Oakmont High School - Periscope Yearbook (Oakmont, PA)

Page 9 text:

MR. ALLAN R. KENNEDY, Principal At this stage of your lives you will be inundated with advice and well wishes from relatives and strangers alike. It might be said that graduation is . . . facing up to an experience that is new and possibly frightening. How you handle this experience will go a long way in shaping your future. Some of you will continue to live in a somewhat sheltered academic world; others will learn to punch a time clock. Regardless of your decision the real test will come when you decide to stand on your own feet and go it alone. An essayist has laid it on the line with these sentiments: . . . before you can stand on your own feet you must have something more in your head than the desire to stand up. That is why young people go to school university and church; that is why wise older people keep learning by reading and observing. In this changing world it is not enough to have in your head nothing more than was there yes¬ terday. Hopefully your education has not terminated with graduation. It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who made the obser¬ vation that man’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions. For those of you who will continue your formal education your mind stretching will be somewhat structured and directed. For those going to work immediately your limitations will be those that are self-imposed. According to a recent article in a popular news magazine few occupations are beyond your reach — eighty per cent of all jobs available are within the capabilities of high school graduates. A college education by itself is not a carte blanche card to a better life. A university administrator expressed these same sentiments when he said unfortunately many people are at the university for the wrong reasons — because it gives them a different image than if they were to become mechanics or carpenters. Whatever you choose to do with your life, you might keep in mind the wisdom expressed by these lines of poetry: Live your life so that at any hour you will be able to shake hands with yourself . . . and try to accomplish at least one thing worth while each day. Then when your night comes you will be able to pull up your covers and say to your¬ self ... I have done my best. 5

Page 8 text:

MILFRED W. SMITH, Superintendent of Schools In the future as you leaf nostalgically through this Periscope and reminisce about the good old days at Oakmont Junior-Senior High, you could be struck by the fact that your class closed out an era or chapter in Oakmont history, but more positively, you should realize that your class ushered in the newly reorgan¬ ized Riverview School District. As you assume more of an adult role in our democratic society, may you work unceasingly for changes that are predicated upon plans designed to foster greater understanding, love and fellowship for all. Never lose sight of the fact that each generation learns from the preceding gen¬ eration. You are that preceding generation to all the young people following you, and the example you set along with the accomplishments you realize should be worthy of emulation. Do those things that will bring to your generation commendations and accolades worthy of your deep concern and intent. Accept and as¬ sume the responsibility you are requesting, so that those who have preceded you may truly say, ’Into wor¬ thy hands we pass the torch of progress.” 4

Page 10 text:

Dedicated To The Memory Of Mr. Van Eman who became one of the builders of our youth through his years of service as head of the business department. He gave freely of his time, his abilities and himself to the school paper, the yearbook and the many needs of other extra-curricular groups. The students and teachers who were closest to him can only admire hi m for his deeds and character, and the place he found in their hearts. As a commemoration, this book is dedicated to him.