Murphy High School - Mohian Yearbook (Mobile, AL)

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SCIENCE Ctfe Miss Hazel Driver sponsors one of our most interesting departments, namely the Science De- partment, with its branches, the biology, chemistry, physics and general science courses. The subjects tend to teach the students to develop their minds scientifically, to make them appreciate the scientific world around them, and to think clearly on the problems of everyday life. Instructions are based on experiments, and various projects. Each pupil is privileged to carry their scientific inquiries to experimentation, and the instructor will aid him, whenever possible; to answer any questions to enable him in his method of thinking upon the subjects of man and his environments. He learns to distinguish all scientific and biological matters, which make up our world and universe. LIBRARY Murphy’» library offers students a haven of quiet refuge. Its well filled shelves offer a variety of reading matter ranging from technical refer- ence to simple fiction. The librarians realize the truth of the proverb, “Nothing Is Perfect,” but they endeavor to keep the library as nearly so as possible. Besides the actual volumes, the library is kept supplied with newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets which keep the readers informed on current world events. One section is devoted to vocational guidance which features information on the opportunities offered by the various occupa- tions, placing emphasis on those in and around Mobile. Murphy is to be commended for her ex- cellent library and efficient librarians directed by Miss Elizabeth Moffat. Cafeteria f Here at Murphy, we have one of the finest cafeterias in the South. Miss Hattie Gresham and Mrs. McIntyre are its capable managers. Through Miss Hattie’s efforts, Mobile public schools now have cafeterias. When Barton Academy was our only high school, Miss Gresham established a small lunch room there. When Murphy was built, a large cafeteria was included in its plans. Miss Hattie was placed at the head of this and has remained in that position ever since. S'nc has planned with Mrs. McIntyre, well-balanced meals every day for the teachers and students. The cafeteria is managed on a no-profit basis, and what small profit there may be is used to aid needy students. [17]

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MATHEMATICS $ ' Murphy’s Mathematics Department offers one of the finest and most complete courses in the S'outh. The department is ably headed by Miss Anna Mary Selater. The usual mathematics require- ments for college entrance are two years. Arith- metic is not accepted. Our school offers a four year course, beginning with elementary algebra. This algebra is the basis of all higher mathematics and should be learned thoroughly. Plane geometry constitutes the second year course, forming the ground work for solid geometry in the last year. The third year course, is advanced algebra, neces- sary to trigonometry. Plane trigonometry and solid geometry are necessary to all college engi- neering courses. The last two years of mathematica are college courses. MUSIC The Music Department has been made one of the worthiest organizations in the school under the capable direction of Messrs. Claude Dahmer and L. L. Stookey. This department consists of the Girl’s Glee Club, Boy’s Glee Club, Freshmen Chorus, Orchestra, Band, Instrumental Music, and Applied Piano Music. Its purpose is not only to create a better understanding and appreciation of good music but to develop the pupils minds and learn to cooperate with their fellow students. The band and orchestra are always ready to do their part when music is needed at school plays, foot- ball games, assemblies, and holiday parades. Each year an operetta is usually produced which calls for the combined efforts of the entire Music Department. PHYSICAL EDUCATION y The Physical Education Department, started only a few years ago, has grown to be one of the finest, if not the finest in the South. Certainly, not many high schools can boast of three gymnasiums, a swimming pool, and an eight acre playground with a lighted football field. Courses are offered in physical education for the entire four years, being compulsory the first two years, and elective the last two. Freshmen are given a general course the first year to help them select some activity in which they are interested. At the end of the freshman year they are permitted to elect an activity which they wish to carry on through their sophomore year. M6J

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Our Councils Top: NcUon AddrettHCH Council Meeting Hot tom: Advisory Council Meeting GOVERNING COUNCIL Organized to insure good government, to main- tain high standards of honor, truth and duty, and to encourage good citizenship among the members of the school, the Governing Council is recognized as the most important single unit of all Murphy High School’s extra-curricula activities. The coun- cil is composed of seventeen members: a president and vice-president elected by the student body at large, six senior, four junior, three sophomore, and two freshmen representatives, each elected by their respective class. The work of the Student Co- operative Government Association which is com- posed of the Governing and Advisory Councils is carried on by the Governing Council through the committee system. Each committee is composed of a student chairman appointed by the president from the members of the council, a faculty advisor designated by the principal, and such committee members as they shall see fit to appoint. This year’s council members are as follows: Hylman Nelson, president; Henry Gewin, vice-president; Lucille Dorgan, secretary; Elsie Jakobik, Cecile Howard, Rufus Lee, Edith Hoyle, William Warren; Helen Duggar, Dorothy Wood, Martha Gerhardt, Hobby Norton; Elizabeth Bodden, Jimmy Van Ant- werp, George Patton; Ann Lowenstcin, Fred Gaines. Mr. W. C. Stapleton is faculty advisor to the Council. At the regular bimonthly meetings of the council reports of the various committees arc heard with a general discussion following. This year the council members are busied with a history of the student government and the foundation of an honor system. M81