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

Page 27 text:

Woe be CHAR BOOK ADDRESS OF WELCOME by Dora Baldini The world is so much with us today that we frequently neglect the story of the past. Yet the student who sympathetically delves into the annals of history often chances upon an episode that seems rich in human significance and touches the imagi nation. Such an event took place at the close of the tenth century. At this period, throughout Europe there was a universal belief that the dawn of the year 1000 would mark the end of the world. When the fateful hour drew nigh, fear and despair reigned in the hearts of many. People gathered in dark churches, in the squares, and in the country fearfully awaiting the end, for even though their religious faith consoled them, they dreaded to see everything they knew and loved destroyed. Imagine their joy and relief when on the first morning of the year 1000 the sun triumph- antly rose in the heavens with the promise of a new life! Tonight, the night of our graduation, we, too, have reached a millen- ium. For years we have looked forward to our graduation as the triumph of all our hopes. Not unlike the people of the tenth century, who anxiously awaited the dissolution of the world they knew, we, too, regard this mo- mentous change with fear and foreboding. Although we are assured that tomorrow the sun will rise, we know that for us it will shine forth on a different world. On this occasion, it is with special pleasure that we welcome you, our parents, to our graduation. We fully appreciate the sacrifices you have made, and thank you for sharing our cares and responsibilities. We know that you wisely foresaw that this evening would not be the end but the beginning, and that you were preparing us to step forth into a new life. To you, our friends, we extend a hearty greeting. Many of you have stood where we now stand looking forward to an unknown tomorrow. Your presence gives us hope that we, too, shall meet the dawn with fortitude. Teachers, if we confidently face the new day that hes before us, our confidence is due to your kind encouragement and patient efforts which have prepared us for our commencement. Standing here tonight, we like the people centuries ago, who fearfully watched through the darkness, are looking for the last time on a world that is familiar and most dear. It must have been a bitter night for them, filled with heartbreak and uncertainty, but it was not without a ray of comfort. History tells us that terrified by false prophecies, they met in public places to seek strength in companionship. We are happier than they in that we know that a new life awaits us, and we are fortunate, too, for like them we find joy and comfort in the presence of our friends. It is, therefore, with grateful hearts that we welcome you to our graduation. {623¢)

Page 26 text:

M. H. S. YEAR BOOK CLASS OFFICERS PRESIDENT . : F : : : 2 ‘ ALBERT ZAFFINI VickE-PRESIDENT : : ; : , : PAULINE HupDsON ‘TREASURER : : ‘ : : : : RutH BENJAMIN SECRETARY. ; : : : : : k Oma MAarsHALL MeEmsers ATTAINING HIGHEST SCHOLASTIC HONORS Oma MARSHALL Dora BALDINI MOTTO Finished, Yet Beginning COLORS Dark Blue and White FLOWER White Carnation [ 22 }

Page 28 text:

M. H. S. YEAR BOOK CLASS HISTORY. by Jennie Cutillo History has been defined as the story of life as it is lived from day to day by some group of people. It is made up of the ambitions, experiences, comedies, and tragedies of human beings. From time immemorial man has desired to preserve the account of his struggles and achievements in perma- nent form. Moved by this common urge, the Class of 1939 of Mansfield High School appointed me to compile its history. Tonight I have the pleasure of presenting the facts which I have gathered. In September, 1936, a timid band of one hundred and three boys and girls entered the portals of Mansfield High School for the first time. How abashed we felt! Seniors to the right of us! Juniors to the left of us! But we were determined that we would make a place for ourselves. In October, under the guidance of our principal, Mr. Mattoon, and our adviser, Mr. Robinson, we proceeded to show the upper classmen how promising we were by electing for our president, the able Norman Vickery; for our vice-president, talented Ruth Benjamin; for our treasurer, witty Regina Bellew; for our secretary, charming Oma Marshall. Later in the fall we impressed our associates still further. In sports, nine capable athletes from our class did their part in upholding the honor of the school: they were Kenneth Chapman, destined to become a Big Leaguer, Francis Gallipeau, Ernest Corbett, John Wills, Chester Moore, Albert Zaffini, James Sullivan, and Tony Pellegrini. The girls, no less than the boys, showed their mettle in basketball by winning every game in the season. All honor to the members of this team: Captain Anna Prohodsky, Regina Bellew, Doris Nordberg, Marjorie Pit- man, Eugenia Blandori, Ursula Monty, and Gertrude Bernier. While some of us were participating in sports, others were busy with the Green Parrot. Marjorie Pitman and Ernest Corbett reported the interesting happenings in the school. Francis Gallipeau entertained us with his wit and humor, while Regina Bellew efficiently handled the finances. During our sophomore year we did not sponsor any important event, but we showed our aptitude for social life by joining the various clubs, and — attending such important functions as the senior class play and the Mardi Gras. In June we were greatly impressed by the commencement activities. We shall never forget how imposing the seniors looked as they received their diplomas at the graduation exercises. At the senior reception we were en- tranced by the realistic atmosphere of the nautical decorations. We were affected most of all, however, by the class day exercises. As we sang “Where, Oh Where, Are the Gay Young Sophomores?” we realized that { 24 ]