Mercer High School - Hi Times Yearbook (Mercer, PA)

Text from Pages 1 - 48 of the 1944 volume:

MERCER HIGH SCHOOL 19 4 4 ECHOES MERCER HIGH SCHOOL Mercer, Pennsylvania CONTENTS FACULTY SENIORS UNDERCLASSMEN ATHLETICS ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS SENIOR SIDELIGHTS AUTOGRAPHS 4 The 1944 Echoes 'ibeAicatia+t TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE STURDY IDEALS OF DEMOCRACY AND THE FURTHERANCE OF THE FINE PRINCIPLES OF FAITH AND TRUST UPON WHICH OUR GOVERNMENT WAS FOUNDED The 1944 Echoes 5 fialOeij (2. Ciall SUPERVISING PRINCIPAL B.S.. Albright College M.Ed.. University of Pittsburgh 6 The 1944 Echoes FACULTY BESSIE M. MILLER History Grove Cilty College JAMES A. PATTERSON Mathematics A.B.. Westminster College M.Ed.. University of Pittsburgh TODD W. RISHELL Music. Algebra B.M.. Grove City College MARY J. WIESE Physical Ed., Algebra A.B., Allegheny College M.I.itt.. University of Pittsburgh The 1044 Echoes 7 FACULTY BETTY BUCHANAN English A.B., Allegheny College MABEL E. MUNNELL Latin Litt.B.. Grove City College JANE M. MAXWELL History, Civics A.B.. Westminster College MARY M. FILER B.A.. Oberlin College M.A.. Columbia University 8 The 1944 Echoes FACULTY ROWLAND E. CONNER Science. Chemistry. Physics A.B.. University of Alabama M.A.. University of Pittsburgh LORENZO O. HOFFMAN Physical Ed.. Health. Algebra B.S., Slippery Rock State Teachers College ROYDEN C. MCMINN Vocational Agriculture B.S.. M.S.. Penn State College HAZEL B. MCCULLOUGH Commercial Subjects B.S., Grove City College The 1944 Echoes 9 FACULTY DOROTHEA L. UREY English, Biology A.B.. Grove City College ELIZABETH L. ALBERTY. R.N. 10 T ?e 1944 Echoes Gnd to the Republic which h ands • • • SENIORS OF 19 4 4 GORDON ALLEN Junior Varsity 1 ; Class Basketball 2. 3. 4; Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4: Gym Demonstration 1. PATRICIA AMON Gym Demonstration 1 ; Class Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4: Prompter. Junior Play 3: Class Play 4; Mer-Hi Staff 4: Athletic Board 4. MARJORIE AMY Gym Exhibition 1 : Junior Play 2; Class Play 3; Class Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4; Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4: Verse-Speaking Choir 3: Cheer Leader 3. 4. DOROTHY BOLAND Transfer from Hickory 4. ALFRED BOYD Varsity Basketball 3. 4: Jun ior Varsity 1. 2: Mer-Hi Staff 2. 3; Stamp and Bond Committee 4. BETTY BURNS Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Usher. Class Play 3, 4: Refreshment Committee. Senior Party 4. JESSIE BLAKE Prom Refreshment Committee 3 : Girls' Chorus 3 : Mixed Chorus 4 : Class Play 4 : Baccalaureate Choir 1 ; Home Ec. Club 3. MARY BOBANICK Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Re- freshment Committee. Prom 3: Properties Committee. Class Play 4. MARY CRAWFORD Verse-Speaking Choir 3; Class Play 4: Gym Exhibition 1 : Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Round-Up 2: Mixed Chorus 2: Camera Club 3: Mer-Hi Reporter 2. 3. 4; Librarian 4; Class Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4. THOMAS EMERY Band 1. 2. 3. 4: Orchestra 1. 2. 3. 4; Decorating Committee. Prom 3. 12 The 1944 Echoes SENIORS OF 19 4 4 WANDA FOX Class Play 3: Property and Costume Committee, Class Play 4: Verse-Speaking Choir 3: Camera Club 3. 4; Librarian 3. 4; Mer-Hi Reporter 4. HELEN KELSO Verse-Speaking Choir 3: Class Play 3. 4: Reception Committee. Prom 3: Class Secretary 1: Vice-President 2: Round-Up 2: Gym Exhibition 1: Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Mer-Hi Reporter 3. 4; Class Basketball 2. 3: Class Volleyball 4. EARLA GILL Transfer from Hickory 4. BETTY GILLS Gym Exhibition 1 : Home Ec. Club 3; Properties Committee. Play 4: Class Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4. DU WAYNE HINDS Class President 2. 3: Stamp and Bond Committee 4: Class Play 3, 4: Varsity Basketball 2. 3. 4: Year Book Staff 4: Junior Varsity 1 : President. A.A. 4: Treasurer, Mixed Chorus 4: Camera Club 4. WILLIAM HOAGLAND Varsitv 3. 4: F.F.A. Reporter 3: F.F.A. Vice President 4: F.F.A. Round-Up 2. 4. MARILLA KING Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Home Ec. Club 3; Refreshment Committee. Prom 3: Usher. Class Play 3. 4. LEROY KNAPP Class Play 3 : Class Basketball 1. 2. 3, 4: Vice President 4: Class Representative 1 ; Junior Varsity 1 ; Camera Club 3. 4. MICHAEL KURTANICK Gym Demonstration 1 ; F.F.A. 2: Dairy Judging Team 2: Stage Crew. Class Play 4: Mixed Chorus 4. ANNA LIZZIE Mixed Chorus 2. 4: Girls’ Chorus 2: Home Ec. Club 3: Refreshment Committee. Prom 3: Baccalaureate Choir 1. The 1944 Echoes 13 SENIORS OF 19 4 4 « THOMAS LOCKYER Gym Demonstration 1 ; F:.F:.A. 2: Class Play 3. FRANK MCCANN Transfer from Fredonia-Dela ware 4. Band 4; Mixed Cho rus 4. ROBERT MCELRATH Junior Varsity 1 ; Varsity 2. 3. 4: Class Play 2, 4: Class Treasurer 3; Class Volleyball 1.2; Mixed Chorus 1.2.3. 4. RAYMOND MOON Junior Varsity 1. 2: Varsity 3. 4; Class Treasurer 2: Class President 4; Year Book Staff 4; Class Volleyball 1.2: Vice President. A.A. 4: Mixed Cho rus 4. LOIS PALMER Home Ec. Club 2. 3: Class Basketball and Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4: Class Play 4: Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Verse-Speaking Choir 3 ; Gym Exhibition 1 ; Decorating Committee. Prom 3. ALBERTA PEARSON Camera Club 3; Prom Decorating Committee 3 ; Home Ec. Club 3; Class Volleyball 4: Advertising Committee. Class Play 3. FRANK POGLITSCH F.F.A. 2; Class Basketball 3. 4. i WILLIAM REESE JEAN RINGER Gym Demonstration 1 : Class Basketball 1, 2. 3. 4: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4; Property Committee. Class Play 3. 4: Mer-Hi Reporter 4; Camera Club 2. 3. WILMA SATTES Baccalaureate Choir 1 ; Mixed Chorus 1.2: Gym Exhibition 1 : Class Play. Orchestra 4. 14 The 1944 Echoes SENIORS ESTELLA SPROW Class Play 3. 4; Orchestra 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 2. 3. 4: Girls' Chorus 2. 3. 4: Baccalaureate Choir 1 ; Verse-Speaking Choir 3 ; Music Concert 3 ; Librarian 4. JOSEPH STRAUSSER Stage Crew. Play 4: Ticket Committee, Play 3. OF 19 4 4 CECELIA VIAZANKO Class President 1 : Met-Hi Staff 2, 3. 4: Mixed Chorus 2: Librarian 3. 4: Verse- Speaking Choir 3: Class Play 3. 4: Reception Committee. Prom 3: Stamp and Bond Committee 4; Year Book Staff 4: Class Treasurer 4; Secretary. A.A. 4; Gym Exhibition 1: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3: Class Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4: Baccalaureate Choir 1. WILLIAM WARDLE Band 1, 2. 3. 4: Class Secretary 3. 4: Mixed Chorus 4; Class Basketball 1. 2, 3. 4: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4: Student Manager 4. WALLACE SWINGLE Class Play 4 : Gym Exhibition 1; F.F.A. 2: F.F.A. Round-Up 2, 3. BETTY THOMPSON Mer-Hi Reporter 1. 2. 3; Mer-Hi Staff 4: Year Book Staff 4; Athletic Board 4; Prom Decorating Committee 3; Librarian 3, 4: Class Play Properties 4: Class Basketball 1.3. 4; Class Volleyball 1. 3. 4: Home Ec. Club 3: Gym Exhibition 1 ; Camera Club 3, 4. WILLIAM THOMPSON VIRGINIA WILSON Mixed Chorus 2. 3. 4: Girls’ Chorus 2. 3. 4: Orchestra Committee. Junior Prom 3: Baccalaureate Choir 1. GEORGE YEAGER Band 2. 3. 4: Junior Manager. Band 3; Orchestra 3: Class Basketball 2: Varsity Basketball 4; Class Play 3. 4. VIRGINIA ZAHNISER Gym Exhibition 1 : Baccalaureate Choir 1 : Class Volleyball 1. 2 : Class Basketball 1. 2 : Mixed Chorus 2: Verse Speaking Choir 3: Librarian 4: Property Committee. Play 3. 4: Program Committee. Prom 3; Mer-Hi Staff 4. The 104 4 Echoes 15 OF 19 4 4 SENIORS RUDOLPH ZIGO Gym Exhibition 1 : Ticket Committee. Play 4. GENEVIEVE BOWERS Class Basketball 1, 2. 3. 4: Class Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4: Baccalaureate Choir 1 ; Gym Exhibition 1 : Mer-Hi Reporter 4: Prompter. Class Play 4. T Class Motto The Horizon Widens as We Climb Class Flower Red Rose Class Colors Red and Blue 16 The 194 4 Echoes elman Glory and honor and fame and everlasting laudation For our captains who loved not war, but fought for the life of the nation; Who knew that, in all the land, one slave meant strife, not peace: Who fought for freedom, not glory; made war that war might cease. Glory and honor and fame; the beating of muffled drums: The wailing funeral dirge, as the flag-draped coffin comes: Fame and honor and glory; and joy for a noble soul, For a full and splendid life, and laurelled rest at the goal. Glory and honor and fame: the pomp that a soldier prizes: The league-long waving line as the marching falls and rises: Rumbling of caissons and guns: the clatter of horses' feet. And a million awe-struck faces far down the waiting street. But better than martial woe. and the pageant of civic sorrow; Better than praise of to-day. or the statue we build to-morrow: Better than honor and glory, and history's iron pen. Was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men. —Richard Watson Guilder. The 194 4 Echoes 17 CLASS HISTORY Wc really got off to a good start with one hundred and twelve members in the Freshman Class. In our organization meeting, under the guidance of three members of the faculty. Miss Hofmann. Mr. Speiglemyer. and Mr. Ringer, we elected the following officers: President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Cecelia Viazanko James Hamilton Helen Kelso Robert Ringer Our class proved very enterprising and among its achievements was our class paper. The Spirit of 44.” Cecelia Viazanko and Helen Kelso were co-editors. By February, we were all excited for we were planning our first party. Wc spent all day fixing our decorations of red and white streamers from the ceiling. They certainly were tricky. We brought our skis and our skates to help decorate the fireplaces on either side of the room. Two cotton snowmen survived the heat of the excitement very well. The orchestra was called “The Four Aces. Those red and white dolls pinned on conspicuous places were souvenirs. In March everyone began to talk about the Gym Demonstration that was to be held in May. Many of the girls were in the flag drill, pyramids, and tumbling exercises while the boys were in the “Men in Silver whip cracking, and mat exercises. Many of the girls sang in the Baccalaureate choir. They wore dark skirts, with white blouses. It was a pleasing experience for the girls. To top off the year the class had a picnic at Conneaut Lake. Back to school in September of 1942 with many sighs about returning from that wonderful vacation. Under the supervision of Miss Rocks and Mr. Patterson, we elected the following officers: President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Duke Hinds Helen Kelso James Hamilton Raymond Moon On December 7, we were suddenly faced with war. For many of the class this meant a great change in hopes and aspirations for the future. In accordance with everything else that year we had a patriotic party called “Victory Dance.” The decorations were red, white and blue, with victory pins as souvenirs. The bank boards were adorned with pictures of General McArthur and General Eisenhower. The Seniors of 42” conducted a Who's Who in each class and these were the results of the Sophomore vote: Best dresser Best husband-to-be Best wife-to-be Most intellectual girl Most intellectual boy Most popular girl Most popular boy Most handsome boy Best dancer Best dancer Most likely to succeed Most likely to succeed Prettiest hair Prettiest hair Betty Thompson Raymond Moon Mary Crawford Helen Kelso Duke Hinds Cecelia Viazanko Duke Hinds LeRoy Knapp Marjorie Amy Robert McElrath Helen Kelso Duke Hinds Virginia Zahnizer LeRoy Knapp And again we went to Conneaut for our last day. A good time was had by all. It didn't seem possible that we could be Juniors but there we were in Miss Lafferty's and Miss Miller’s home rooms. The officers for the Junior year were: President Vice-President Secretary T reasurer Duke Hinds LeRoy Knapp Bill Wardle Robert McElrath IK The 1944 Echoes CLASS HISTORY This year our party was held in March. It was called the Shamrock Shin-Dig . The decorations were appropriately green and underclassmen were green with envy at the success of the party. We tackled something new when we presented our Junior Class Play entitled “Early to Bed. Early to Rise”. Everyone anxiously awaited the announcement of the cast and the tension was removed when Mrs. Wiese, the play director, announced the characters. Financially and otherwise the play was a success. The highlight of the year was of course, the Prom. The scene was a rose bower and Jimmy Sylvester’s orchestra furnished the music. The most important features for the girls were the evening gowns and the corsages. The finals brought us back to reality and so ended our Junior year. We entered school for our last year of work on September 7, 1943. We entered with a mixture of feelings—feelings of gladness that we had at last come to the year which had been our goal for twelve years and feelings of sadness at leaving those with whom we had associated for four years. Because of the war our class at the beginning of this year had diminished to a mere forty-two pupils. Many and varied activities brought us different experiences from those we had had before. In our first class meeting we elected the following officers: President Vice-President Secretary T reasurer Raymond Moon LeRoy Knapp Bill Wardle Cecelia Viazanko One of the first enterprises of the year was our class party. It was called “This Is The Army.” In accordance with the patriotic theme our decorations were red, white and blue. In typical army style our food was sold from a canteen. We introduced something new at this party, a floor show. It was the highlight of the party and successfully entertained our guests. The next thing of major importance was our class play, Tom Sawyer . Mrs. Wiese again directed it. It proved a great success and financially paved the way for our year book. We chose the following persons as a staff for our year book: Editor Duke Hinds Literary Editor Cecelia Viazanko Photography Editor Betty Thompson Business Manager Raymond Moon There was much running around getting pictures taken, getting assignments which the members of the class wrote in on time and all that goes with making a successful year book. Six members of our class played Varsity basketball. They are as follows: Raymond Moon, Duke Hinds. Bob McElrath, Bill Hoagland, George Yeager. Alfred Boyd, all six of whom received letters. One worth while project of the Senior Class was the selling of the Defense Stamps and War Savings Bonds. Under the guidance of Miss Munnell, one of our Senior advisors, the class took complete charge. During the early part of the second semester we decided to wear caps and gowns, which were to be blue and white for the graduation exercises, which were held on May 26, 1944. It was with deep regret that we realized that our high school years were over. Not again would we all be gathered under the same roof, engrossed in the same joys and sorrows: but from four years together we had learned much. So we approached our commencement with some reluctance for what we were leaving behind but already looking ahead to what was to come. Helen Kelso Mary Crawford The 1944 Echoes 19 CLASS WILL We the Senior Class of 1944 of Mercer High School, being of sound mind and understanding do make and publish this our last will and testament. As a whole, we the Seniors wish to leave our class spirit and dignity to the Freshman Class. To the Sophomores we bequeath our best wishes and good times. To the Juniors we bequeath our Senior room and the Key of Knowledge. To the faculty, who have prepared us for graduation we bequeath the future classes. Bill Reese, who incidentally is quite a music fan. decided to give his love of boogie woogie to Choog George. Midge bequeaths her laugh and jitterbug steps to anyone who deems himself worthy. Bob McElrath wills his ability to concentrate on one girl to John Strosser. Earla Gill bequeaths her struggles with literature to any poor Junior who wants them. Wallace Swingle bestows upon Bill Steingrabe his work in the F.F.A. Club. Jean Ringer has nothing to bequeath except Tucker and she refuses to leave him. Virginia Zahniser bequeaths her blonde locks to lucky Joan Alberty. Tweed Emery and Rudy Zigo leave their good times on Saturday night excursions to anyone who has the gas and money. Ray Moon wills his passion for thoroughness to the next president of the Senior Class. Cecelia Viazanko wills her habit of looking up at the world to Mary Lou King. Duke Hinds regretfully leaves an underclass girl friend. Keep away from her, boys!!! Mary Bobanick and Marilla King, advocates of the axiom. ‘‘Silence is golden.” decided to leave it behind to Gerry Masters. Frank McCann leaves his way with the girls to David Noble. Bee and Betty leave their protoge, Lee Cotton, to whoever will take good care of him. Dorothy Boland leaves her studious nature to Stella Hogan. Betty Thompson leaves the last drops of her midnight oil (for studying) to Ruth Houston. NOTE: This is to be used for scholastic purposes only. 20 The 1944 Echoes CLASS WILL Gig Allen decided that his specialty of being tardy was not appreciated by his teachers so he’s “taking it with him. Betty Burns bequeaths her shyness to Mary Lou Baker. Alfred Boyd wills his height to Bill Frye.—Now watch Bill grow!!! Anna Lizzie decided that Alfred Krall needed her weak voice. Wanda Fox and Lois Palmer graciously bestow upon Helen Lukacs and Pearl Nyce their jobs at the 5 10. Jessie Blake tearfully leaves her chemistry book to any prospective Senior who will promise to show as much affection for it as did Jessie. George Yeager was worried about there not being any representatives at Mercer High School from Leesburg next year, so he left his little chug-chug to ease transportation difficulties. Alberta Pearson bequeaths the boys in Grove City (except one) to Betty Lou Hodge. LeRoy Knapp bequeaths his curly hair to Bill Steen. Patty Amon bequeaths her athletic prowess to Dorothy Smith. Bill “Pap” Wardle leaves the care of the basketball uniforms to the next student manager. Virginia Wilson not wishing to have the school Tai(n)t(ed) with gloom leaves a Ray of sunshine. Bill Thompson leaves the spelling of his last name to Louise. Mary Crawford and Helen Kelso bequeath their everlasting friendship to Earla Vogan and Ruth McWhirter. Bill Hoagland wills his luck for avoiding auto accidents to Ada-line Beggs. Estella Sprow. fiend for making history projects, leaves her ability to Charles Ewing. Joe Strausser leaves his motorcycle to anyone who has the courage to ride it. Tom “Einstein” Lockyer bequeaths his scientific ability to Don Feltenberger. Though Mike Kurtanick is very shy where girls are concerned, he decided that Evelyn White would be the best person to whom to will his drawing ability. In witness thereof we, the Class of 1944. have hereto signed and sealed this last will and testament on this twenty-sixth day of May, A.D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty-four. (SEAL) THE SENIOR CLASS OF 1944. Witnesses: LeRoy Knapp, Patty Amon. The 1944 Echoes 21 Junior Class First row—Martha White, Ruth MeWhirter. Betty Lou Hodge, Alice Anderson. Dorothy Smith. Alfreda Ramsey. Marjorie Smith. Mary Shoemaker. Jean Marshall. Ella Brown. Helen Winklevoss. Twfla Stokeley. Louise Thomson. Second row-—June De Carlo. Alma Bartholomew. Ruth Brenneman. Ruth Houston. Betty Amon. Jayne Pollard. Mary Lou King. Pauline Miller. Mary Lois Baker, Lois Chadderton. Virginia Lucas. Mary Eleanor Taylor. Geraldine Masters. Third row—Mary Lou Gill. Earla Vogan. Genevieve McElrath. Caroline Boyd. Joan Alberty, Jean Johnston. Irene McWilliams. Aletha Shoemaker. Betty Ryder. Rose Zigo. Margaret Davis. Joanne Ellis. Jean Buchanan. Fourth row—Glenn Glunt. Clyde Snyder, Charles Oakes. Jean Burns. Adaline Beggs. Janet Sears. Jean Dye. Helen Lukacs. Eleanor Watts. Stella Hogan. Evelyn Royle. Robert Miller. William Frye. Jerry Mongellio. Fifth row—August Poglitsch. Robert Stafford. Glenn Swickard. David Barton. Charles Gerrish. Donald Feltenberger. William Steen. Thomas Harris. John Strosser. Charles George. Paul Long. Alfred Krail. Lee Cotton. 22 The 1944 Echoes JUNIOR CLASS HISTORY The class of 1945 started down its long procession of academic achievements in September of 1941. As soon as the bewildered Freshmen were accustomed to their strange surroundings they elected the following officers, who guided them through a year of successful ventures. President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Rose Zigo Thomas Harris Ella Brown Lee Cotton We chose at the same time our class colors—green and white—and the class motto. “Forward ever, backward never.” Under the able guidance of the Freshman advisors, Miss Rocks and Mr. Ringer, the Frosh produced their first class party, “Club Torjid.” which proved to be a smash hit with the entire school. By the time of the class party all the male members of the class had been initiated into high school via the clippers and rain barrel. Declaring their year a scholastic success the class held a field day at Conneaut Lake Park. Pa., where they assured themselves by starting their vacation off on the right foot. The following year, the now worldly-wise Freshmen returned as Sophomores to their Alma Mater. The Sophomore year consisted of a myriad of class activities and big doings. Among the notable events was the election of officers: President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Mary Taylor John Strosser Paul Long Earla Vogan Miss Black and Mr. Patterson were the class advisors. Breaking all precedents, the Sophomores, bcause of a threatened shortage of material for jewelry, were permitted to purchase their class rings a year in advance. The class rings ordered, the class began plans on their class party which developed into another hit. “Swing Inn,” an inovation in the trend of class parties. It was judged by the whole school as one of the outstanding parties of the year. Hampered by gasoline rationing, the Sophs were forced to hold their annual get-to-gether at Grove City Park. However, the day was spent enjoyably and holds a score of memories for all the class members. The third year of high school finds us upper classmen with a great deal of responsibility resting upon us. To guide us to success we elected a competent group of officers: President . John Strosser Vice-President Edward Taylor Secretary Geraldine Masters Treasurer Paul Long The class entertained the rest of the high school at the Cactus Cabaret.” their Junior Party, which was a bright spot in the year's activities. Our advisors are Miss Miller and Mrs. Wiese. We anxiously awaited the junior play, a milestone in every class history. It was staged early in May, under the direction of Mrs. Wiese. This year we also experienced the biggest event in our high school career, the Junior-Senior Prom, an annual event which took place in May. Here we stop, knowing that our future achievements will be strong links forged in our chain of high school memories. Alfred Krall. The 1944 Echoes 23 Sophomore Class First roiv—Shirley Knapp. Shirley Chadderton, Anna June Crawford, Wilma Little, Marion Weinel. Margaret Ann Black. Louise Smith. Nancy Crawford. Betty Milleson. Helen Black. Marion Strausser. Patti Thomas, Marjorie Evans. Mary Lou Smith. Llewellyn Bice. Julia Kirila. Second row—Betty Jane Shaffer, Dorothy Armstrong. Doreese Marneweck, Janet Thompson, Velma Hause. Lorenc Davis. Margaret Lizzie, Alice Yeager. Lois Seaburn. Nancy Amon. Doris Mayne. Doris Robinson. Betty King. Irene Bobanick. Ruth Livermore. Third row—Joyce Knapp. Margaret Kepics. Esther Cummings. Doris McCracken. Louise Drake. Alda Moon. Hazel Brenneman. Pearl Nyce. Sue Emery, Nancy Stepleton. Dorothy Cousins. Jo Ann Workman. Beverly Gerrish, John Cutler. Fourth row—Paul Yeager, Melvin Ryder. Robert Shaffer, Herbert Forrester. Glen Kloos. Robert Nelson. Charles Ewing. James Osborne. John Sponberger. Charles Crow. Robert Heckla-thorn. Donald Christy. Richard Crill. Robert Brown. Fifth row—Gordon Miller. Harry Unger. Donald Rudolph. Jack Peters, Stanley Seely. Jack Hamilton. Walter White. Dave Noble, Stanley Workman. Robert Fox, James Boykan. John Dilley. Raymond Everhart. William Steingrabe. 24 The 1044 Echoes SOPHOMORE CLASS HISTORY FRESHMAN YEAR In September, 1942, the doors of Mercer High School opened for the entrance of 11 1 of us to its halls for higher learning. Some of us with joy, others with a little dismay because of the change, entered upon our Freshman year, yet looking forward to great achievements. During the first few days we saw a world of new faces but it was not long before we were acquainted with most of them. Our home room teachers, Miss Rocks, Mr. Wertman, and Mr. Horner, helped us to become accustomed to our new surroundings. Soon we made plans for organizing our class and elected Jack Hamilton. President; Glenn Kloos. Vice President; Budd Miller. Treasurer; and Dorothy Cousins, Secretary. Under these officers and under the guidance of our teachers we progressed successfully in our new courses. But not all was work. One of the important events of the year was our class party. On May 7, “Holland Dance-Land,” as we named our party, welcomed the students, alumni, and faculty to a big evening of entertainment and dancing. On June 4, we left school sorry that our Freshman year was over but looking forward to our summer vacation and the coming Sophomore year. SOPHOMORE YEAR Now we were in our first year of Senior High School and we were much more sophisticated than when we were meek little Freshmen. Within a few weeks we had elected our class officers, who were Bud Miller, President; Jack Hamilton. Vice-President: Jo Ann Workman, Secretary; and Shirley Knapp, Treasurer. The first venture took place about Thanksgiving, when we ordered our class rings. After mid-term tests, with renewed vigor we proceeded to plan for our class party, Club 51.” It was held March 10, and was a grand success. Our class was proud to have three of the members represented at the Band Festival in Ellwood City on February 17. 18 and 19. They were Walter White, John Cutler, and Jack Hamilton. We completed the second year with a feeling of success and hoping that our Junior year would be likewise. Nancy Stf.pleton Dorothy Cousins Thi 194 4 Echoes 25 Freshman Class First roic—Janet Uber. Jacqueline Knapp. Jean Shorts. Geraldine Humphrey. Roselene Kurtanich, Mary Anna Guiler. Rose Bartalone. Wilda Wimer. Donna Cole. Mary Nelson. Marion Guiler, Joyce Kilner. Charlene Feltenberger. Joann Evans. Bernice Ligo. Nancy Ann Palmer. Second row—Betty Taylor. Ruth Heckathorn. Betty Rogers. Isabelle Smith, Martha Mayne. Betty Snyder. Marybell Flickinger. Doris Dyer. Ruth Tait, Mary Lou Hogue. Evelyn Seidle. Patricia Perschka. Evelyn White. Letha Swingle. Rosemary Jennings. Phyllis Chadderton. Third row—Dorothy Bice. Harriet McClain. Esther Kelso. Virginia Palmer. Laura Kite. Alice Rabold. Joanne Brown. Jane Perschka. Lois Bagnall. Donna Ringer. Margaret Mains. Naomi Buchanan. Helen Brocious. Mary Ellen Coryea. Esther Winklevoss. Mildred Cummings. Fourth row—Jack Stone. Carl Alexander. Richard Lukacs. Robert McKay. Wallace Filer, Victor Johnson. Joseph Bochy. Ralph Sattes. Donald Moose, Earl Sealand. Albert I.engel. George Parker. John Woods. Fifth row—Lee Barnum. Phillip Baker. Robert Cousins. Lauren Cousins. John Hawthorne. Paul Mortland, Lamont Miller. Homer Smith. Sidney Vanderveen. Paul Moon. Earl Rucker. Eugene Strosser. Thomas Adams. William Montgomery. Paul Struthers. 26 The 1944 Echoes FRESHMAN CLASS HISTORY On the sixth day of September, 1943, one hundred rather bewildered, puzzled Freshmen entered the doors of Mercer High School for the first time; to get acquainted with the new teachers and classmates, and to find our way around were our first accomplishments. There were three Freshmen home rooms, supervised by Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. McCullough, and Mr. Wertman. Our first class meeting was held on November 3, 1943, and at this time we elected the following officers; Eugene Strosser, President: John Hawthorne, Vice-President. Donna Ringer, Secretary, and Earl Rucker. Treasurer. A change of teachers took place at mid-term when Mr. Wertman left us to enter the Navy. Miss Jean Maxwell was elected to fill the vacancy. Plans were made for the Freshman Party which was held in May. Though it was our first experience in carrying through such a venture, we felt it was a real success. We came to the end of the year feeling that it had been one well spent and looking forward to an even better one next year. The 1944 Echoes 2 First row—Glenn Swickard. Alfred Boyd. William Hoagland. Robert McElrath. Raymond Moon. William Wardle. Mr. Hoffman. Second row—Jerry Mongiello. William Steen. Duke Hinds. Charles George. Thomas Harris. Paul Long George Yeager. VARSITY Mercer 22 Mercer 24 Mercer 1 1 Mercer 30 Mercer 27 Mercer 20 Mercer 21 Mercer 26 Mercer 20 Mercer 31 Mercer 26 Mercer 19 Mercer 19 Mercer 30 Mercer 18 Mercer 22 Mercer 30 Mercer 23 Mercer 31 Mercer 18 Sandy Lake 19 New Wilmington 16 Brookfield 23 Union Township 17 Hickory 16 Greenville 39 Sharon 52 Union Township 17 Sharpsville 25 New Wilmington 26 Grove City 53 Farrell 42 Greenville 54 Brookfield 36 Sharpsville 31 Farrell 19 Grove City 40 Hickory 31 Sandy Lake 18 Sharon 68 30 The 194 4 Echoes Junior Varsity First row—Richard Long. Robert McKay. Jack Peters. Melvin Ryder. Charles Black. Walter Livermore. Second row—Mr. Hoffman. William Frye. Howard Barber. Milo Ringer. Donald Feltenberger. Charles Ger-rish. James Boykan. Lee Barnum. Third row—Charles Crow, Earl Rucker. David Noble. Robert Fox, Walter White. Paul Moon, Thomas Adams. Cheer Leaders Left to right—Marjorie Amy. Betty Amon. Mary Anna Guiler. Pauline Miller. The 1944 Echoes 31 32 The l()44 Echoes With Slilyeltij and justice jjol Oil Senior Play Cast First row—Helen Kelso. Mary Crawford. Lois Palmer. Jessie Blake. Second row—Cecilia Viazanko. Estella Sprow. Third row—George Yeager. Wallace Swingle. Duke Hinds. Robert McElrath. William Wardle. Patty Amon. Mrs. Weise. ; 4 The 1944 Echoes Junior Play Cast First row—Helen Kelso. Cecelia Viazanko. Wanda Pox. Estclla Sprow. Marjorie Amy. Second row—George Yeager. Thomas Lockyer. I.e Roy Knapp. Duke Hinds. Mrs. Wiese. The 1944 Echoes 35 Year Book Staff Editor Business Manager Literary Editor Photography Editor DuWayne Hinds Raymond Moon Cecelia Viazanko Betty Thompson 36 The 194 4 Echoes Mer-Hi Staff Editor Assistant Editor Sports Editor Art Editor Assistant Art Editor Business Manager Music Editor Exchange Circulation Cecelia Viazanko David Barton William Wardle Mike Kurtanick Jayne Pollard Louise Thomson Nancy Stepleton Mary Lou King Betty Thompson Seated, left to right—Mary Lou King. Mary Crawford. Helen Kelso, David Barton. Alfred Boyd. Virginia Zahniser. Cecelia Viazanko. Standing, left to right—3etty Thompson. Nancy Stepleton, William Wardle. Louise Thomson. Jayne Pollard. The 1944 Echoes 37 Band First rotv—Jean Dye, Mary Lou Smith. Prank McCann. Eugene Strosser. John Strosser. Robert McKay. Thomas McClain. Joanne Ellis. Peggy Cusick, Mr. Rishcll. Second row—Paul Yeager, Carl Alexander. Walter Livermore. Richard White. Lee Barnum. William Wertman. Ruth Heckathorn. Alfreda Ramsey. Charles Black. Third row—Geraldine Masters. William Pryc. Alice Anderson. Jean Johnston. Sue Emery. John Cutler, Jack Hamilton, Richard Marshall. Bernice Ligo. Fourth row—Richard Crill. Donald Weaver. James Redic. Helen Lukacs. Charles Ewing. Herbert Marshall. Donald Rudolph. George Yeager. Fifth row—Walter White. Thomas Shaffer. Thomas Emery, William Wardle. Howard Barber, Robert King. Glenn Swickard. Paul Mortland. The 1944 Echoes % Mixed Chorus First row—Mr. Rishell. Mildred Cummings. Aletha Shoemaker. Ruth Heckathorn. Bernice Ligo. Charlene Feltenberger. Esther Cummings. Betty Ryder. Helen Black. Joann Evans. Mary Lou Smith. Patti Thomas, Nancy Stepleton. Second row—Dorothy Bice. Margaret Ann Black. Ruth Houston. Esther Kelso. Alice Rabold, Sue Emery, Mary Ellen Coryea, Helen Brocious. Marion Guiler. Rose Mary Jennings. Harriet McClain. Third row—Rose Bartilone. Rose Zigo. Roselene Kurtanich. Patricia Pershka. Earla Vogan. Estella Sprow. Betty Millison. Jean Johnston. Lois Seaburn. Mary Anna Guiler. Marian Strausser. Fourth row—Joanne Brown. Donna Ringer. Joyce Kilner. Jane Pershka, Charles Ewing. Jessie Blake. Irene McWilliams. Robert Brown, Helen Winklevoss. Betty Taylor. Fifth row—Frank McCann, Paul Mortland, Walter White. David Noble. David Barton. Mike Kurtanich. Alfred Krall. William Steingrabe. Charles Crow. John Cutler. Gordon Miller. 1944 Echoes 39 F. F. A. First row—Gordon Miller. Clyde Snyder. Paul Mortland, Robert Heckathorn. I.amont Miller. Paul Struthers. Harry Unger. George Parker. John Woods. Mr. McMinn. Second row—Earl Sealand. Glenn Kloos. F:rank Poglitch. Donald Christy. William Montgomery. Robert Stafford. Robert Cousins. Robert Miller. Albert Lengal. Third row—Donald Moose. Wallace Swingle. Russell Patterson. John Dilley. William Hoagland. Robert Fox. James Osborne. Charles Crow. William Steingrabe. Wallace Filer. 10 The 194 4 Echoes Home Ec Club lirst row—Mildred Cummings. Shirley Chadderton. Mary Nelson. Joann Evans, Helen Black. Nancy Palmer. Patti Thomas. Mary I.ou Smith. Julia Kirila. Mrs. I.aughrey. Second row—June De Carlo. Alice Anderson. Evelyn Seidel. Joyce Knapp. Charlene Fel tenberger. Betty King. Doris Robinson. Jean Shorts. Marjorie Evans. Ruth Livermore. Third row—Isabel Smith. Alfreda Ramsey. Margaret Lizzy. Virginia Palmer. Joanne Brown. Mary I.ou Gill. Nancy Amon. Wilma Little. Jacqueline Knapp. Dorothy Bice. Fourth row—Helen Winklevoss, Ella Brown. Wanda Garris. Mary Lou Hogue. Jean Dye. Jean Burns. Alda Moon. Donna Ringer. Louise Drake. Jo Ann Workman. The 1944 Echoes 41 PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS The Senior Class, under the direction of Miss Munnell. acted as the sponsor of the sale of War Bonds and Stamps throughout the school. A committee of four seniors was appointed to carry out the work. They collected the money from each room, purchased the stamps and bonds, and distributed them to the various rooms. From time to time talks were given by members of the Senior Class. The cooperation of the home room teachers was a help that was much appreciated. The Mercer High School Band, under the direction of Mr. Rishell. participated in the parade which opened the Fourth War Bond Drive. SCRAP DRIVE The Senior Class deemed themselves patriotic Americans and went all out” for the scrap drive collecting paper and tin cans which contributed to the war effort. The boys of the high school worked in teams, collecting scrap from all parts of the town. PARALYSIS FUND Answering the appeal of The March of Dimes,” the Senior Class began the Mercer School campaign for contributions to the paralysis fund. Containers were placed in each room into which pupils put their donations. When collected, the results were found to be very gratifying. RED CROSS The pupils of schools, nation-wide, were invited to become members of the Junior Red Cross. Membership cards were given to each pupil contributing besides an insigne to identify him as a contributor. LETTER WRITING The Senior English class, interested in the Alumni in service and wishing to keep them informed of our school activities, wrote letters periodically to them. Supervised by Miss Buchanan, this project proved to be very worthwhile, for it was appreciated by those boys who received the letters. Virginia Zahniser. The 1944 Echoes 43 AMBITIONS Gordon Allen Patricia Amon Marjorie Amy Jessie Blake Mary Bobanick Dorothy Boland Alfred Boyd Betty Burns Mary Crawford Wanda Fox Thomas Emery Erla Gill Betty Gills......... DuWayne Hinds William Hoagland Helen Kelso Marilla King LeRoy Knapp Michael Kurtanick Anna Lizzie Thomas Lockyer Frank McCann Robert McElrath Raymond Moon Lois Palmer Alberta Pearson Frank Poglitsch William Reese Jean Ringer Wilma Sattes Estella Sprow Joseph Strausser Wallace Swingle Betty Thompson William Thompson Cecelia Viazanko William Wardle Virginia Wilson George Yeager Virginia Zahniser Rudolph Zigo Electrician School Nurse Mechanical Engineer Study Dramatics ........To Travel Nurse Engineer Bookkeeper Nurse Teacher Pharmacist Stenographer Nurse Doctor Farmer Nurse ............Travel Doctor Mechanical Engineer Nurse Research Doctor Navy Scientific Dairyman Business Business Engineer Band Leader Business Stenographer Lab Technician Electrical Engineer Farmer Interior Decorator Business Nurse Commercial Pilot Stenographer Education Home Economist Aviation Plastic Binding. Chicago. 111. U. S. Patent No. 1970285 A I winco Yearbook. Twin City Printing Co.. Champaign. Illinois