Rome Free Academy - De O Wain Sta Yearbook (Rome, NY)

Page 28 text:

THE 1915 SENIOR ANNUAL Through the maze of irregular verbs, obtuse triangles and puzzling dates of ancient history we forced our way and once more wrested victory from examinations. No longer were we despised underclassmen but noble Juniors. Up to this time we had modestly kept in the background merely holding meetings for the election of officers. Realizing our importance it occurred to us during the course of the year to compose a document never before evolved by a Junior class of the R. F. A.— namely, a Class Constitution. Our remarkable foresight perceived the value of such an instrument in knitting us together in closer bonds of union. Moreover, the business in- stincts of some of our members pointed out that, by certain provisions contained therein, Prom. assessments might be more surely forthcoming. This achievement alone would be sufficient to send the name of the class of 16 ringing through the centuries. It was by no means, however, our only deed of note. The reception to the Seniors was without doubt (until the lights went out) the most dazzling event of its kind in the annals of the Academy. It was succe ssful in every way, the proceeds surpassing the highest amount ever netted. Memorial Day found the Assembly Hall transformed by the diligent efforts of some of the class into a veritable floral bower. Others of its members contributed their ser- vices to a most enjoyable program in honor of the day. At present we are growing thin and burning the midnight oil in anticipation of the approaching conflict. But a short time remains before we will be occupying seats in the Senior aisle. Then assuredly will we look back with satisfaction upon our brilliant career as students in the R. F. A. E. F. M., 16. One’s imagination can travel on and on touching every phase of life and every con- dition of existence without using up all the possibilities offered in this wonderful Field of Science. If you are not handsome at twenty, strong at forty, and rich at fifty—you'll die silly, weak, poor and homely.

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THE 1915 SENIOR ANNUAL Class History 1916 Officers President—S. HARRY BEACH JR. Vice President—MARIAN E. BEACH Secretary—G. MARION STRANAHAN Treasurer—MAURICE SMITH Confused shrills, shrieks and roars set our heads spinning and slightly dampened our fresh and ardent young natures that first day in the Academy’s hall of learning. But with stout hearts we braved the tumult and serenely took our places. A deafening burst of ap- plause! The before mentioned craniums, already crammed to the bursting point swelled yet more. Our worth was already appreciated. But alas! to what miserable insignificance did we shrink under Professor Harris's piercing eye as we vainly endeavored to “‘get his point! Spare us the relation of Miss Seeley’s humiliating English marks and Miss Higham’s lectures on conjugation and culture. Enough that by All Fools’ Day the last lingering traces of verdure left us and we ap- proached June regents in humbled and subdued spirits. Our efforts were rewarded when we entered in the Fall as learned Sophomores. Now was the time to prove our superiority over the newcomers and we took advantage of it. Through our untiring zeal 1917 gradually learned a proper respect for their elders and betters. Our influence was also felt in athletics, for not only did we cover ourselves with glory (and considerable grime) on gridiron and diamond, but also showed our loyalty on the sidelines. 23

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THE 1915 SENIOR ANNUAL Class History 1917 Officers President—THOMAS BARNARD Vice President—MARGERY ABRAMS Secretary—HaroL p REYNOLDS Treasurer—RUTH CARROLL The first division of our class of 1917 made its appearance in the Study Hall on a stormy Monday morning in January, 1913. After our embarrassing introduction we spent the remainder of our time till June becoming accustomed to the ins and outs of R. F. A. life. Next our graduation exercises from the Liberty Street School took place. These exercises are exceedingly memorable from the fact that outside there was raging one of the most terrific thunder storms of the season. The next term, some time after school had begun, the Inter-Class Basket Ball games took place at the Y. M. C. A. and I state with pride that our class took first place. By this they won the Spaulding cup, which may now be seen in Mr. Harris’s office. The next events of importance were: The decorating of the Study Hall for the festivities of Christmas week, and the Last Day exercises of the class of 1914. Upon this occasion some of our members received gifts both unique and useful. Joe Queirolo for ex- ample, received a large box of “‘Anti-Fat.”” Mr. Barnard, as class president, was pre- sented with the Spaulding cup by the Senior president. 25