Momence High School - Monesse Yearbook (Momence, IL)

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PA(iK T1111 ME New Central Building

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DEDICATION TO ALL. ALUMNI, PAST EDITORS AND MANAGERS AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE HELPED TO MAKE THE YEAR BOOK WHAT IT IS TODAY; WE, THE CLASS OF 1917, DEDICATE THIS BOOK.

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PAGE FOUR Greeting and jflT IS, of course, a difficult matter to say much in few words, and yet with the greatest oratorical effect pos¬ sible. But I wish you to understand if a complete or semi¬ darkness has surrounded you heretofore, just what a publi¬ cation of this sort has been, is, and will be to Momence High School. Naturally, as all our predecessors, we consider this the ‘par excellence 7 of annuals. Perhaps there has been better —and if the work is continued this one will surely be sur¬ passed. We find the Year Book being born in 1901 as a Senior product. The present copy, then, makes the periodical sixteen years of age—the average for the Junior Class. Some wit has remarked that, being in the adolescent stage, the volume must be at its languorous point. This cannot be true, for is not adolescence stronger than childhood? The Seniors published the book for two years. These earlier attempts - while rather dull to the average student of today, are of great literary merit, considering the fact that precedent was nil. From then on the Juniors handled the work. Many changes have taken place, and each year some good phase is established. With so many years of thought behind us, who can ex¬ pect the 1916 book to fall below standard? Momence seems to be coming into her heritage in Athlet¬ ics, and her curriculum broadens each year. And why not in her English courses? As co-ordinators the Literary Soci¬ eties have not fulfilled their purpose. But, with more Introduction. efficient management, and an inclination to regard English work at least of equal value with the other courses, they are sure to be deciding factors. Too little attention is paid to journalism—in it 7 s broadest sense. Many of our scholars expect to attend college and teach. They will find the lat¬ ter requires a knowledge of English beyond that of all other studies combined. If space permitted, many of the evils might be analyzed, but with this key you may easily open the door to a realm of educational possibilities hitherto un¬ known—or at least looked at from a Pisgah. It has been suggested that a Year Book is a Chronicle and might be published under that name. It is, of course, a recording sheet of the year 7 s events in scholastic circles, but it is something more than that. The Year Book shows you the true strata on which the High School life rests—it 7 s comedy, social affairs, athletics, problems and productions. The Year Book as an educational factor cannot be considered too highly. Paraphrasing Long, we may say--Judge a High School by it 7 s literature! So, reader, when you lay this book down, kindly overlook the many errors and remember that it is one step nearer to the never reachedgoal—perfection. Let us join together in the wish to continue the Momence High School Year Book. It must go on and on until none will be it 7 s peer. The Staff wishes again to thank you all for your loyal interest, and may it never die! STAFF OF 1916.