Polytechnic High School - Polytechnic Student Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

Page 28 text:

THE POLYTECHNIC STUDENT 19 3 4 W ' 34 SELF-GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES £ Thirty years ago at the old Commercial High School the idea of self- government was born when Mr. Francis, the principal, placed several boys on their honor to straighten out some damage that had been done. This brought about the election of student officers whose duty it was to maintain order in the school. In the Polytechnic Student of 1907 we read that a committee of boys and girls met twice a week to try cases. In 1910 the system was expand- ing to such an extent that auditorium and hall committees were appointed for the first time. Self-government was no longer spoken of as an innovation, for many high schools had adopted it. In 1921 a new system of a three-man jury form of trial was introduced when president, vice-president, and secretary made joint decisions. About 1923 the merit system was inaugurated, permitting a student to increase his original one hundred merits by scholarship, service, or perfect attendance. During the past years we have had a desk monitor or sergeant for each period, and a campus and desk chairman for the boys ' and girls ' cabinet respectively, and a bounds committee for boys. Self-Government representatives who have a good record are stationed each period at various posts, in the main library, and in the architectural library. The history of Self-Government has steadily been one of growth in the ideals of democracy and cooperation. Virginia G. Dasso, Adviser, Girls ' Self-Government 26

Page 27 text:

1934 THE POLYTECHNIC STUDENT P S ' 34 Self-Government Cabinet Bill Haggerty, President Louise Berry. President Doris Currier, Vice-President Justin Costello, Vice-President Richard Gwartney, Secretary-Treasurer Ruth Golde. Secretary-Treasurer Verne Debney. Student Adviser Harry Vournas. Student Adviser Humberto Manriquez, Chairman of Halls Jean Rogers, Chairman of Halls Mrs. Dasso. Faculty Adviser Carl Zink. Chairman of Cafeteria Johnny Kalinich, Chairman of Bounds Sally Slosberg. Desk Chairman Liberty Tassopoulos, Chairman of Aud Quentin Rinde, Chairman of Aud Elbert Gipple, Campus Chairman Charline Hurt, Campus Chairman 25

Page 29 text:

1934 THE POLYTECHNIC STUDENT S ' 34 SELF-GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES One of man ' s characteristics is the desire for self-government. This has become more pronounced as education has spread among the races of the world. Today every nation of importance is endeavoring to direct its own affairs. This idea of self-expression grew slowly but surely among political and social groups. Finally, with the development of education and the recogni- tion of the school as a community of young citizens with responsibilities like those of adults, the idea of self-government gained foothold among educators. It is only natural and desirable that student government be given a place in the schools, for during these years many life habits are formed, and no habit is more desirable than self-control, both for the individual and for society as a whole. Then, too the desire for self-government, in whatever group found, is usually connected with certain traits of the people, such as an awakening to the meaning and possibilities of life for all, readiness to share in the burdens and responsibilities of government, and willingness to pay the price for liberty. Finally, we may conclude that the spirit of self-government is an indication of the ideals which dominate the school. It signifies that the importance of regulated conduct is recognized, that there is an active cooperation between faculty and students for the general welfare, and that practical training for democracy is in progress. Lee S. Pratt, Adviser, Boys ' Selj -Government 27