New Athens High School - Vespa Yearbook (New Athens, IL)

Page 11 text:

HISTORY OF THE NEW ATHENS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL New Athens Community High School was organized in 1920, and is located in District No. 68. The first board of education consisted of George Nuernberger, President; George Wirth Jr., Secretary; S. J. Woodward, Henry J. Reuss Jr., and William Eberhardt. In 1922 and 1924 attempts were made to discontinue the high school, but both attempts failed. Our present school building was built in 1931, the gymnasium added in 1938, and the cafeteria was completed in 1951. An industrial arts building is now being built. This year the school has an enrollment of 115 and a faculty of 9.

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TO THE CLASS OF 1953: Most of you will read this once — the day you receive this Annual. This Annual is one of the outstanding achievements of your high school days. It is a book to be proud of at present — it also is a book that should become more worthwhile and more dear to you as time goes on. Some of you will re-read this in the years to come. On such a future date you can more accurately assess the value of your high school education. To each of you I wish happiness and success and pledge you my help at anytime you might need it. Happiness, to my way of thinking, connotes success. Success does not necessarily bring happiness. If opposed, happiness is all important. I re-read these Annuals almost yearly. At present I know not what I shall remember about the class of ’53. But I know that the memories will be pleasant and rewarding. Don D. Schriner, Principal

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KENNETH E. HARRIS Mr. Harris was born in Belleville, Illinois, where he attended both grade school and high school. He attended Washington University and received his Bachelor of Music Degree. He also served in the Navy for 2y2 years. Mr. Harris teaches geography and he is our instructor in chorus and band. He is also coach of the baseball team. WILMA B. HUTTON Mrs. Hutton was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois. She afterward attended Washington University, the University of Richmond, and Alliance Francaise in Paris, France. She teaches English II and IV and Spanish. She is also the school librarian. DON D. SCHRINER Mr. Schriner, our principal, was born in Ashmore, Illinois. He attended the rural schools in that area. He spent two years in Ashmore High School and finished in Kansas High School. He attended Eastern State College and earned his Bachelor’s Degree there. Mr. Schriner spent two years in the Navy. During that time he was sent to Hawaii, Okinawa, and Japan. He finished his Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois. Mr. Schriner has been here three years. He teaches geometry and boy’s physical education. He is also coach of the “Yellow Jackets”. RUSSEL D. MERIDITH Mr. Meridith, our agriculture instructor, was born in Sandoval, Illinois. Before receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University in 1947 he attended Southern Illinois University and served in the Army three years. Mr. Meridith has been here for six years. JOHN B. McNEILL Mr. McNeill, instructor of U. S. History, English I, III, and College Preparatory English, was born in Herrin, Illinois. He attended Southern Illinois University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree. He served in the Navy for 39 months. Mr. McNeill taught here last year and he returned to fill the vacancy left by Mrs. Morgan.