North Forsyth High School - Cynosure Yearbook (Winston Salem, NC)

Page 5 text:

Long, long ago, a Viking was feared and respected wherever he went. This hero of the Northland left his mark on the land, the people, and most important, the heritage of the Old World. He was a giant of a man with broad shoulders and sinewy limbs —a man of great strength. Many traits that he developed within himself helped him gain the respect of everyone with whom he came in contact. Sometimes after the evening meal had been eaten, his father would tell him tales of heroic deeds done on some distant shore, and the child would dream of someday doing valorous things. During his growth into manhood, the boy kept his body strong and fit by exercising it. Hunting food for his family and playing games of skill with the other boys in the community helped him to be¬ come agile. He was anxious to learn, and he learned quickly the things which the village pedagogue taught about the stars, the earth, the sea and es¬ pecially about people. Finally, the day of which he had dreamed for so long came. He was called battle in protection of his upon to fight his first people. Armed with a helmet of gold, a flashing sword and a shining shield, the young man charged fearlessly into battle, and proved himself worthy to wear the honored name of “Viking.” But courage was not his only trait. He was loyal and willing to fight for a cause that was just. He was not afraid of hard work and he never grumbled when it fell his lot to do the meanest tasks. He had a keen sense of humor; and it was usually difficult to make him angry, because he was quick to forgive anyone who crossed him. The Viking was con¬ stantly in search of new fields to conquer, both in warlike situations and in the field of learning to live better with his fellow man. He was daring enough to leave his homeland in a ship, to sail un¬ known waters, and to discover the New World al¬ most five hundred years before Columbus began his expedition. The Viking was a man of wonders, and we of North Forsyth are proud to be identified with him. As Vikings this year we worked for and developed some of the same traits of loyalty and honor that would make us worthy of not merely the Viking name, but the Viking spirit.