Mansfield High School - Hornet / Green Years Yearbook (Mansfield, MA)

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M. H. $8. YEAR BOOK CLASS HISTORY by Irene Perkins In ancient times history was based more on fiction than on fact. Such great writings as Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historie of the Kings of Britaine are strange mixtures of historical fact and legendary lore. Tales of King Arthur’s fabulous Round Table are placed side by side with the actual deeds of Alfred the Great. Many years later, historians gradually became more conscientious in their pursuit of truth. Before great authors like Gibbon and Carlyle began writing, they spent hours in dim, musty libraries searching the archives, so that no detail might escape their notice. Today, no serious scholar would think of writing a history based on legend or tradition. Most historians now believe in revealing cold, hard facts, however pleasant or distasteful they may be. Although not a great historian, I, too, shall endeavor to be accurate. For this reason, I have spent hours poring over my scrapbook, which con- tains records, pictures, and memories of my high school years. On the first page of the book are the hopes and dreams of the class that timidly gathered at the high school one morning in September, 1935, for the beginning of their sophomore year. They knew little of the glorious future that was ahead of them, and were living only in the bewildering present. It was not long, however, before they adjusted themselves to the routine in the Mansfield High School. Late in September, according to my then brand-new scrapbook, the class took the first step on its march to glory. Under the guidance of Principal Ever ett Green, class elections were held. The choice was Fred Vallett, president; James Shaw, vice-president ; Jenevieve Willard, secretary; and Rose Certuse, treasurer. I recall that as sophomores my classmates were happy and busy, but that their tasks were confined mostly to the classroom and did not extend to the social whirl. According to this clipping, however, some of the boys found time for athletics. ‘Among the sophomores responding to Coach Carnie’s call for football candidates were Don Currivan, Fred Vallett, Fred Tucker, and John Lane.” How wisely the reporter visualized the future when he added, “Great things are expected of these boys who saw practice on the junior high team last year.” It is interesting to note that in the next two years this prophecy was carried out, and that these boys contributed much to the athletic fame of the school. A few other members also attempted work outside of the classroom by securing positions on the staff of the Green Parrot. These members, ac-— [25°]

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M. H. S. YEAR BOOK ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Angelina Garofano In The Divine Comedy the Roman poet Vergil, Dante’s teacher and guide, bids farewell to his illustrious pupil with these words: “By intellect and art I here have brought thee, Take thy own pleasure henceforth for thy guide.” Tonight, as we face the future, we, too, have come to a parting of the ways. We, like Dante, have reached a milestone, our graduation. “Thus far we have been guided by you, our parents and friends. Henceforth, we must go our way alone. How successful we are in our journey through life will depend upon how well we have heeded your advice, risen to your standards, and profited by your experience. In gratitude we welcome you, our parents. With you have rested the cares and responsibilities of our maintenance in school. ‘The sacrifice this has entailed we fully appreciate, and we are happy that we can afford you the satisfaction which we know is yours tonight. Friends, to you we offer our sincere thanks for the unselfish devotion which you have bestowed upon us through out our school years. You have exulted with us in our triumphs; you have sympathized with us in our disappointments. We are happy that you are with us on this night which marks the fulfilment of our desires. To our teachers we extend a hearty greeting. By your zealous instruc- tion we have been prepared to step forth into the world which lies before us. You have shared with us not only your knowledge but also your enthusiasms and ideals, a precious heritage to take with us on our way. Tonight we pause and hesitate before the labyrinth of ways that open up before us. We cannot go bac k to the sheltered road. We must press forward on a new and untried path. As we begin our journey alone, we would say once more to all who have so successfully guided us thus far: “Thank you and welcome to our graduation.” [24 ]

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VES oan Re BOOK cording to my scrapbook, were Emile Jalbert, Jenevieve Willard, Fred Vallett, and Priscilla Wills. ‘The boys in the class did not seem to catch spring fever, for Jim Shaw, Bill Vallett, Charles O’Malley, Arthur Faria, Frank Young, Ezio Benigni, Fred Vallett, and John Lane reported for baseball practice. The climax of the year came when we beheld the following article in the school journal: “At the recent Speaking Contest the Sophomore Class was well represented. “The members taking part in the contest were Emile Jalbert, Elizabeth Branigan, Priscilla Wills, red Vallett, and Ezio Benigni.” We have reason to be proud of this event for Elizabeth Branigan won second prize. The next September I began a fresh page, for we were entering upon our junior year. No longer were we timid; and no longer did we have to endure the superior glances of cold, haughty juniors and seniors. September 18 marked the beginning of real activity. On that date the Mansfield News carried the article “The new principal, Mr. Mattoon, today called a meeting of the Junior Class for the purpose of electing class officers. Fred Vallett was made president; Rose Certuse, vice-president ; Angelina Garofano, secretary; and James Shaw, treasurer.” That year, the football team was undefeated. The juniors on the team were Jim Shaw, George Santucci, Don Currivan, Bill Howe, Ezio Benigni, Fred Vallett, and John Lane. Again referring to my scrapbook, I find that the junior members of the staff of the Green Parrot were Jenevieve Willard, Emile Jalbert, Pris- cilla Wills, and Elizabeth Penrose. As I glance down at my hand, my gaze rests upon my class ring. With a feeling of pleasure, I recall that it was around Christmas that our rings were received. How proud we were! Before many years will have passed, no doubt, some of us will have other class rings, and the girls surely look forward to a romantic future when a glistening solitaire and a plain gold band will adorn their fingers, but we shall always cherish this, our first emblem. In the basketball season, the team was again undefeated and John Lane, Don Currivan, Robert Paulson, and Ezio Benigni brought fame to our class. One of the highlights of the year was described in the following article: “February 8, 1937. Under the direction of Miss Aurilla Shepard and Miss Mildred Jones, the French and Latin clubs of the high school combined te give a Mardi Gras at the Grange Hall. The prize for the prettiest costume among, the girls was given to Louise Morini, who wore a beautiful old-fashioned gown of white and orchid satin, with a huge hoop-skirt. Evelyn Mason, blacked to the ears and dressed in faded blue overalls, was given the prize for the funniest costume. “The handsomest costume among [26 ]