Saint Alphonsus High School - Arrow Yearbook (Dearborn, MI)

Page 32 text:

 Senior Class History Everything in the world worthy of mention or consideration has a pedigree, even a class. We, the class of 1926, of S. A. H., have our pedigree and in the reve- lations of charactei that come to light from day to day it would be easy indeed to compile a magnificent Class-Tree. It was the eighth day of September, 1914, a calm, peaceful, autumnal day, radiant with the sunshine of hope, cheer and joyous promise that a little troop of merry children entered the portals of St. Alphonsus School to begin their school career. School conditions at Fordson were much different than now. The little red school house on the corner of Warren and Schaeffer Road is the place which bi’ings back many happy memories to all. Then the school was in charge of three Sisters of St. Dominic and the eight grades were divided into two rooms. This is where these happy Sisters began their school career. At that time most of the studies were pursued in the German tongue. The total enrollment was about fifty pupils. We trudged happily along during the first four years after which being promoted ot the fifth grade we occupied a class room on the second floor. Striving along with about eighteen pupils in our class we cherish many sweet memories of the dear old red school house days. By the time we reached the eighth grade it was found that the little school was much too small and other rooms were opened to accommodate the rapidly increasing enrollment. Our eighth grade year was the last one spent in the dear old school, but what a happy one it was. At the close of the year several of our classmates idropped out we are sorry to say, but our loyal four strove on and the following fall entered cur high school department. All fresh and ready in a large new school, slowly but firmly our little band started up the steep rocky path to reach its goal, “Commencement.’ With a class of about ten pupils we began our Freshman year. An interesting feature of that year was our system of class government. Court proceedings took place every Friday. How the gu’ilty one trembled when the judge pronounced a sentence against him before the class. During this year we as a class enjoyed an unusual treat ,in witnessing the production of Fabiola, which was presented at Detroit Opera House. Joyfully we entered the Sophomore year, although we are sorry to say our number had decreased to four. But with untiring courage these ’oyal four trudged on. We were a peppy crowd e’en though Geometry and Ceasar seemed hard to master. During this year we participated in a de- bate, Resolved, “That the Evil Effects of Moving Pictures far exceed the Good,” which resulted in a victory for the affirmative. Realizing “A little humor now and then is relished by the best of men,” we organized the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams.

Page 31 text:

Our Pastor Reverend Father Klich—what a wealth of meaning, of memories, does this name hold for the class of 1926. It is fitting that we, who have benefitted so much from his work should voice our appreciation of the many kindnesses bestowed upon us during the past years, which have so quickly flowed into the Stream of Life. One remembers him distilling comfort and happiness like the dews of heaven. His cheerful conversation, the comprehensivness of his mind, the pure love of God and Church, which animates him and his untiring zeal and devotion to duty—all these remain an abiding memory. Tho theme of his life as a priest of God has been to produce in his personal conduct the complete and perfect expression of God’s will. His kindly counsels to strengthen our faltering steps shall ever be cherished in our memories to spur us on to nobler actions. And thus it is—keeping in mind the wholesome influence of his character, resting always on the firm support of sound principles—that we respect and revere him and express our belief in the ideals that he defends and has struggled to implant in us. We owe a debt to him. We can pay that debt; we can express our gratitude to him by living true to the ideals and principles he has held out to us. May God bless his labors and may he some day look at each as on through life we go and feel a just delight in all our gains. CLASS OF 1926

Page 33 text:

 With hearts uplifted and courage undaunted, we finally reached the goal of “Jolly Juniors.” After the opening of the first semester we were cordially in 'itcd to attend the meeting of the Literary Club at Visitation School. We enjoyed this snlendid treat immensely. Earnestly we pursued our studies and eagerly followed our athletics. This year much excitement was created by the debate, Resolved, “The Mental Capacity of Woman is Equal to that of Man.” This happy year closed with the successful production of the comedy entitled “Just Plain Folks.” Autumn brought us the realization of all we had desired since Fresh- men days. The dearest dream, which had guided us through early High, even as a light in a tower guides a ship through fog and storm. Now we are Seniors. In the beginning we occupied with the Juniors a small and cheery room while we anxiously awaited the completion of our new high school department. We thank our dear Pastor, our parents and benefactors for our beau- tiful new class room as well as our well equipped Music, Commercial and Science rooms. Finally one day in early spring the glad tidings that our school had been placed on the accredited list of the University of Michigan was re- ceived. And how we rejoiced over this event. Then came the happy day when our class rings were blessed and pre- sented to us bv our kind pastor, Father Klich. Father’s encouraging words at the close of this ceremony will always be remembered. A few days later the High School Students entertained us at a delightful lunch- eon, after which we enjoyed a social hour. On May seventeenth our Class participated in a entertainment given in honor of Father Klich’s Name Day. Graduation Day is now near a thand, and we will enter upon various walks of life. We will be separated it is true, some may go on to college, some into business, but we will ever be united by the sacred tics of mem- ory which Ume unending, will not loosen. When mayhap the cares of the world will be melancholy and desire solace, then we shall once again see those dear faces we loved, and live again the events within the portals of dear old St. Alphonsus. VIOLA IIORGER, ’26