Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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DEDICATION Few teachers in the vast realm of modern education are as admired and respected as Mr. Ralph H. Stronach, instrumental music teacher and band di- rector. Mr. Stronach received his B. M. degree in musical education from the New England Conservatory of Music. He is an honorary member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Society. Mr. Stronach’s contributions to our school and community have been numer- ous and outstanding; perhaps their significance is best shown by his leadership ability. In the past twenty years he has single-handedly m olded the Petersburg High School Band into what it is today, an organization with prestige in which the students can take pride. The band faithfully attends every football game and pep rally, and is ready for performance whenever our school or community needs its services. Under Mr. Stronach’s leadership the band has grown both in size and in statue; the marching band now ranks more than a hundred members and rates among the best in the area. In the spring the concert band helps to promote a finer appreciation of the more classical musical scores. The most outstanding quality in Mr. Stronach’s life is devotion — devotion to his school, community, friends, and, most of all, his lasting devotion to his students. His interest in their lives and ambitions is deep and sincere. Each year through his patience, guidance, and understanding, he enriches the lives of the students who know him, love him, and respect him. So often credit is not given where credit is due. So often many of us over- look the fact that if it were not for the hard work that is done behind the scenes, the presentation would not be the success that it often is. Mr. Stronach is the man behind the scenes; he unselfishly gives all of the credit to the band mem- bers, and asks little for himself. His life is centered on his students, and through them he is given his reward. Few know the pride and satisfaction that he takes in his students and just how great his reward is, for Mr. Stronach is one man among many who can look back on his years at Petersburg High School and say, “Job well done.” So it is to Mr. Ralph H. Stronach, in recognition and appreciation for his twenty years of faithful and devoted service to our school and community, that the Missile Staff of 1962 affectionately dedicates the 1962 Missile. six

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OF THE PHS MISSILE FOR 1962 five There is much student activity on the front porch during the noon recess.

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Mr. Ralph Stronach Band Director seven