Perth Amboy High School - Reflections / Periscope Yearbook (Perth Amboy, NJ)

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HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1925 FRESHMAN, Sophomore, Junior, Senior—the End. How hard it is to realize that these few words actually spell our whole High School career, that these very High School days are soon to he over, that it is but for a short while longer that we may lay claim to the imposing title of “Seniors.” On contemplating these facts it is natural that our thoughts should often revert to scenes long past, honors won, deeds accomplished, all happy reminders of our High School life. Impossible though it may seem, we were Freshmen once. Never were we more anxious to enter school than on that day in September when we first delved into the mysteries of High School life, never more anxious to remain quiet than at that moment when Mr. Kleinhans entered the auditorium to give us our schedules. At first, we confess, it was rather confusing, but in a few days we understood perfectly what was expected of us, and with this understanding we entered very enthusiastically into the various school activities. We boasted athletes, actors, musicians, and especially writers. Of the abilities of the latter we find ample proof in the two essay, contests conducted at this time. In the first, an essay on thrift, H. Kocsik won first prize, while R. Clevenger came out second. In the second, in Cleap-up Week, R. Spitzer won first prize, and again R. Clevenger received second honors. Examinations (quite an exciting event for us Freshmen) soon arrived and vacation followed. The two months seemed an eternity. We were eager to return—as Sophomores, determined to gain prominence for ourselves. M. Palo, E. Falkenstrom ,and H. Ford, who held positions on the girls’ and boys’ Varsity basketball teams, helped to secure some of the popularity we sought. B. Petersen and J. Deutch, talented musicians, whose violins charmed many audiences in Chapel, made the Sophomores stand out in another way. Our dance. Of course we held one—a very successful one indeed. Here again our prominence was asserting itself. A few months more and we had undergone a remarkable change—in name. We, who a little while ago had been green, trodden upon Freshmen, were now Juniors. Juniors! Why, the very first day Mr. Kleinhans warned us against the deadly results of the disease referred to as “swelled headedness.” He told us that the Seniors were the easiest victims of the germ, but that it was contagious; Juniors too were wont to catch it. Of course we would be careful—but, well, you know how it is—it does feel fine to be an upperclassman. Thinking over our Freshman and Sophomore years, we found that they had been very good ones. Why shouldn’t our Junior year be better? In this mood we organized, the first time in our three years at Amboy

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3w In remembrance of our classmate 3M«t Bulim i HE entire school, as well as the Class of 1925, will always remember John for his willing disposition, his high standards and the joy of his personality. Esteemed and loved by all who were privileged to know him, he has left us the memory of a friend whose place cannot be filled

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High. The results of the election were: President, J. Mandel; Vice-President. W. Brandwein ; Treasurer, A. Schwartz ; Secretary, R. Spitzer. Arrangements for a dance were made but because a few of us misunderstood the meaning of class spirit, the dance that was to be, was not. We soon awakened to our responsibilities as Juniors, however! We had made a resolution. We were going to keep it! We did! M. Palo and E. Falkenstrom again represented us on the girls’ basketball Varsity team, while J. Mandel joined H. Ford in the boys’. T. Fennessy held a prominent position on the baseball Varsity, and we were represented on the football team. Many of the Juniors held offices in the Athletic Council. Dramatic Club, Library Club and Debating Team. B. Jorgensen won the gold medal in the Declamation contest. And so another year passed. September found us, strange to say, not the least bit reluctant to return to school. But why should we be ? We were Seniors !!! Informed by previous Senior classes of the work confronting fourth year students, we started right in. First came class organization, with the result that A. Jochen became President of the Senior Class; J. Stack, Vice-President; L. Walker, Treasurer, and W. Hance, Secretary. R. Encherman later filled the vacancy left by W. Hance, who left school. At one of the first meetings of the class, Commencement Program and Class Ring Committees were appointed. Our rings were to arrive for Christmas. They failed to do so, and the class felt keen disappointment—they had waited so long. Consolation was offered in that the rings were bound to arrive after the Chrstmas holidays. Well, that was something to look forward to anyway. Certainly we were a lucky class! Unlike other Senior classes there was no doubt attached to our trip to Washington. It was no illusion ; it was to be a fact. With this in mind, the Seniors held their bazaar on December 5th. 1924. Again luck favored us, for despite the stormy night our bazaar was not one of the greatest successes, but the greatest success of any affair ever held by the High School students. We actually made nine hundred dollars, a sum far exceeding our goal. Not too many thanks can be given those of the faculty who so willingly gave their time and effort for the success of our bazaar. When the last half rolled round introducing Problems, and Mr. Bartlett informed us that one notebook would be the requirement and not three, we couldn’t but congratulate ourselves in our luck. But—when we were told of special topics and how the notebooks must be prepared—well, we knew there was a catch somewhere. Arrangements for our Washington trip have already been made and the .30th of April is being anxiously awaited. From the enthusiasm shown it surely is going to be an ideal trip. The cast of “Seventeen,” the play to be presented by the Dramatic Club this year, has been chosen and rehearsals are under way. The Seniors are expecting a rip-roaring success. Graduation yet remains. After that we cannot tell. Yet, we are confident that our experiences in P. A. H. S. have equipped us perfectly for the future, that what we have learned is far more valuable than gold. Now that the time has arrived, we hate to leave, but, oh, well! All’s well that ends well. Rose Spitzer.