Nixon Township High School - Nixonia Yearbook (Weldon, IL)

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r w 4 7 li : iV A O .Y . 92 A comparison, of the community ami township high schools of DeWitt County, indicates that this one is the least equipped to do the work expected of it. This condition should n..t he continued. The others either have suitable buildings or arc erecting them at this time. The best that can he «»! mined is due the present and future hoys and girls of district number one hundred fourteen. Fifty sections of the most productive land in the State, with an assessed valuation in I '-0 of $1,814,900.00, sh uld guarantee it to them. In the life history of many insects there are four distinct stages of development before the adult ty])e appears. During the earlier stages there are rather long resting periods, allowing time for the molting process to produce the next higher form. Can it he true that the plans for a high school building must pass through similar, successive, molting stages and suffer long resting periods. 1 trust the answer is an emphatic NO. I know the above suggested topic is a rather unpalatable one to discuss, even with some «',f the most loyal supporters of fhe high school, in these complaining days of excessive taxes, but I believe action should he taken on the proposition at the earliest practical date. I shall consider it pleasing news to learn in 1 23 that a Nixon Township High School building has been erected and liberal courses provided up to which may come all the children of all the people, of this community, to have their hearts and minds touched into greater light and power. As They Impress Us Wr remember Mr. I.ighttMidy for his co-operation and considerate wavs: for allowing meetings to Ik- held (upon being requested) at odd and unexpected times; for his fearlessness in insisting on the straight things being done; and for being square himself. If there is one to yell, it is she. When there is need «.f stir ami whirlwinds and caress, of one to make silence or arouse clamor; to correct, or coo like shining dove after a rain. Mrs. Adkins suffices as the day after the night. Miss ('.alaway!- A lady, quiet-looking of (inn voice, straight ways, and brown eyes that of a sudden stir and smoke; who has a triad hope: To teach all Latin, he a fine professor's wife, or Ik- a missioncry in far S nth America. She has brought the “Message to Garcia: she has expressed disapproval of ugliness. The things she enjovs are refreshing. and we know exactly what she would not tolerate. Miss Needham, creature favored by the fates With beauty, brains, and most praiseworthy traits. We shall rememlier in days to he Ifor kindness, smiles and sweet timidity. In Shakespeare steeped: in Dickens deep immersed, In countless stories, h oks, poems versed. A wonder in our minds oft grew and grew “That one small head could carry all she knew.” KRXKST R. LIGHTDODV. liducalioii shows some people how very Utile oilier people knoti .

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1921 7 : .V .V O V .1 3 History of Nixon Township High School It became very evident during the school year 1915 -1916 that something should be done to extend the two year high school course then offered. A township high school was suggested. This seemed to the most feasible plan, and it was strongly endorsed by a large number of the voters. Sixtv-six sections of the richest land in Central Illinois were included in the newly organized N’ixon Township High School. Some of these sections were so far distant from Weldon that they petitioned out and a few others nearer were added. There are others that should Ik- included, which are now in a non-high school district. I he school work under the new organization was started in September 1916. A comparison of the following data will give a definite idea of the progress made from that date to the present time. The last line indicates conditions as they should Ik during 1922—1923. Total Credits Teachers Year Enrollment in Course I Full Time (Part Time) 1916—191 .VI 12 3 1 1917—1918 40 18 4 1918—1919 42 20 4 2 1919—1920 48 20 4 2 1920—1921 61 20 4 2 1922-1923 ? 100 42 10 livery student knocks liis men The above table indicates a rapid growth at first, but it can easily Ik- detected this growth has not continued as it should after the first two years. Why is this true? It is due to the meager class room and laboratory facilities. Nothing Ijevond the mere academic courses can be taught. A high school course can not Ik- considered a liberal one until it permits a selection from a reasonable number of elective studies. In brief, a new building is needed sufficiently large to make it possible to have strong courses in commercial work, agriculture, domestic science, domestic art. normal training and music. Then and not until then, the County Superintendent of Schools can justly refuse permits to students, who desire to elect these courses at other schools. The Nixon Township High School i$ listed among the recognized four year high schools, of Illinois, by the State Department of Public Instruction. This is a requirement in order to collect tuition. The high school visitor from the I niversity of Illinois placed it on the accredited list again last October, until June 30. 1923. This means the school is considered efficient now. Will it be so judged two years hence? Although the teaching force may Ik- more efficient in the future, the sCh « l work may seem to be less so. due to the present lack of adequate school room facilities and the increased enrollment each year. tool and sticks to it like glue.

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High School Board of Education C'ii.'s. Mxrsii I)k. I.. M. Makski.. President ). W. Kmkkv Ci k Smith. .SVrrvMrv . R.tll.SIIAOK I. R. I”I-i.i :vwiiikk Fhko I )rkssi.kk