Monticello High School - Monti Yearbook (Monticello, NY)

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Principal's Message TO THE CLASS OF 1954: Small in numbers, yes, one of the smallest classes in twenty years. But the boy David was small when he killed the mighty Goliath. Great things are often accomplished by small groups of people--the Pilgrims in Massachusetts, the valiant men at Valley Forge, a handful of scien- tists studying the atom. Do not feel that great accomplishments are denied you because you are few; as individuals you are just as important in a small group as among many. Forty-four of you were together in seventh grade. Of that seventh grade in September 1948, twenty-three have transferred to other schools, six have fallen behind in our own school, and thirteen have terminated their formal education. As freshman you were joined by sixteen more of the present class. So sixty of you have gone through grades 9-12 together. I know you have enjoyed those four years together and you will never forget them for here you have made life-long friends and developed your character for years to come. What have you learned during high school years? Some English, some history, some math, some music, some art? Yes, but if that is all, you have wasted your opportunity. Have you learned how to live with your fellow man, to admire his points of strength, to tolerate his weaknesses, to respect his personality even though you do not want him as a friend? Have you learned to face a moral problem and stand by your convictions even though others jeer? Have you learned to accept your honors and successes with humility, your sorrows and defeats with courage? Have you learned to walk alone or with a friend and let the glories of autumn foliage or the brilliance of a starry night or the almost audible growth of little plants and animals in the spring time heal the wounds of mind and spirits? Have you learned companionship with your God? If you have learned these and other similar things, then your time has been well spent. Someone has said that knowledge is power. True, and let it be your aim to acquire all the knowledge which will be of advantage to you. But, beware of the manner in which you use the power. Will you use your power to create or destroy, to beautify or to desecrate, to raise the fallen or to kick the man who is down? These are some of the issues of life. If as members of the Class of 1954 you would be truly great, think of these things. Sincerely your principal. KENNETH L. RUTHERFORD 11

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'Tis education forms the common mind: Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined. -Pope-

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BENJAMIN D'ARI Board of EDGAR LAYTON MAURICE BLOCK President KENNETH L. RUTHERFORD Superintendent of Schools ETHEL AVERY Clerk DONALD GIPSON Education