Portsmouth High School - Legend Yearbook (Portsmouth, RI)

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I remember —the first school dance —with a reception line, where there were more teacher and staff cou- ples than there were students. The en- tire faculty was there. George Mello Eager faces- Somber looks - Sparkling eyes - Knotted brows - Happy smiles - Concerned Frowns - Friendly greet- ings - Understanding nods - Corridors filled with bustling people - The babble of conversation - Giggling girls - Rau- cous boys - Cheering crowds - A class- room of intent readers - disappoint- ment • happiness - questioning looks - Smiles of discovery - Frustration- Joy of graduation • comraderie - good friends - memorable moments - Antici- pation - continuing Challenge and hope of education. This is Portsmouth High School to me. Guidance Mr. Cataldo Dept. Head 20 J. T. Dwyer Mrs McGaw Nurse Mrs Fitzgerald

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Mr. Flood Mr Mello and Mr Kitchen Mrs Reise Mr Flood Mrs Witkos Mrs Andrade 19 Mrs. Gabriel Mrs White Mrs Brown

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Cafeteria And Custodial Staff Mrs Ferreira Mrs Melacon Mrs Silvia Mr Ney Mr Silvia Mr Lavoie Mr Rivers Head Custodian Mr Arkins Mr Smith Mr Nunes Mr Martmeau Mr. Rivers with Mr. Sandan, Mrs. Stinton's father FACE TO FACE by Tony Silvia There are few people at P.H.S. who can boast of having worked here since our school opened its doors some seven years ago People come and go. but Mr. Rivers, our head custodian, has been here ever since the building was built. “It’s one of the greatest jobs I’ve ever had.” Mr. Rivers beamed in his bright Irish accent recently. “I’ve always been interested in children and when I see what this school has to offer What do I like the most about my work? The surroundings of the whole job. meeting new people, seeing new kids start at the seventh grade and go on to graduate.......You know I’ve had the honor of going through every graduating class this school has ever had. the dedication of the football field, in fact every first this school has ever had. I’ve been there.” Originally from upstate New York. Mr Rivers was one in a family of ten and a result of “not enough money to go around.” had to go to work at an early age. “In those days, dreams were not dreams, the reality was you had to make money to support your family. he reflects. Then, fol- lowing a five year term in the service, he moved to Portsmouth, where he has lived with his wife and two sons (aged 9 and 13) for twenty years. When Mr. Rivers speaks, he exemplifies a genu- ine pride and love for his job and school. ”1 think we have one of the greatest faculties there is,” he says. “They’re all so dedicated and if the student wants to learn it’s here .... I don't want to slight any department because I think they’re all great, but I think the strongest is Social Studies. Now there’s a group of teachers who are always working with and helping one another.” Mr. River's basic philosophy of life is “raise your family, don’t want the world, as long as you cover your basic needs and have a little left over for enjoyment......... This most satisfying moment came with the birth of his first son. “whom we waited ten years for. I think it’s been the highlight of my life so far.” In the way of hobbies and interests. Mr. Rivers is. by his own admission, a “sports fanatic.” “I follow the teams all over and I die just as much as the kids around here when they lose. He says that he’d like to see more enthusiasm when it comes to sports because “after all. those boys are out there representing your school and wearing your colors.” Mr. Rivers’ one wish is that “more childen take a more active part in everything within the school ........It’s been the same people who do everything. It’s not that the others are not of- fered the opportunity; it’s that they’re holding back.” Before we concluded. Mr. Rivers’ face turned dead serious for a moment. “You know, he said, “some people around here call me an old grouch.” His face turned to a huge smile. “Well I’m not really, but I don’t get paid to smile. I get paid to run this building and if I show anger it’s because someone has done something very wrong.” This author can testify to the fact that Mr. Rivers is no grouch Reprinted from The Pioneer Vo. 6— No. 6—February 1970 Portsmouth High School