Pennell Institute - Whirlpool Yearbook (Gray, ME)

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8 The ‘Whirlpool Extra-Curricula Activities From a student viewpoint some of the changes and improvements in extra-curricula activities at Pennell this year have been noteworthy. We students particularly like the decreased emphasis on ranks alone, and the increased attention to more full participation in outside activities. For the first time this year students of average ability have a chance to be on an honor roll. This new honor roll is called the Good Citizenship List and has requirements that most students can meet: Passing grade and participa- tion in three or more outside activities. One of the most pleasing things to the writer is to see not only the large number making the list but also the number of students who have above average rank. To accomplish this change a much larger number of worthwhile out- side activities was needed. For the first time in years we have had extensive interclass and interschool sports, the musical organizations have been aug- mented, developed and put right in the regular school curriculum, and as a group we have participated in all school hikes. roller skating parties, visit to the auto show, and game periods. We students easily see that through the efforts of our faculty, Pennell is regaining its former rank in schools of its size. Let us, as students, cooper- ate with the faculty and work for the school by competing in activities and specializing in those in which we are best suited. In this way we can place Pennell first in sports and activities as it has been in the past. ANNIE THIBODEAU. Student Council Student council this year has filled a much-needed place in our school life. For a long time we have needed a student governing board to take up and discuss student problems, and to help govern the school with the fac- ulty. With this in mind we took particular care to see that the students we elected were truly representative of our classes. In this modern world of Dictatorships peoples are not only losing freedom, but all ability to govern themselves. To preserve our democracy we must not only be taught democratic principles but we must actually put them in practice. We must be able to choose good representatives, to carry responsibility, to learn to govern ourselves, and to abide by the majority decision. In closing we have one suggestion to make: We should have next year more student participation, we should carry more responsibility, and we should, through student pressure, either influence or abide by the decision of these chosen representatives. Bas: Senior Class In September, 1938, the Class of '39 started on its final year at Pen- nell Institute. We now have the main room to ourselves as the Juniors are housed in the new laboratory. At the first class meeting Ralph Sawyer was elected president; Everett Doughty, vice-president; June Hall, secretary; and Arvilla Humphrey, treasurer. Willis Hancock and Arvilla Humphrey were chosen Senior repre- sentatives to serve on the student council. Mr. Richards is our class advisor.

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‘The Whirlpool 7 In 1899 the present science laboratory was erected, a brick building to replace a former somewhat makeshift wooden structure. The old building was sold and moved from the campus in 1903 to the residence of J. W. Stevens, where it was used to house an acetylene gas plant. The courses gradually changed, being adapted little by little to the needs and demands of the students. In the early 'teen years, a teachers’ course was introduced, in the place of the so-called English course, which had somewhat overlapped the general course in usefulness. The new course, offered to Juniors and Seniors, gave training in psychology and teaching methods, and provided an opportunity for practice teaching for several weeks in town schools, under competent supervision. About this time the first school orchestra of four pieces was formed, under the leader- ship of Gardner Morrill, who played the clarinet, with Aldine Osgood, pianist; Evelyn Bishop, cellist; and an outside member. This orchestra was short-lived as a school group, tho' effective. During these years and as late as 1920, no dancing was permitted at school functions, so that class events ( most of which were held at Memorial Hall) were inevitably followed by a social of marching games. Then came the war, and many of Pennell’s graduates were among the more than 40 young men from Gray who served their country here and in France in the American army. One alumnus, LeRoy А. Fogg, of the class of 1911, met his death in service at Fort Williams in the fall of 1918. It is both signifi- cant and interesting that Major J. D. Anderson, trustee of Pennell Institute, welcomed on these school grounds the homecoming boys in 1919. For Major Anderson, when an officer in the Union Army, trained recruits on this same campus, then a muster grounds, for service in the Civil War. In the early '20's a period of change and readjustment took place at Pennell: Study hours were repealed, dancing was permitted, and the school took on a new lease of life. An increasing number of students continued their education after graduating; later the preparatory class was abolished. Musical groups including glee clubs and a school orchestra were formed; the WHIRLPOOL was launched. The teachers’ course was dropped, owing to new State requirements in teacher training. and an agricultural course was instituted. This was popular until supplanted a few years ago by a manual arts course for boys and a household arts course for girls. The scope of athletics has been increased with a consequently greater school spirit. Inter- scholastic prize speaking has been a great advantage. [= Not the least post- war change was the discovery and new application of the meaning of psychology in student and teacher relationships. Form- erly unguessed qualities of leadership are being developed until the present Sophomore student possesses as much assurance and initiative as the Senior of former days. With what surprise the compilers of the first catalog who wrote of the original building: The building is large, commodious and commanding, with room ample to accommodate all who will be likely at any time to attend, would view the fine new gymnasium, the splendid gift of Mr. George Newbegin! Probably no other change has contributed so much to the welfare and happiness of so many people in all the 50 years of the school's existence. The appreciation of the students and an active alumni body for this gift is very real. is а During all the years the school has maintained ап А rating at the State department and with the College Certificate Board. Pennell graduates have represented the school with credit at some of the largest and finest colleges in the country, and scattered over a wide area, are holding excellent positions of responsibility. Eva M. BISHOP, Class of 1914.

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The Whirlpool 9 Those Seniors in the orchestra and new Pennell band are: Mildred Hayes, Arvilla Humphrey, William Duplisea, and William Taylor. On the boys’ basketball team are the following Seniors: Ralph Sawyer, Willis Hancock, and Raimond Winslow. On the girls’ team are: Kay Jordan, Frances Field, and June Hall. 7 The Senior track boys are: Willis Hancock, Ralph Sawyer, and Sidney eavitt. To help earn money for our class trip to the New York World's Fair the second week of May we have had several food sales and a Senior Fair. We have also received a donation of ten dollars from Professor and Mrs. Whitehead of Harvard. This year we decided to have two one-act plays rather than one three- act play. In Who Gets the Car Tonight? were Raimond Winslow, Vivian Boyd, Mildred Hayes, Robert Glass, and Walter Hinds. In the other, Swept Clean Off Her Feet, were: Kay Jordan, Arvilla Humphrey, June Hall. William Duplisea, Willis Hancock, and Ralph Sawyer. In March the honor parts were announced. Frances Field is valedic- torian; William Duplisea, salutatorian; and Kay Jordan, Honor Essay. Ralph Sawyer and Arvilla Humphrey were also selected to speak at graduation. Those participating in the Senior Class Day exercises are: Mildred Hayes, June Hall, Vivian Boyd, Willis Hancock, Polly Knudsen, Sidney Leavitt, Robert Glass. Whether it has been realized or not, the Senior class has appreciated the help of the teachers. These four years have been full of success and hap- piness, and for us they will always recall pleasant memories. JUNE HALL.