Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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Mr. Ralph Stronach Band Director seven

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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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OUR FACULTY RELAXING AFTER A Edwin M. Betts, B. S University of Virginia Mr. Edwin M. Betts, assistant principal, has been associated with Petersburg High School since 1953. In that time he has taught English, speech, and dramatics. He also has been in charge of all dramatic productions, each of which has been a credit to the school. As our assistant principal, he has shown true patience and friendliness toward all students. His extra activities are numerous. They in- clude the Chairmanship of the State SCA Ad- visory Committee. Also he has been on the Board of Managers of the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teach ers. Just recently he was elected presi- dent of District D of Virginia Education Associa- tion, thus making him a member of the VEA Board. Russell B. Gill, B. A., M. A. College of William and Mary, University of Virginia Mr. Russell B. Gill, the principal of Peters- burg High School, has been with us since 1943. During this time he has devoted his energy and time to the improvement and development of Petersburg High School. The students are very indebted to Mr. Gill for the encouragement and help he has given. His undying patience marks him as a gentleman and his wisdom marks him as a scholar. His ability as a leader is well-known through- out the state. He is past president of the Depart- ment of Secondary Schools of Virginia; he is Chairman of the Group One Board of Virginia; also, he is a member of the Virginia Committee Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. eight