Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

Page 33 text:

F. F. A The only national organization in Paxton Community High School is the Future Farmers of America. It has a local membership of fifty-two, the largest number since the department was organized fourteen years ago. Officers for the past year were: Wildon Metz, President; Fred Kellar, Vice-President; Harold Turner, Secretary; Robert McCabe, Treasurer; Norman Gustafson, Watch Dog; Jack Kenney, Reporter; and W. I. Bidner, Adviser. Meetings were held regularly the third Thursday of each month, during the sixth period. In addition, special night meetings were called whenever necessary. This year there was a change in the degrees a Future Farmer may receive. Freshmen or new students were called Green Hands and were required to have completed a home-supervised project to be eligible. The next degree was Chapter Farmers, which was attained by having $50.00 earned or invested, plus enrollment in a second-year agricultural class. State Farmers are chosen for outstanding qualities,, such as projects, scholarship, leadership, and earning power. American Farmers are those who are outstanding in the nation. Activities of the past year were: state and local fairs; Father and Son banquet, Community Service, selling garden seeds, labor enrollment, state convention, defense classes, swine insurance, and livestock improvement.

Page 32 text:

DRAMA CLUB During ’42 and ’43 our Drama Club, under the supervision of Miss Kitchell, and, later, Mr. Wilkinson, gained a great deal from the course. They had discussions, pantomimes, informal debates to develop poise and freedom of expression, gesture ex-ercises, choral reading, and individual readings. A new program of make-up work was carried out very successfully. Members of the Club helped on the make-up committees for the class plays and the grade school operetta. The new food rationing program was very well explained by a play distributed by the Government and presented by the Drama Club. Officers of the Club were: Betty Piper, President; Betty Frank, Vice-President; and Barbara Given, Secretary-Treasurer. The club boasted of a membership of twenty-nine. All of the members at some time during the year served on a committee, and assistant student directors were chosen to help in play production.

Page 34 text:

BAND . GIRLS’ CHORUS BOYS’ CHORUS When “Hawk” Frederick resigned at the beginning of this year, to enter active service, Miss Johnson took charge of the band of fifty-five members. Over half of these were new members or very inexperienced players. However, much was accomplished during the year. Public appearances included a marching and playing exhibit at our Homecoming football game, “Navy Day” program, Armistice Day program, an assembly concert and the annual spring concert on April 2, 1943. Every Tuesday and Thursday saw our music department at work. Seventy-five girls gathered in the auditorium to give their renditions of various types of songs. They sang rollicking songs such as “The Men from the Valley of Apple Pie” or sentimental, and even reverent songs, such as “Singing to My Love” and “Prayer Perfect.” Under the direction of Miss Janece Johnson, the girls have shown their ability as public performers. Their numerous appearances included an assembly program, Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises, and, as the high point of the year, a patriotic pageant which included the Boys’ Chorus. The Girls’ Ensemble has also been of service to the community and has made numerous public appearances. It is a group of nine girls whose voices were thought to blend exceptionally well. The accompanist for the chorus was Merle Lundeen, and for the Ensemble Irene Streeter and Merle Lundeen. This year has seen the Boys’ Chorus grow from a small organization to one with forty boys taking an active part in singing. They are, as are the other choruses, under the direction of Miss Johnson. The boys met in the auditorium every Monday and Wednesday to sing the songs which they especially enjoyed, such as “Army Air Corps”, “Marine’s Hymn”, and “Bridge of Friendship”. As well as the girls, the boys had an ensemble worth mentioning. They sang a great many songs a capella, and one of the most enjoyable was “Steal Away”. Public appearances were at Woman’s Club, P.T.A. and with the girls at Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises. The Boys’ Chorus also played an important part in making the patriotic pageant, given April 2, a success.