatly enjoyed the beautiful draw- ings displayed at the Freer and Corcoran Galleries of Art. From the top of the Washington Monument, we had an extensive view of the city and could fol- low for many miles the course of the Potomac River. Many of us took photo- graphs from the barred windows. After passing through Georgetown and Alexandria we arrived at Arling- ton National Cemetery, a melancholy sight with its beautiful Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pillared Amphitheater. Mount Vernon with its spacious lawns and lovely gardens reminded us of the Father of our Country and his beloved wife. Before we left Washington, we visited several very interesting buildings, the Old and New Museums, the Aircraft Building, the Smithsonian Institute, and the stately White House with its formal reception rooms and beautiful furnishings. On the way home we stopped at Annapolis and saw a drill of the students. The trip will surely never be forgotten by any of us. Truly its purpose has been fulfilled for the experience has led us to a new under- standing of our responsibilities and has inspired us with a desire to become better citizens in our great democracy. Twenty-two

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cmss me GRADUATION ADDRESS OF WELCOME Written and Delivered by IOHN McCARTHY Tonight, as we meet for the last time in the hall of our Alma Mater, we are the closest together that we shall ever be as the class of '39. Tomorrow comes the parting of the ways and we shall encounter the experience which you, our guests, have had when we go forth into the busy world to take our places and assume our responsibilities. Ordinarily we would meet this occa- sion with happiness and eager curiosity, but tonight we struggle against the bonds of friendship, love, and devotion which have grown during these four years between us, the class of '39, and our faculty and fellow students. We are detained by these forces and we linger to spend this last happy hour together. We extend a warm and cordial welcome to you, our guests and friends, and invite you to partake of our happiness and sorrow. It is fitting and proper as we leave our Alma Mater, that we consider, and appreciate the great benefits and help which she has given us. America as the greatest democratic nation of the world regards with pride one of her greatest ideals, that of individuality. Americans are looked upon as individ- uals each one in himself a potential leader. People in foreign lands are looked upon as a mass of humans subject to dictatorial rule, not rulers of their own minds. Each American has great qualities within him which may be beneficial to himself and to his country. We encourage the development of these quali- ties by giving every one free education in various institutions which include scores of universities, night-schools, public high schools and elementary schools. Our school has bestowed this privilege to the greatest extent in offer- ing every possible opportunity to its students. In times such as these, when several of the foreign countries are being governed by dictators, socialists, communists and other radical groups, our great world democracies are in danger of attack. Many of us believe that in order to protect and preserve our democracy we must be familiar with the way that it functions and we must be made to see its many advantages and benefits. This can only be done through our schools and homes. Our school has done more than its share to teach the principles of self-government. We have the best student government organization of any school in our section. It is modeled closely after our National Government so that our students may become better acquainted with the functions and benefits of our governmental System. Education lies not only in the text-book and class-room but also in the warm human contacts and friendships among our students, in recreational activities and social events, and in a competitive athletic program. Again our school offers these advantages in every possible way. Thus these two things, work and play, apparently so different are really working toward the same goal mainly to develop a well-rounded citizen who will be an inspira- tion and a help to his neighbors. Before you tonight you see a group of young men and women reluctant at parting but eager to assume duties as good citizens in our democracy. Again We, the class of 1939, welcome you and trust that you see for us a bright future and the continuance of a progressing world. Twenty-one

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