Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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6THE SENIOR HISTORT In September, 1933, an enthusiastic group of freshmen entered P. C. H. S. They suffered the usual trials of becoming acclimated to high school life. It wasn’t long, however, until this teacher and that one were commenting about their experiences with these pupils. As is always the case, some undertook all their duties with a keen sense of responsibility and seriousness. One example of their initiative spirit was the writing of a school song which was presented during the sophomore year. Year by year there have been members of the class that have efficiently and consistently grasped the subject matter studied and have proven that they have made progress in learning how to think. Each of the four years has found members of their class becoming leaders in the extracurricular activities such as band, glee clubs, athletics, dramatics, student council, and the F. F. A. Needless to say there have been times when they, as individuals or as a class, have not lived up to the expectations of their instructors. Generally speaking, they have manifested a spirit of cooperation, sportsmanship, and leadership which any class could well follow as an example. I, for one, have enjoyed working with them during their four years. —A Teacher My first impression of these seniors was the time when they were merely “sophs.” They were high and mighty toward us green freshmen, but, as the year progressed, the sophomores began to treat us with some respect. They handed out their worldly advice with a free hand. During the next year the juniors made several outstanding contributions to the school, and our opinion of them rose again. It is their senior year in which their accomplishments gained for them the affection of the entire student body. It was up to this class to maintain the reputation which P. C. H. S. had acquired, and they have come through with flying colors! —A Junior The seniors were only juniors when we came to high school. They seemed so important to us, especially when they began talking about their play and banquet. We have had a lot of fun with them in class basketball, contests and other school activities. The class of 1937 has always proved to be good sports though loyal to their class and to P. C. H. S. The sophomores are going to find it hard to put substitutes in their places. —A Sophomore The most important event of my life, entering high school, had one big “if” to me. Could I get by the upper classmen without too many mistakes? It really wasn’t so bad for the seniors showed us when, where, and how to go. They have set an example during our first year of high school which I hope our class can follow. —A Freshman

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ACTIVITIES OUR SCHOOL: ITS COURSES AND ACTIVITIES P. C. H. S.—Within her walls there lies a wealth of opportunity. She maintains a well-rounded and carefully planned curriculum for all who attend. Every student receives individual attention in the planning of his schedule to enable him to make the most of the opportunities at hand. Besides the regular academic studies, he has access to complete additional courses in the practical field and interesting work in outside activities. Included in the curriculum are a four-year course in English and a two-year course in both French and Latin. In the fields of history there are ancient and medieval, modern, world, and American, also civics. Science offers general science, biology, chemistry, and physics. A valuable commercial course is elective and includes shorthand, typing, bookkeeping, commercial law, and commercial arithmetic. The home economics department offers one year each of both sewing and cooking. Practical courses are available in manual training and agriculture. With all these at his command the responsibility for making the most of them lies with the individual. Extracurricular activities have a definite place in the high school’s program—in fact, they furnish the basis for the so-called “school life.” There is a certain definite exhilaration and enjoyment that comes from having been a part of an important organization. These activities are invaluable in the training they afford the student to prepare himself to take an active and constructive part in society as a useful citizen. The outside activities are optional with the individual but the average student participates in at least one or more of them. Paxton has always prided itself on its music department which includes both the band and the glee clubs. Those interested in the literary field find work on the school paper, in the Junior and Senior play, in the annual literary contests, and on the Reflector Staff. The Future Farmers, an active organization of nation-wide significance, has a chapter at P. C. H. S. The students have a voice in self-government through the medium of the Student Council, consisting of a representative group from the entire student body. Athletics, too, in the form of football, basketball, baseball, and track, receive a strong backing from the majority of the student body. It is the participants in such activities who, through their zealous efforts, form the nucleus of P. C. H. S.