Richmond High School - Shield Yearbook (Richmond, CA)

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| Dedicated to the Senior Class of December 1933

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CHt LEGEND OF TEE Sribie THE SHIELD was probably adopted by our ancestors soon after their enemies began to hurl rocks at them. No longer is it necessary as a weapon of defense; for ages it has been a cherished symbol of equipment for life. Emblazoned on our high school shield are certain figures and emblems which are constantly to remind us not only of the privileges but also of the obligations of the school whose name we proudly bear. That name appears as the foundation for the legend of the shield. To the left and right are the fasces which have come down to us from Roman Antiquity. In olden times they were a bundle of rods having amongst them an ax with the blade protruding, and were borne before a Roman magistrate as a badge of authority. To us, the one on the left represents the Assem- bly. The Senate is on the right as it is the stronger of our two organizations. The rods represent the students, who are bound together by the constitution into a perfect union in which each adds to the strength of the whole and at the same time derives protection. The ax in the midst is the authority which we delegate to our organizations and to which each one should gladly render obedience. In the upper part of the shield appear the three emblems which typify the three-fold nature of our education. The winged-foot, ancient emblem of speed, represents physical education, including athletics. We are taught to respect and care for our physical beings, to strive in physical contests, to remember that good sportsmanship comes above vic- tory, and that we must ever preserve the good name of our school in athletics. The lamp signifies education—mechanical, commercial, cultural, professional —by which we may equip ourselves for our life works and interests. By the aid of its light we become proficient in our vocations and avocations. The liberty cap represents citizenship. It stands for liberty, equality and jus- tice.. By it, we are reminded of the colors of our flag and the duties we owe to the state. We are taught to obey in order that we may govern. This emblem occupies the center space at the top, which is to signify that it crowns all and binds all together in the perfect union. In the center of the shield is an open book which teaches that education is free for the taking. As its pages are turned, new worlds will be revealed to all of us who care to explore. The rising sun is typical of youth. It also represents the light which education sheds on life. The black bands represent ignorance and superstition which grow fainter and disappear as we approach the light. Taken together, these historic symbols represent for our school the accomp- lishments of the past, the ideals of the present, and the hopes of the future. “Education is the key which unlocks the storehouse of wisdom.”’