Paris High School - Arena Yearbook (Paris, IL)

Page 9 text:

fc What could be more appropriate in such troubled times than an emphasis upon America’s greatest heritage. Democracy? We all agree that a democracy is vitally dependent upon the universal education of its people. Since it is the purpose of our democratic pub- lic schools to shape and mold the students into intelligent citizens, we, of the Arena staff, have chosen Education In a Democracy” as the theme for the 1940 yearbook. Never has a greater need existed for good citizenship and interest in the institutions which teach it and support it. Our country is flooded with foreign isms”; and it is the duty of our democratic schools to produce in- telligent men and women to fight, not against these foreign isms”, but to fight for the only ism” true to our democracy—Americanism! We of America cannot fully realize the ad- vantages of education in our democracy over the training given to the youth of foreign lands. The youth of the dictatorships arc trained with wooden guns and military drills and exercises; we, of the democracy, are trained with the ideals of citizenship. This book is the Staff’s presentation of Education In a Democracy.” OUR SCHOOL P3a This section contains the pic- tures of the faculty and organiza- tion groups with a historical sketch of each. ITS ATHLETICS fe An accurate account of all ath- letic events in story and picture is recorded in this division. AND STUDENTS te This is the album section, fea- turing the seniors and lower class- men with accompanying stories.

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AN IDEAL AMERICAN CITIZEN I am proud to be an American because the Ameri- can purpose, born of brotherly love and human equality, is to serve; not to rule. This idea is expressed in our homes, our churches, and our representative democracy. America serves me; I serve America; and, through her, I serve the world. There is pride in service. These arc the words of a true American. These are the words of Susanne Taflinger, a 1939 graduate of Paris High. When asked Why are you proud to be an American?” Susanne expressed in fifty-five words what might well be the creed of all America. Surely the future of democratic society is assured as long as students such as Susanne emerge from the class rooms of our nation’s high schools. In addition to nation wide attention, Susanne re- ceived from thcGruen Watch Company one thousand dollars and a gold Gruen wrist watch as first prize. The school was given five hundred dollars in addition, but Miss Wenz immediately donated this amount to the same purpose as the other,—to Susanne’s future education. Susanne has long been an honored student at Paris High, both in scholastics and girls’ athletics. In her expression of the ideals of America, Susanne has set an example of Americanism, patriotism, and citizen- ship which might well be followed by everyone.