Rochester High School - Mirage Yearbook (Rochester, PA)

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Roclmesfefz goat? of gaiucafion Top Row: Ray Dugan, Donald Cook, Cecil C. lVIcCreary, William Dunning. Bottom Row: Paul Scheidmantel, Clara L. Hetzlcr, Melvin Haney. oat? of gbucafion We, the class of 1949, express our sincere appreciation to the Board of Education for its contribution to the successful admin- istration of the high school. The members of the Board serve without pay, and deserve a lot of credit for this public service. Few appreciate the time anrl effort demanded of the various mem- bers. Words are most inadequate in conveying what we should like to say, but may we as our parting words say, YVe thank youf, OFFICERS President ..,, .. ..., Donald Cook Vice President .,,.. .,.. , Paul Scheidmantel Secretary .,..,,.. ,. , , George Marshall Treasurer , . Earl Kirk 15

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gupefzinfenbenfs of feoclnestefz gclwols In the following article no attempt has been made to list all those, who in the past century, have been head of the schools. Several men served as principal or supervising principal of all the schools previous to thc time of the creation of the office of superintendent, but these names are not included unless they were also high school principals some time during their terms of service. The min- utes of the meetings of the school board in rhe early days, are incomplete and such facts are not available. The school district of Rochester was Robert P. Barner organized in 1849, but it was not until Superintendent May, 1905 that a superintendent was elected. Following an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature providing for the se- lection of a superintendent in cities of certain population, the Board of Education met and selected Orin C. Lester, who served until July 1, 1910. Williaxn S. Taft, principal of the high school, succeeded Mr. Lester, and served as superintendent until his appointment to the State Department of Education in 1918. S. R. Grimm succeeded Mr. Taft, and after two terms, or eight years of service, he was succeeded by Denton M. Albright, who remained here until 1934. Ar that time Robert P. Barner, our present superintendent, was promoted from high school principal to the head position of our schools. 1-le began his term of service in ex- tremely trying times, economically, but with the cooperation of several loyal native teachers, the school maintained a high standard of success. Whatever merit our schools possess in the several activities in which we are engaged is largely due to Mr. Barnerls enthusiasm, interest, and ability. oimefz gupehlnfendenfs 14 S. R. Grimm William S. Taft Orin C. Lester

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Fenton H. Farley Principal William Peacock Assistant Principal pfzincifmls 06 Roclzesfefz gcltool In 1890, when the first two year high school was established, the head of the school system served as principal of both the elementary and high schools. This practice prevailed until 1904. During this interim Wilbur F. Bliss was high school principal one year. At the close of his term Rufus Dart became principal and he served until 1904. Mr. Darr was followed by B. Hawk, 1904-1909, who was followed by W. S. Taft, 1909-1910, when he was appointed superin- tendent of schools. Mr. Taft,s place as high school principal was taken by Stanley Fowler, who served until his resignation was accepted in 1917. G. W. Metger was then appointed, who entered the armed service in April of 1918. W. W. Dodds finished the term, but resigned imme- Cliately to enter the service. Mrs. Elizabeth C. McCoy was selected as principal in 1918, who served continuously, with the exception of one year when Leonard S. Duncan was principal in 1923-24, until her retirement in 1929. Robert P. Barner succeeded Mrs. McCoy. Mr. Barner served until 1934 when he was appointed super- intendent of schools. From 1934 until this pres- ent moment Fenton H. Farley has been high school principal. During the last fifteen years the high school enrollment has decreased slightly but the curri- culum offered has not changed appreciably. How- ever, a new philosophy of education that permits of more pupil initiative and a greater freedom of choice has developed. The high school has upheld its tradition for scholarship as evidenced by being an accredited school. The athletic pro- gram is superior and courses in physical educa- tion are a worthy counterpart. The general pro- gram meets the needs and the demands of our community, to the honor and ability of our teach- ers and administrators.