Masuk High School - Exodus Yearbook (Monroe, CT)

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History of Masuk 5 Masuk addition work started; September 64 completion seen. December '63

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Out of necessity . . . . . . grew the educational system in the expanding Monroe community. During the 1950's Monroe was basically known as a small, country town. Lacking their own high school, students attended Bassik High School in Bridgeport. This program was followed until the late '50's when Bridgeport decided that it would no longer accept any more students from the surrounding communities. Recognizing the needs of the growing town, Mr. and Mrs. Semyon Masuk and their sons, Peter and Paul, donated a 22- acre plot of land to Monroe for the new high school. Mr. Masuk, an immigrant from Russia, donated the land as an ex- pression of thanks for the many bounties which he experienced as a citizen. This land, combined with 10.6 acres purchased from the Bridgeport Hydrolic Company, served as the basis for Masuk High School with projected completion costs under the one and one half million mark. Opening for the first time in September of 1958, this facility had a 568 pupil capacity and included grades seven through eleven. Included in the new building were nineteen regular classrooms, two science labs, one homemaking room, one room for shop classes, cafeteria space, kitchen facilities and administrative offices. With continued population growth and the needs generated by an expanding cur- riculum, Masuk soon needed an addition. Begun in late November of 1963, this ad- dition created classroom space, expanded shop facilities, made room for special education programs and included elec- tronic language labs. By 1974 Masuk was again feeling the squeeze of changing times and population growth. Under evaluation by the New England Association of Secondary Schools and colleges, the evaluation committee cited Masuk's existing facilities as inade- quate. Faced with possible loss of ac- creditation, the town with state aid, once again supported a renovation project and purchased 12 additional acres of land with costs reaching $9,084,000. This project changed forever the life of the Masuk students. Thirty-eight learning stations greatly enhanced all department accomodations. The greatest changes oc- curred in the Media Center and sport's facilities which included the William D. Benedict football field, the indoor swimm- ing pool, the track, and the tennis courts. With the increased mobility of the stu- dent body, the parking lot was expanded to accomodate 450 cars. Although of humble origins, Masuk has grown from a simple building in 1958 to a modern facility matching the educational and social needs of its 1140 students. Already in the five year span since the completion of the second renovation, Masuk's growing curriculum needs have made the existing computer lab seen anti- quated. If past history can be a teacher, we can expect that the next twenty-five years will bring changes that mirror societies growing needs. A The Thanks Are Mine Monroe School Land Donor Seeks To Repay U.S. for Its Kindness. April '58 4 Anniversary

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40000 -20,000 In the beginning ... there was hard work and determination and then ... there was light The Light Up Masuk project's goal was realized on September 28, 1984 as Benedict Field was lit for the first Friday night football game under permanent lights in Masuk's history. It was the materialization of an idea begun by Donald Maloney, Assistant Superintendent of Schools in charge of the high school. The lights added electric excitement to Pan- ther Football and attendance increased by over 100%. This boosted school spirit and added fire to a super Spirit Week, one of the best ever at Masuk. Spurred on by the thunderous cheers of the crowd, the Pan- thers went on to win the Homecoming Game. The power switch would never have been turned on without the enormous fundraising efforts of the Varsity M Club (now the All-Sports Booster Club). With the overwhelming donation of $10,000 from Mr. Chris Bargas, the goal suddenly seemed achievable. This, combined with other private dona- tions, generous support of area merchants, gate receipts, concession stand profits, an Adult Record Hop, and a bingo game at Vitramon, a down pay- ment of $27,000 was realized. Masuk fall sports: football, soccer, and field hockey, have received more attention through the at- mosphere of importance given by these huge 75 foot lights on Benedict Field. They are a welcomed addi- tion to MHS, and one that will provide excitement in Monroe for years to come. Many thanks are owed to all those who have donated time and money to make what the mind can conceive a reality. Mr. Mackiewicz and Mrs. Fahey, President of the All-Sports Booster Club, honor Mr. Maloney and his wife with a presentation of thanks for the great support and encouragement given to the Light Up Masuk goal. Anniversary