Manchester High School - Somanhis Yearbook (Manchester, CT)

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SOMANTHITS EV ENTS 9 Whatever our future plans may be, let us decide upon a worthwhile car- eer; let us know what we want to do—and want it enough to go out and do it. Let us aim high, keep our ideals ever before us, and give to the world the best that is in us. Julius Janssen ’23. STEPPING STONES How many realize that life for each and everyone holds an immense va- riety of stepping stones? It is your privilege to choose the course that you wish to follow, to advance honestly, ably and uprightly along this line. The class of ’23 is about to proceed farther out in the world, each member selecting the stepping stone which appeals to his interests most strongly. Are these stones safe? No, many of them are slippery and unsteady, and you will be unable to stand on them unless you have something which will insure a firm footing. This necessary foundation is education which will be your staff all through life. You are never too old to gain knowledge which you must have in order to get along in the world. It is up to you, undergraduates, to do your best in school work and school activities that you may acquire the ability to step safely on these stones of life. Conquer your difficulties which are but pointers that direct you toward the shining light, success. Do not hesitate when the path seems rough; plunge ahead, and, as you go, never fail to watch your step, for, if you slip beside the way, you can never win the race. Miriam Welles ‘23. THE MEANING OF THE VALEDICTORY The Valedictory is the closing address pronounced by the highest pupil of a college or high school. It is the leave taking, the farewell of the gradu- ating class to the college or high school. As the closing words of the Valedictory ring out, it means the launching of the graduate into a college or business life. The Valedictory finishes the connection between a high school life and a college, or biisiness life. To the parents of the members of the graduating class, the Valedictory means the beginning of a new era in the graduate’s life. The parents of course take pride in the achievements of their boys and girls. At this time there also comes a public recognition of the sacrifices of the parents. Every individual of course knows of the sacrifices his parents have made to keep him in high school. To the graduating class the Valedictory means that it meets for a last time as a unit. Many years from then its members will doubtless be scat- tered through this state and nation. Each member of the class of '23 sincerely hopes that the Valedictory will have delivered him into a field of success,—success not only in affairs of mon- ey, but also in affairs of town, city, state and nation. In summing up, it may be stated that the Valedictory delivers us into the field of life that we may make the world better because we have lived in it. Sherwood Bissell ’23

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8 SOMANHIS EVENTS them; but let us all, as members of '23, face the goal of our ambition with a resolve to go through with it, and to do our pest. Let us strive to make good, to gain the objective for which we are working, and to be a credit to S. M. H. S. Just as we have gone about our tasks in school, so must we in business, hut with greater initiative, always remembering that perseverance and ability will win the game. What is life but a great game in which all must take part, some making an excellent showing, while others, not strong enough to stand, fall and are passed by? That which enables us to stand is brought out in our motto: “Knowledge itself is power.” Earl Saunders, ’23. TREASURE DIGGING What are we, the senior class of 1923, going to do after we graduate from this old school? Are we going to stand still and let the world roll on without our doing anything, or are we going to dig in and make our lives worth while? During our High School course we have met many obstacles and con- quered them. We have at last reached the point for which we have been striving—a High School diploma. But we must not stop here; we must go on, and let this be but our starting place. S. M. H. S. has given us a splendid start, but we cannot afford to sit back on our laurels and expect to win. We must get out for ourselves now; we must show the world that we have not wasted our time during these last four years, but have proceeded onward and upward toward that great goal, success. It now rests with us whether we rise or fall, whether we make a success or a failure. Fellows, let’s do something; let’s dig in and get our treasure before it is too late. He who sits back and waits is lost, for time and tide wait for no man. William Sidney Harrison ‘23. GRADUATION—THEN WHAT? After working four years in S. M. H.S., the event which we have eagerly looked forward to has arrived—Graduation. Now the question looms up be- fore us,— What are we going to do after graduation? Most of us began our High School career without any real definite aim, without any thought of the future. How many are leaving High School with the same spirit, without aim or ideal ? In order to achieve success we must have our ideals. A man’s ideal does more to determine his success or failure than any other element in his char- acter. It is important to distinguish between merely wishing for success and the strong holding to a firm purpose. Merely wishing does not bring Suc- cess; it only serves to spur us on toward our goal. Success does not come to us, we must go out and get it.

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i0 SOMANHIS EVENTS EARL HOUGHTON SAUNDERS MINNIE OLSON, “MIN” Senior Class President; Edito.-in- Vice President of Senior Class; A. Chief Somanhis Events 1922-23; Ex- A.; Student Council 1922-23; Class change Editor Somanhis Events 1921- Day Gift Committee. 22; Varsity Basketball 1921-23; Ten- nis Team 1922-23; Student Council 1921-23; Chairman of Class Day and Senior Dance; Hi-Y; A. A.; Delivered Ivy Oration Class Day. CLASS MOTTO: “KNOWLEDGE ITSELF IS POWER” CLASS POEM TO 1923 In the four short years that have passed away Like butterflies on fleeting wing We've found much pleasure in work and play — Real joy which in our hearts will sing. Twill be refreshing as fragrant flowers In the many long years to come, To live again these pleasant hours So filled with freedom, friends, and fun. Now as we start on life’s rough journey With courageous smile and knowledge for our tool, Let us prove our worth, and loyal be To our classmates, our friends, our school. Let us bear in mind our motto too, That “knowledge itself is power,” And gain more wisdom by all we do, That great achievements may be ours. But always safe within our memory As a thought both good and pure, Will the love of the class of twenty-three For dear S. M. H. S. endure. Miriam Welles ’23.