Palo Alto High School - Madrono Yearbook (Palo Alto, CA)

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George E. Mercer Charles Snyder Walter H. Nichols Faculty Adviser President Faculty Adviser The Betterment Committee One of the most noteworthy and profitable undertakings of the present school year was the formation of a commission to which was assigned the promotion and carrying out of plans for a number of important improvements in connection with the school building and grounds. f Owing to unavoidable delays, it was many months after the bonds were voted for the erection of the new I'nion High School, that the contract was let. In the meantime, with the great war in progress, there was a heavy increase in the costs of labor and ma- terials. All bids for completing the work according to the original plans were far above the amount of the bond issue, and the Trus- tees had either to be satisfied to leave certain portions of the build- ings unfinished or abandon tlie project entirely. They wisely decided to go ahead and spend the funds in providing for the absolutely indispensable features of the original plans. It is now evident that many things necessarily omitted at that time must be provided, if the work of the school is not to suffer. Instead of leaving this ques- tion entirely to the work of the Board of Trustees, the students have set about to be of real assistance in this direct On through the School Betterment Committee of six members, of which Charles Snyder is chairman. Early in the present school year, this committee laid out a constructive program, including plans for the beautification of the grounds, the installation of hot showers for the boys, and the addi- tion of necessary improvements to the incomplete auditorium. The first drive for funds was begun the latter part of last De- cember. and was remarkably successful. 'I'llrough the co-operation of the townspeople and the students, about eighteen hundred dollars were pledged toward this fund. Substantial additions to this have been made from the receipts of the Campanile Cabaret held in Feb- ruary, from the Carnival and Athletic Show in April, and from the play written and staged very successfully by Mr. Nichols early in [151

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Board of Commissioners Douglas King. ’21 George Hays, ’20 Horace Martin,’ 20 Brooks Ilindcs, ’20 Davie Cobh. 2i Francis Olaine. ’22 Richard Shaw. 22 Buford Toney, '21 Walter Hays, '20 Since the commission form of student body government was adopted by the school, some three years ago. we have had sonic of the most competent and enthusiastic students in the school at the head of affairs. This year the school has been especially fortunate in its selection of students to till the offices of the Hoard of Commission- ers. Every one of the persons elected has discharged his duties faithfully and well, and has set a wonderful example of service and loyalty to all future commissioners.

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May. In addition to all this money realized, scenery and stage equipment valued at about two hundred dollars have been installed. This is a very creditable record for the first year. It simply shows what can lie accomplished when we all set out with real enthusiasm and determination to do something worth while. The very hearty spirit with which the people of the community have joined forces with ns, is in every way commendable. .Many have helped in a splendid way. and especially have the services of Mr. Dallas Wood of the Palo Alto Times, Mrs. Edwin Thomas of the Parent-Teacher Association, and of Dr. I tarry P». Reynolds been of the utmost value. But in spite of this fine showing, we must not be led to feel that the work is done. It has only begun. The Betterment Committee has set a high standard for its suc- cessors to strive to reach. We should make the organization per- manent, having seen how much good can be accomplished through it. In another way, other than a purely material one, has this movement been of real value. It has revealed to us a new way to express our loyalty to the school, a new stimulus for that school spirit which brings us all together to win, whether it he on the foot- ball held, on the track, or in doing big things for the permanent development of the school. (These pictures are of two acts of the annual cabaret, this year managed by the Betterment Committee for the benefit of the “Hot Showers' fund.) (See Page 29.) 11G]