Orleans High School - Sword Yearbook (Orleans, VT)

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ence in size. Lack of ventilation is another factor which could be remedied. All of these hindrances could easily be avoided in a new and well-designed building. I believe I can truthfully state that some people regard Orleans only as a community which turns out a good basketball team each year. Unfortunately that is a poor and biased opinion to form. But, considering that belief, isn’t it strange that we do have such successful teams? Yes—outstanding ability and capable coaching do form the basis of a championship team, but practicing conditions and a good gymnasium certainly would contribute more to the results. Secondly, as to the cost, it would probably not make us debtors. Several local organizations have seriously considered some sort of advancement in the recreational field—a dance hall, bowling alley— such high hopes for the young people of today! The American Legion has been more than willing to see a step taken; they have offered to take it. It seems to me that through the combined efforts, planning, and financing of these various groups, some progress could be made. To raise the required amount of money is a question which can be answered in several different ways. Various methods have been suggested—control of Orleans County Fair, sales, lawn parties, and even individual donations. Taxation is the usual method of financ- ing such an undertaking. Through larger attendances at games profits would soon repay for the gym. Thirdly, we must consider a site for such a construction. No decisive location has been given but several suggestions have been made. The Legion’s desire to locate the building adjacent to its present hall has been argued against. One possibility could be the vacant lot beside or behind the hotel. Because the advantage of locating it near the school has been cited as a very important factor, someone mentioned the three-cornered lot at the further end of school street. This has several good points about it. If such a building came into being, its various uses other than for gymnastic purposes is unlimited. A combination gymnasium and auditorium with properly equipped dressing rooms, would be of great assistance to dramatic interests and for exercises such as graduation. The possession of a dance floor would be keenly appre- ciated by everyone. Another possibility could be the centralized unit consisting of a gymnasium, an auditorium, with Home Eco- nomics and Agricultural Departments also as part of the building. These last two ideas were discussed a few years ago but no active results occurred. The advantage and profit of such an addition to Orleans can definitely be emphasized with an example. Even towns smaller than Orleans have far better gymnastic opportunity. Morrisville, Milton PAGE TWENTY-EIGHT

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Better roads and streets, better laws and enforcement—and above all else, better driving—will bring this evil under control. No sudden or temporary crusade will do it, but the persistent effort of millions of people, each doing his part, will. In this movement for greater safety on the highways every one of us is needed. And the least we can do is drive our own cars just as well as we know how— and let’s start tonight. Greta Messier, ’46, Salutatorian. Valedictory JUST TALK? Rather than speaking about an international problem, or the atomic age, about which I know practically nothing, and quoting uninteresting figures, I’d like to think with you for a few minutes tonight about this once prevalent idea of a new gymnasium for Orleans High School. It’s certainly a problem with which we in Orleans are concerned, from you townspeople, who could act now, to you future students, who would benefit directly from results of such action. This subject has been discussed openly in the American Legion and Auxiliary, the Chamber of Commerce, the P. T. A., and prac- tically every organization here in town. In the beginning we hoped that enough interest would be aroused, so some course of action would be taken. Unfortunately, this new interest diminished; all discussion was dropped, and talk of a new gym simply died away. Although it faded orally, publicly, in my opinion there is still a great deal of thought and real interest. Therefore, let’s consider the question again, reviewing the advantages. In the first place, is there a need for this gymnasium? Our present gym would suffice—but that’s what everyone thought of the horse and buggy before the automobile came into use. Progress is definitely not made without change or improvement. One advantage, concerning the basketball games particularly, would be the use of a larger floor with ample seating conditions. You fans realize what a limited capacity we now have. It is practi- cally impossible to enjoy a game which is well attended. Without any obstructions, such as stairs or a balcony, we could possibly wit- ness a good game. It is very difficult to practice on a small floor and become accustomed to a larger court, like the one at the tourna- ment. It takes time for the boys to adjust themselves to the differ- PAGE TWENTY-SEVEN

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and Brattleboro are instances of success in appropriations for this type of undertaking. Why can’t we have a new gym? That is the stand the young people, especially, take today. It isn’t absurd or impossible you must agree. It is an opportunity for Orleans to prove itself to its younger generation. We, as citizens of a prosperous community, should be willing to do all that is in our power to push this move- ment on to success. Some of you may scoff at the idea, but more of you, I’m sure, would be glad to help credit Orleans with a new and modern building. As we in the graduating class of 1946 go out into the world tonight, we wish to thank you for your part in bringing us to this long awaited moment. The one thing in particular which we urge is that you help, not only the young people, but yourselves and your community by keeping this argument in mind, and not letting another decade slip by without further development. Must this issue be left as just talk” or can’t we make it an actual feat? Priscilla Bennett, ’46, Valedictorian. l'A(iK TWENTY-NINE