Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

Page 12 text:

The Whole Art Of T eachzng Dedication The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds, for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards! No teacher more profoundly demonstrates this art of instruction than the head of the mathematics department in our school. In this modern era in which knowledge of mathematics is increasingly of vital importance, Mr. Bur- ton F. Alexander stimulates interest by his presentation of .this subject, with especial emphasis on its relation to the world around us. A man of industry, competence and boundless energy, the accomplishments of his varied life are comparable to his successes in the field of education. His involvement in high school life, as it is elsewhere, is almost measureless. In addition to his duties as sponsor to the Missile business, circulation, and photographic staffs, he has been Senior class sponsor for the past two years. His interest and par- ticipation in many sports is continually exhibited, and there are few who can forget those anguished days after certain Yankee games. His influence is not limited to Petersburg High School, for Mr. Alexander conducts college extension courses at Fort Lee and a Men's Bible Class at Walnut Hill Baptist Church. But even a partial listing of his contributions to his city, as well as his high school, is not 'possible here. Mr. Alexander was graduated from Newark Academy in New Jersey, and received a B.S. degree from his beloved University of Virginia. He taught for a while at Stuarts Draft, Virginia, and in December of 1942 joined the Navy, receiving his training at Columbia University. After being commissioned an ensign in 1943, he served in many cam- paigns of the war, gaining two Bronze Stars in the invasion of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. At present he is a commander in the ready-reserves. In 1946 he moved to Petersburg, obtaining his master's degree in the same year. Mr. Alexander has realized the necessity for keeping abreast with changing curriculum and methods, and is now working on his doctorate at the University of Virginia. Therefore, if only as a small token of its pride, admira- tion, and gratitude for the accomplishments of a friend, sponsor, and teacher, the staff of the 1966 Missile dedicates this annual to one who has dedicated his life to the service of others-Mr. Burton F. Alexander. 1The Daughter of Clementine-Anatole France 6

Page 11 text:

As The Anchor Is Weighea' Before any journey begins, many questions must be answered. Where will I go? What will I do? What will I see? A travel agent is often called upon to map out the best course and show the points of interest. Thus the new students at Petersburg High School seek their guidance counselor before they start their careers. The curriculum is selected, and a direction is taken. This step completed, the student is ready to begin the voyage of high school life.

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The Awakening Of Young Minds MR. BURTON F. ALEXANDER Teacher, Sponsor, and Friend