Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

Page 16 text:

O c minis ra ors CReminisce RUSSELL B. GILL College of William and Mary University of Virginia B.A., M.A. Mr. Russell B. Gill achieved his position as principal of Petersburg High School in 1943. Since this time, the pro- gression of our school under his leadership and guidance has resulted auspiciously. The Student Co-operative Association is the essence of our school life. The establishment of the S.C.A. has given the entire student body a unifying effect. Mr. Gill feels that “the organization and promotion of the student council was one of the most significant steps forward.” The efficacy of the “guidance counselor’s program” has led the school forward steadily. Mr. Gill states: “Guidance cuts across every area of school activity. The student ac- tivities program should be closely related to guidance. Co- ordinated with the guidance committee is the student coun- cil. We are fortunate in having a co-operative faculty who is truly concerned about the welfare of its students. I hon- estly think that the students realize this. The whole school is intricately interwoven for the best interest of its stu- dents.” The success of the Vocational Department has been a major feat. It has enabled students to graduate and imme- diately obtain a job in their field. Mr. Gill’s leadership has established P.H.S. as a compre- hensive school — one which prepares a student for college and for life in a vocation. He has justified our trust in his guidance and we are indebted to him for his dedication. EDWIN M. BETTS University of Virginia B.S., M.Ed. Our school could not prosper to its fullest capacity with- out the vital guidance of a proficient administrator. Mr. Edwin M. Betts, assistant principal, has flourished in this position since 1960. Before that time, he taught English, speech, and dramatics at Petersburg High for seven years. Mr. Betts, aided by his artistic ability, has contributed greatly to the memory of P.H.S. He brought worthwhile drama to the Petersburg High School stage with successful performances of Our Town, The Glass Menagerie, and The Diary of Anne Frank. Mr. Betts recollects, “The people who performed were real troopers. In several instances, some of the people who pai’ticipated in the plays have become pro- fessionals or semi-professionals in the theater.” Before serving as assistant principal of Petersburg High School, Mr. Betts contributed his patience and understand- ing to the students as S.C.A. advisor. Mr. Betts stated: “Not only have our students proved their leadership and capabilities at P.H.S., but also statewide. Elected from Petersburg High have been such important officials as the Secretary of the State S.C.A. and a committee member of the State Advisory Committee. We are very proud of our students who have represented us here at our school and in the state.”

Page 15 text:

IsOiinesses Senior G eremonies Gurricufa On graduation day, to the solemn strains of “Pomp and Circumstance”, the seniors, clad in robes of blue or white, march in procession across Cameron Field to their places in front of the speaker’s plat- form. Filing by the faculty, each recalls moments spent with particular teachers. One may be reminded of formulas in geometry, algebra, or chemistry, or agonizing days in solid geometry or trigonometry, an- other of drawing red lines in bookkeeping, while still another may remember freshman days in Latin, biology, or physical education. Some teacher’s particular theory or words of advice, his prejudices and opinions may be recalled by some, while no one could forget junior and senior literature tests and term papers. The faculty, too, have memories, as they, in turn, watch each senior pass by. Standing, and thereby honoring the class, the instructors may recall some student’s special qualities, witty remarks in class, or perhaps someone’s older brother or sister taught in years past. Each teacher, too, makes a mental note in his diary of memory as, once more, a senior class leaves, while yet another stands by to take its place.

Page 17 text:

The Three Musketeers — Miss Prichard, Miss Curlin, and Miss Boswell — begin the secretarial day with organized confusion. Overheard between Pri- vate Payne and Col. Lloyd, “Clear the decks for— WHAT?” Our reliable librarians, Mrs. Dodge and Mrs. Litchfield, breathe a sigh of relief as they finish straightening the encyclopedias. Mr. Cook, Coach Tyler, Mr. Jean, and Mr. Baxter relax in front of the maintenance office before another school day begins. Mr. Zaruba looks dubiously at Miss Ruffin and Miss Wrenn as they insist that they ARE teachers. 13