Pontiac Senior High School - Quiver Yearbook (Pontiac, MI)

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Co-operation Builds Citizens by Marvin Geasler Compared to the schools of fifty years ago, public schools of 1941 are modern miracles. Today they are sel¬ dom one room buildings with one teacher doing the work. The many duties necessary to maintain the complex schools of today are now done by hundreds of people. No longer do students endure inadequate buildings, inferior heating, insufficient lighting, mediocre teaching, and many other things that can hinder or prevent successful schools. In their place we have huge fireproof buildings that are well ventilated, warm, clean, and sanitary, lighting that has been scientifically studied to lessen the strain on the students’ eyes, teachers who have studied their profession for years, and hooks that are the fruit of years of research and are prepared to give to one and all the well-rounded education that is so necessary to successful living. All of th is would not be possible in Pontiac Senior High School if it were not for the hundreds of people that are either directly or indirectly connected with our school. One of the most important and least appi-eciated of th is group is John Q. Public. He is our barber, doctor, factory worker, business man, parents, or any other person who is in some way responsible for Pontiac High School. He has in his hands the real administration and financing of our school, and has constantly demanded higher stand¬ ards and a better education for the young people that step into his shoes. If it were not for Mr. John Q. Public, there would he none of the modern schools that we are so proud of today. The general running of a school is usually left to the principal and assistant principal. In Pontiac High School this is in the very capable hands of Mr. John Thors, Jr., and his assistant, Mr. James Covert. Together they keep the school running smoothly, straighten out any difficulties that may arise during a school year, and always keep the future of the students in mind. The teachers in Pontiac Hi gh School have prepared themselves by years of study to educate the students of Pontiac. They are always ready and willing to give any needed help to all students in their care. Working very closely with Mr. Thors, Mr. Covert, and the teachers is Mr. Robert B. French, superintendent of the schools in Pontiac. Mr. French is in charge of all Page three Engrossed in a problem of Chemistry, Elizabeth Robbins and fields. Through the interest and co-operation of the individuals David Bauchat typify the students of P. H. S. interested in their on the faculty, all students are given this opportunity, work and eager to attain a high standard in their respective Picture by Gunnar George ,

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— Photo by William Fitzgerald A Campus of Beauty - An Atmosphere of Learning Centered on one of the most beau¬ tiful campuses in the state, Pontiac High School has an enrollment of more than 2,000 students. The school has more than 75 com¬ pletely equipped classrooms, two splendid gymnasiums, a swimming pool, an auditorium seating more than 900 people, a cafeteria, book¬ store which supplies both students and teachers with classroom equip¬ ment, and a well-filled library. For the student who will step at once into the business world, an ex¬ cellent commercial course is offered. For the scholar planning a profession, the college course is acceptable by Universities throughout the country. For the boy interested in mechanics, courses are offered in drafting, auto¬ motives, printing, and many others. Pontiac High has pioneered in the development of apprentice and busi¬ ness training programs which com¬ bine formal education and practical work experience. In this period of national emergen¬ cy, Pontiac High School has kept pace with the times. A course in aircraft mechanics is taught as well as many afternoon and evening courses in de¬ fense industrial work for adults. The school boasts one of the finest hands in the country and has a splendid orchestra. Students inter¬ ested in voice will find an excellent choir as well as both hoys’ and girls’ glee clubs. The basketball and football teams are among the state’s best. Many other sports are offered, to suit any taste. In addition a large number of extra¬ curricular activities is available. In its well-rounded curriculum and well equipped buildings, Pontiac High School prepares its share of Young America for their places in a Democracy. Pontiac High School - One a the j ned

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Mr. John J. Thors, Jr. has been principal of Pontiac Senior High School for the past eleven years. He was a former teacher of history from September, 1921 to June, 1925. Mr. Thors was made assistant principal in September, 1925, and held this position for approximately five years. At the end of this time matters concerning Pontiac schools and is always looking for means of improving our school system and keeping our standards high on the reduced budget with which he must work. Mr. French makes any suggestions that he may have to the school board, comprising Mr. Harold L. Blackwood, Mr. Joseph H. Moon, Mr. W. Archie Parker, Mr. Erwin Mr. Frank DuFrain came to Pontiac High School in 1921 as principal of the school. He continued in this capacity until 1931, when he took over the position that he still holds, that of Assistant Superintendent of Schools. he took over the duties of principal. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Mr. James C. Covert came into our ranks eleven years ago, in 1930. Before taking up his present duties, he attended the Michigan College of Mining Technology at Houghton, Michigan; State Normal College at Ypsilanti, and the University of Michigan. O. Slater, Mr. Milo D. McLintock, Mr. Ferdinand N. Thiefels, and Mr. Louis H. Schimmel. The members of the board then act on his suggestions or any others that may be made. Governor Murray D. VanWagoner and State Super¬ intendent of Education, Dr. Eugene Elliot, both alumni of Pontiac Senior High, help greatly to improve Michigan schools and to keep the standards of our school at the high point they are today. Keeping the files of Pontiac High School in order, issuing lockers, book cards, and giving out information are duties of Mrs. Marguerite Houghton, Miss Fannie Newton, and Miss Marietta Beach. As to the maintenance of our building, Pontiac High is kept warm, clean, and orderly by a janitorial staff which includes Alec Aitken, George Provan, Robert Sanders, Thomas Hyde, Henry Hagerman, Harold Bowmaster, C. A. Plumb, Rose Schultz, Grace Jackson, and Alice Birrell. In our cafeteria we have Mrs. Ferris, director of all the cafeterias in the Pontiac school system, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. LaClear, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Amidon, and Mrs. Mogg who plan the thousands of student lunches to give the most appetizing and nutritious meals at the lowest cost. These many people keep Pontiac Senior High School running, and are responsible for its well-being. They are the ones to whom we owe our thanks. Therefore, we of the Quiver Staff, representing the students of Pontiac High School, dedicate our hook to them with the hope that they will continue their work, making industrious, dear-thinking, clear-headed, intelligent citizens out of the students who have been placed in their hands. Page four