Reavis High School - Aries Yearbook (Burbank, IL)

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6f0ur Lad In England West Hartlepool, County Durham England January, 1963 Dear Reavisites, Going abroad is a fascinating experience. I'm teaching English and history in a girls high school of the academic type. The students work very hard, usually studying about ten subjects at a time. My first days were full of surprises. The girls wear prim navy blue uniforms with white blouses, striped ties, and no make-up. Many of them arrive on bicycles, for which a long shed is provided behind the school. The day begins with prayers in the assembly hall to which the students must carry their own chairs. When I entered a classroom for the first time, all the girls stood up and waited quietly for me to permit them to sit down. As 1 began conducting classes, I found that there were quite a few differences in vocabulary. For instance, it was only at the end of a whole period of discussing punctuation with a class that I learned that the girls didn't know what a f'period was--they use the term full stopf, At first classes seemed to be over almost before they had begun, as they last only 30 or 35 minutes. However, two pleasant features of the schedule are a 15 minute break at 11:00 for tea or milk and a IW hour lunch period. English students aren't very different from American ones. Many of the girls are expert at the Twist and more recent variations of it. They swoon over both English singers and Elvis, and they watch American movies and TV Westerns. Life in England is interesting and quite different in some ways. English heating practices differ from ours, and classroom temperatures range between 50 and 62 degrees. English people do drink a great deal of tea, in fact, there is an extra meal every afternoon at about 4:00 consisting of a sandwich course, a cake course, and many cups of tea with milk. Almost all the cars are small ones, and many adults ride bicycles. I have found driving on the left hand side harrowing at times, particularly on narrow English roads. My husband and I have had wonderful opportunities for travel. During vaca- tions weive visited other parts of England, as well as Scotland, Germany, Switzer- land, and Italy so far. We spent Christmas in Grindelwald, Switzerland, and New Year's in Rome. It has certainly been a marvelous year for me, yet I am looking forward to being back among my friends and teaching again at Reavis. Best wishes to everyone and congratulations to the graduating class of 1963. Sincerely, Mrs. Ursula K. Roberts

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WA Letter to Young Americansv By the time you read this letter, I shall have been a visitor in your cpuntry for ten months. These ten months have probably been for me the most worthwhile, and full, in my whole experience. 1 came to Reavis to teach English to American students, l hope in some small measure I have achieved this aim, and that, most of all, my students have enjoyed the work we have done together. I have certainly enjoyed teaching them, and felt that their response has generally been lively and enthusiastic. Despite all the work as a teacher 1 have done, however, 1 am sure at many times that the pupil-teacher role has been reversed! You see, l have learnt so much since I first came to Reavisg this learning has not been just a matter of acquiring a more exclusive vocabulary, ------ for indeed, many of your words and expressions-- Mgoofed up,', figure out,', f'flunked, etc., were completely new to meg nor is it just the more complete knowledge of American literature l now have. I have dis- covered so much more. l have found out how American high school students can be, when they wish, poised, mature and thoughtful individuals, how many have considerable responsibilities, and work with vigour and determination in and out of school after graduation, they are well developed personalities, ready for the re- sponsibilities of citizenship. Most of all I have appreciated the students' warmth and friendliness which can, and, does make a visitor feel immediately at ease. l have learnt also what a worthwhile experience working alongside a group of people such as the faculty here is, and to appreciate from them a kindness and hospitality such as I have never known before. And I know now why Americans both here and in Europe feel so much for the country in which they live. Should any of you be visiting Britain, our tight little island, in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Perhaps then l can return some of the kind- ness l have been shown, and it would give me great pleasure to do so. Best wishes to you all, Eunice Feather

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In Memor 0 Mr. Thomas Edwards Teacher, Colleague, Friend All the world's a stage And all the men and women merely players. They have their exists and their entrances. And one man in his time plays many parts. We knew him best in his role as a teacher--a part he played with unques- tionable mastery. His interest in others and his dedication to a cause, which was to educate, led him to the belief that each mind, simple or complex, was a miracle, deserving of his compassion or his admiration. No person ever performed the role of friend with more sincerity than Mr. Edwards. Loyalty and generosity were the godparents of his friendships. Each relationship, so nurtured, became the child of a lasting affection. The role of human being, most challenging of all the parts men must play, was his greatest triumph. Mr. Edwards performed upon lifeis stage with a sensi- tivity and quiet confidence which, somehow, drew forth our faith, not only in his talents, but more important, in our own. He saw much humor in life. It was not to him a tragedy, filled with those imperfections which burden men. Rather, it was a balance of strengths and weaknesses, of good and bad, of laughter and tears. At an early age he realized the secret that leads men to an understanding of the balance and rewards them with contentment. Having performed according to the script of this life, a try-out and re- hearsal, he has made the final exit. And surely he proved himself worthy of an entrance and a place on that more magnificent stage. For us, the footlights have become brighter, the music more melodious, the words and actions more meaningful, for we have been the audience that shared in his unforgettable performance. CJ.R.J