Reading High School - Arxalma Yearbook (Reading, PA)

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FAREWELL TESTIMONIAI. TO DR. THOMAS H. FORD PAST SUPERINTENDENT or SCHOOLS Retired as of August 31, 1956, Dr. Thomas H. Ford completed twenty-three years of ser- vice as superintendent of Reading Schools, and his thirty-fifth year with the Reading School District. Dr. Ford graduated from Minersville High School in 1910. His higher education began at Dickinson College, where he graduated in 1914 with his Ph. B. degree. He received his A.M. degree in 1925 as a result of post-gradu- ate work at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1936, Albright College granted him an Honorary Litt. D. degree. Over a period of years, Dr. Thomas H. Ford held numerous positions of importance in the states of New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Starting as a teacher, he soon advanced to the positions of assistant prin- cipal, principal, director of research, assis- tant superintendent, and finally in 1933 he became superintendent of the Reading Schools. During his extensive and illustrious career, Dr. Ford served as president of various edu- cational and civic groups. Included in this list were Pennsylvania Schoolmen's Club, Dis- trict Superintendents' Association of Penn- sylvania, Torch Club International, and Rotary Club, In addition, he was an active member of National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, Reading Teachers Association, and Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Thomas H. Ford has established an im- pressive and awe-inspiring record of faithful service and leadership in education. He will long be remembered by the citizens of our community as a most devoted and dedicated educator. ' DR. FORD'S MESSAGE TO THE CLASS OF l957 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the work of truth. This is a message sent to a son in the faith by a beloved Christian Saint more than nine- teen hundred years ago. It might well have been dispatched by a leader of any religious faith to a son of that particular faith, or by any leader of youth to a follower, for it ap- plies equally. Especially so in the case of young men and women about to leave The Castle-on-the-Hill to enter college life or to work in business, industry, or in some other chosen district. As Superintendent of Schools of this School District, it has been my happy privi- lege and joy to watch you grow from the time you entered the kindergarten or first grade until you reached your Senior year in the high school. You have steadfastly advanced in knowledge and wisdom and in favor with God and man. May good health, happiness, peace, and the joy of accomplishment spur you ever onward as you Rightly divide the word of Truth in your chosen field of Service. Thomas H. Ford

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ARXALMA FOSTERING QITADELH fff

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INTRCDUCING DR. RALPH C. GEIGLE NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Dr. Geigle's Message to the Class of 1957 It is frequently suggested that school is a preparation for life. No doubt that is true. However, that assumes a false premise - that life is in the future. School is life - an opportunity for real living. You have met society with many of its most vital relations - human contacts, needs, problems, and at- tempts to meet the same. In the graduation sense only Knot in part- ingj we ask you to do your best - life asks no more. It is our fond hope that life in our schools has shown you both the joy and the how of noble living and will act as an inspiration for the future. We are and will continue to be vitally concerned in that future. Ralph C. Geigle OUR NEW SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Ralph C. Geigle, new superintendent of the Reading Schools, took oiiice September 1, 1956. He succeeded Dr. Thomas H. Ford who resigned his post after twenty-three years of loyal service. A native of Trevorton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Geigle was graduated Cum Laude from Dick- inson Junior College, now Lycoming College. In 1935, Dr. Geigle received his bachelor of arts degree from Susquehanna University. By 1940 he had earned his Master's degree from Columbia University. Then on Novem- ber 11, 1950, he completed his work for a Doctorate in Education at the George Wash- ington University in Washington, D. C. Dr. Geigle's professional experience in- cluded outstanding services at various posts throughout eastern Pennsylvania as teacher, principal, supervising principal, and superin- tendent of schools. Immediately preceding his appointment as Superintendent of the Reading Schools, he held a similar position in the School District of the Borough of Oak- mont, Oakmont, Pennsylvania. With his extensive educational background and experience, Dr. Geigle is well-qualified for his new position as Superintendent of the Reading School District. Educational pro- gress in our city of Reading is assured under the leadership of Dr. Ralph C. Geigle.