Monticello High School - Monti Yearbook (Monticello, NY)

Page 9 text:

Foreword E the class of '54 have chosen the theme religious understanding through education for our yearbook for two reasons: 1. We feel that prejudice is founded on ignorance and that the greatest dispeller of ignorance is education. 2. We feel that faith in God should be a cohesive force that promotes peace, not something which fosters animosity. If a senior were asked to what religious faith a classmate of his belonged, his immed- iate response would probably be What dif- ference does it make? In this simple an- swer lies the basis of our school life, the life which has contributed so much towards preparing us for our duties and responsibil- ities as the next leaders and defenders of this nation. Slowly the principles of fairness, under- standing, and loyalty have been instilled in us. There was always a word from our teachers before class elections such as Re- member, when you vote, vote for the best leader and the most qualified person, and the strengthening reminder from the clergy, who talked to us so often in assembly, that brotherhood was the key to peace which helped to keep us on the right path. Through the experience of presenting class affairs and decorating for proms, we came to respect the old adage United we stand; divided we fall. We quickly realized that the shortest route to success was via cooperation and appreciation of the other person’s feelings. At the basketball games the boy who made the most baskets was our hero, regardless of his color or creed. When the lives of great men such as Pasteur, Einstein and Lincoln were revealed to us in our studies, we didn't learn what house of worship they attended, but what they contrib- uted to the betterment of mankind. The schools are constantly striving to teach their pupils to live harmoniously and it is our sincere hope that in the near future all peoples will find it natural to rise to- gether and say a prayer similar to the one we recite each morning before classes: Almighty God, we acknowledge our de- pendence upon thee and we beg thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country. 5