Rock Island High School - Watchtower Yearbook (Rock Island, IL)

Page 15 text:

ss btureeon i y w SP HERE is consolation in the portrait of a loved one who is far away; we like to muse and dream over his likeness. Still, the portrait is, after all, only a portrait, and the expression on the face, for the most part, is a lifeless expression. How much better it is, therefore, to have a record of good deeds, not in a frame, but etched into the lives of real people and into the spirit of a whole school. Such is the impression that one among us has created during her sixteen years of service in the Rock Island High School. Miss Sturgeon has formed this impression through her work as Head of the English De- partment, as adviser of the senior classes, as supervisor of the Bi-weekly, and as sponsor of the Junior English Council. Every student who has come under her influence, has felt the effect of her assiduity and unfailing dignity. Now, Miss Sturgeon, as you go to sunnier lands, may your past suc- cesses stretch out into the future, and may the appreciation and good-will of Rock Island High School be ever a reminder of your worth. We shall not say Farewell, but Au Revoir.

Page 17 text:

Farewell to Miss Alice Rush FOR THE LAST TIME the name of Miss Alice Rush is to be in- cluded among the faculty of Rock Island High School. After thirty- three years of loyal service, she has retired for a much-deserved vacation from the duties of school teaching. Her years in this school have been fruitful ones. Every student who has come under her kindly instruction has found himself better equipped for life, for Miss Rush has taught us living. Those who have been in her classes carry in their minds her oft-repeated statement that school is not preparatory to life, but is life itself — a life in which we form those habits which to a great extent determine our future destination. And best of all, she has given us an ide al in herself; her teaching has been exemplified by her life of service. There is not one of us who will not remember the kindly patient woman whose eyes could flash and urge to do, as well as twinkle with humor. She has been a true school mother, and, in going, will leave an unbelievably empty place among us. Admiration, respect, and love have all been kindled in our hearts by her efficient guar- dianship and sympathetic understanding. Refined and sweetly gentle, she has dwelt among us not as one apart, but as. an indispensable element in our school life. She is, as the poet has so well said: A perfect woman, nobly plann ' d To warn, to comfort, and command. Therefore, it is with deepest regret that the school bids farewell to Miss Rush, and wishes her all happiness and rest in this so richly deserved retirement.