Northern High School - Viking Yearbook (Detroit, MI)

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fm'-'X s Ki, 'wwf--af , , if I Q ,V if K 2 . ii. , ' I - -' W5 71 - ' ,V,' ? .- , ,Z- DONALD A. MURRAY rv' 4,1 ED WARD B OY ER To the Class of January, 1957: Your diploma and p er s onal references are good signs that you have mastered certain mental knacks which you should use in developing your ability. You may never be asked to use the specific information called for in your final exami- nations. But you will have countless opportunities to u s e the same mental p r o c e s s e s in solving problems in your li.fe's work or in your personal relations with others. Success and satisfaction come to those who realize the value, to themselves and others, of what they can do with their minds and hands and hearts. Sincerely, Donald A. Murray It is customary for student speakers at commencement exercises to elaborate on our past educational experiences and then express the gratitude of the class for the great assistance received from the faculty. Of course, I feel that without the efforts of our parents, our teachers, and our community as a whole, this occasion could never have become a reality for us. Today, however, we feel that even though we are just beginning to take our places in adult society, we are faced with a challengeg a challenge that will not only determine the fates of us as individuals, but also of the entire world. 1 In this atomic age, there is the very real possibility of either of two worlds in which we may assume our responsibilities. One being a world of atomic wars and the inevitable destruction of mankind. In this world, man has chosen to use his knowledge of atomic energy to destroy himself either physically or spiritually. In an age when one single weapon of destruction is capable of annihilating a metropolis the size of New York City, there is no room for suspicion, prejudices, oppression of peoples, or any other factor whichwill extinguish the spirit of gregariousness whichmust prevail i.f civilization is to survive. These foes of democracy must be rooted out in such a manner that the existence of the world will not be jeopardized. The extrication of these factors from the hearts of men who desire intensely to control the Earth will be nothing short of miraculous. Fortunately, this is not the only world of which we may become a part. There is another one.Through diligent research the brilliant scientists of the world have harnessed the atom, and the construction of atomic power plants have alr e ady begun in parts of this c ountr y . The atom ha s infinite potential, the only disadvantage being that it may be used either as a tool of peace or as a devastating weapon. Automation is also becoming a prominent participant in our lives, and machines are now capable of doing work that previously consumed days of man's efforts. Transportation is progressing by leaps and bounds, and the conquest of space is predicted. This second world will also be free of the afore-mentioned foes of democracy. Man will be able to live harmoniously. Prejudice, segregation, and the oppression of peoples will be non-existent. Such aworld is obviously our hope for the future, and a higher education will be arequisite of this highly technical world, This is our challenge. Toward which end will our attentions be directed? Whichworldwill become a realit and either be aresult of our efforts? In a remote sense, all of our education thus far has been preparing ui, to meet this challenge. We hope that the efforts put forth by our teachers will not have been in vain. I am expressing the opinion of my entire class when I say that this second world is not as far from our grasps as it may seem. This is not a concoction of the imaginations of hapless youths. We feel that such a world may well come to be, and, through education, we expect to be a part of its creation In conclusion I'd like to quote Emerson. So nigh is grandeur to our dust, ,- So near is God to man, When duty whispers low, Thou must, if July! ,UL The youth replies, I can, - 30 0 EDWARD BOYER