Racine High School - Kipikawi Yearbook (Racine, WI)

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' llllll ': 'll ''imwlIl!lllll:: 1iii 'Iii lllllllllllll' ..lll.l'l'l-llll1llll!l 1ell ?'1l'lllllllllQ1lltill The following essay won first prize for the State of Wisconsin in the Chicago Tribune Contest. For this our fellow-class-mate won 2B500.00. We are proud to print it in the KIPIKAWI. - Editors. Genrge washington In the Department of Achievements in the Library of Human Progress, is a Living Book which is an inspiration - a guide to all who read it - George Washington. The pages are torn and worn from constant use, it is on a low shelf where even a child can reach it. There are pages red with the story of sacrifice, there are chapters clouded with the gray of utter hopelessness and despair, but there are even more which tell of success and triumph attained through unfailing perseverance and unflinching loyalty. The soldier whose loyalty for the mo- ment is almost at the point of failing, reads the thrilling story of Valley Forge, and sets out with a Hrmer purpose, and a more resolute heart. The stru gling business man wearily closing the iook and placing it upon the shelf again, promises himself to do bet- ter things tomorrow. The minister seeks also beneath its covers, and finds new thoughts and higher ideals which will be eagerly taken up by the people in his congregation. The children of today are impressed with simple ideals of truth and loyalty, which will make stronger the govern- ment when they are the men and women of tomorrow. No one seeks and is disappointed. There is no one who reads earnestly, that is not inspired and encouraged. For generations this Book has been the key to many a person's success-for many generations to come, it will be an ever ready reference to a puzzled nation. Helen Catherine Moore. The following story won first place in the story contest. - Editor. Iiannur Dr. Slocum lay back in his chair and scowled menacingly at the ceiling. It was evident that he was rather out of temper. To tell the truth, Dr. Slocum was always more or less off temper. One might almost term the doctor a chronic grouch. Like a glass of old milk, his disposition appeared soured perman- ently. His outlook, his attitude toward life was that of a fussy old hen which sputters when one but approaches it. Downstairs, the doorbell rang sharply. The doctor stiffened, muttered impa- tiently. and waited. There was silence below, broken presently by another im- perative peal of the bell. Some fool, who can't read, growled the doctor. Pity he can't see that sign, 'Walk in.' Stepping to the head of the stairs, he called, Come inl The door opened, and a tall boyish fellow entered. The boy looked worried. In response to the doctor's Curt greeting he said, My mother is sick. I wish you would come at once. Growling a little at the early summons, the doctor threw on his coat, grabbed his medicine case, and stamped down the stairs. If you want to ride with me, you'd better be moving, he said gruffly as he threw open the door. Without a word, the boy took his place in the car beside him. As they sped over the smooth pavements, the doctor, out of the corner of his eye noted that the boy's face was tired and wan, and he felt an unwilling touch of sympathy. I told you last time, Lester, he said in his grutf manner, that nothing but an operation could help your mother. The boy's face twisted as in inward torture. We have not the money to pay for an operation, he said wearily. I wanted to quit school and go to work, but mother would not let me. I graduate this year, you know. Dr. Slocum grunted, but spoke no

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word. Presently they reached the hoy's home and entered. Lester pointed the way to the sick room, and paced the floor until the doctor completed his exam- ination, and came out. In silence the doctor wrote a prescription and gave it to him. x Get these at the drug store. Give the pills three times a day. Better get some sleep. You look tired out. Then, in answer to Lester's unspoken query, She is pretty bad. I wouldn't give much for her life if she doesn't have an operation soon. Good-bye. Long after the doctor had gone, Lester stood staring off into space, his boyish face twisted in pain. Nlarlsborough High School was in a fever ofexcitement. Marlsborough High from the littlest freshie to the most lordly senior was overflowing with school spirit. For tonight Marlsborough five played Greenwood, their most bitter rival, for the state championship. Come on, boys, girls, ladies, gents, shouted Trolley, the official cheer leader parked in the lower corridor with a knot of students about him, secure in his faith that no teacher would venture to interfere in this time of crisis. Come on, all together. What's the matter with LESTERl LESTER! Lester, who had been watching the proceedings, hastened away. The boy's face was flushed with honest triumph. After all, we are young but once and there is nothing to equal the admiration accorded athletic prowess. And Lester, beyond a doubt, was deserving of his school mates' support and appreciation. All acknowledged that he was the great- est forward that Cam, the veteran coach, had ever developed. He was the pivot of the team. About him revolved every play. lVlarlsborough's meteoric success this season was due mainly to the won- derful coaching of Cam and the prowess of Lester. As the boy stood in the corridor, his eyes misty with dreams, he was ap- proached by Ratty Iones, a little, crooked, squint-eyed, fellow who radi- ated continually an air of calculating cunning. Ratty was the Shylock of the school. He seized every opportunity to acquire a nickel by fair means or foul. He bet, he gambled, he traded, and al- ways gained by the transaction. Lester had never liked him. Say, Les, Ratty said familiarily, I hear your mother is sick. Yes, affirmed Lester shortly. Ratty peered about fearfully as if to be sure that they were alone. He lowered his voice to a mere whisper. Gonna be some big money made off that game to- nightf, he said. Heard that old Crom- well, the pool-hall man, is laying one thousand dollars on Marlsborough. A fellow could pick up a lot of jack if he would only know which side would win. Betting on school games ought not be allowed, Lester said hotly. I wish I could play like you, Ratty said meaningly. I'd surely pick up a wad of dough. Listenu- Ratty drew nearer and glanced about fearfully. lf you'll sell that game tonight, l'll give you four hundred dollars spot cash. For a moment Lester was stunned. Then he jerked himself erect, his eyes flaming. He opened his mouth to speak, but Ratty cut him off Short. ' Listen, Les, he said, your mother is sick. She'll die if she isn't operated on. You have no money. This four-hundred will pay all expenses, and maybe give you a little spending money. You don't want her to croak, do you? Lester choked. I - I- he faltered. Five minutes later, left alone, Ratty chuckled triumphantly. I knew that would get him, he exulted. Lester, Cam said earnestly, we want to win to-night. Of course, the world won't stop revolving if we donit win, but we must do our best. Yes, replied Lester, turning his face away. He dared not meet the coach's eye. I'd like to win to-night, Les. I have tried for twelve years and I've never copped a championship. I- the man faltered and turned away to hide his emotion.