Saint Michael High School - Michaelinian Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

Page 50 text:

CEAVEI. F-ICNCI2 SCCIETY Left to Right-Beginning with top row: James Doyle, James Gildea, Thomas Tobin, Andrew Hinzman, Charles McCrea, Robert Lilly: Rita Wojszynski, Ruth Dittley, Norbert Pietrzak, Edward Moursg Pearl Chronowiat, Anna Schmitt, Rita Mae Singer, Mary Alice Philbin, ilrene Kozilzowslei, Vera Reichg Arlene Krugh, Marian Fritzg Betty Borbonus, Victoria Ja- worskig Loretta Greiner, Helen Sebag Louise Gralka, Joan Bishopg Dorothy Klawinska, Barbara Dieterleg Catherine An- thony, Ruth Lisg Dolores Maccine, Virginia Grossg Father Walter Wynn C.P., presenting the gavel to Marian Fritz, President. To recognize and promote significant student achievement in any area of speech in the high school, to assist the students in raising their stand- ards of speech by providing interest and oppor- tunities for improvement and to establish a better relationship among classes through co-operative programs, this society was organized in September, 1944. The Gavel Honor Society is a voluntary organ- ization which is sponsored by the English teacher of the upper classes. To it belong all, debaters and other students who do superior speech work in auditorium assemblies, class programs, club func- tions and all other public speaking engagements. All speech work done by these students is recog- nized by the Gavel Honor regardless of the depart- ment in which it is done. Its induction ceremony took place on December 6, at which thirty-six students were initiated and our high school Director, Father Walter accepted their pledges. As a symbol of their power, gavels were presented to the oflicers: Marian Fritz, Presi- dent, Charles McCrea, Vice-President, Arlene Krugh, Secretary. By December 6, six members had made major contributions in speech work and were eligible for an A group rating. These were: Robert Lilly, Marian Fritz, Pearl Chronowiat, Charles McCrea, Andrew Hinzman and Irene Kozikowski. In March, eight additional members merited promotion into the A group by their successful participation in active work. These were: Edward Mours, Arlene Krugh, Rita Wojszynski, Thomas Tobin, Anna Schmitt, Louise Gralka, Norbert Pietrzak and Ruth Dittley. All of these received achievement certifi- cates on April 10. On March 16, Gavel Honor received recogni- tion as a member of the national speech organiza- tion The Masque and Gavel, being presented with a charter. At this time six students, because of outstanding work done in public speaking, received the Masque and Gavel honor pin: Pearl Chrono- wiat, Marian Fritz, Robert Lilly, Charles McCrea, Irene Kozikowski and Andrew Hinzman. Gavel encouraged progress in the use of the spoken word, rewarded and encouraged students for oral excellence in school affairs, spurred tal- ented students on to greater accomplishments and achieved departmental co-ordination as its prac- tical values. The Round Table Discussion on the causes of Juvenile Delinquency to be conducted in the auditorium, April 27, is the one project the members wished for from the beginning. As our annual goes to press, eleven G.H.'s are busily engaged in its preparation. Father Walter will explain a remedy by giving an instruction on The Family. By equipping the Catholic student with ability to speak we are giving him the instrument by which we hope to spread Catholic principles. We Catholics hold the highest ideals and best doctrines. We need make no apologies to anyone for our faith. Let the students of St. Michael High School go forward with the courage of their convictions to express what their sincere hearts contain. 4-6

Page 49 text:

WE HAD A DATE WITH GOD One of the early events of the school year was the annual high school retreat under the very able direction of Father Peter Quinn, C.P., a priest of the Pas- sionist O r d e r at Saint Paul's Monas- tery. The retreat be- gan on September 20 and closed on September 22. Father Peter in his retreat proved to the students that while one purpose of their attendance at Saint Michael P T High School was to fit them to take their place in the world of today, by far the most important part of any Catholic education- al system is the cultural value it brings to the soul. Worldly values were compared with spiritual values. Father Peter very eloquently proved to our student body that no amount of pleasure or learning could com- pensate for the loss of an immortal soul. 'The lessons the students learned during this retreat, we are sure, will remain with them all their lives. For the senior class, it was an event to be remembered, for it was their last school retreat. We are sure that these three days of intensive spiritual exercises and self-examination will aid them in the years to come. AMERICA'S PASSION PLAY Already in its twenty-sixth year of performance '5Veronica's Veil, America's Passion Play, is still por- traying to thousands every year, the sufferings of our Lord because of His love for us. Sincerest gratitude is extended to Father Wendelin, C.P., Director of the Passion Play, who worked many hours to put the play on and enabled it to be a grand success. Thanks also goes to the others who have made it possible for Veronica's Veil to continue thus far. Due to the war, many of our high school students were called upon to carry roles formerly enacted by those now fighting for our country. They are proving their mettle by making themselves equal to the request- ed task. VVe congratulate all high school participants. '45

Page 51 text:

Left to Right-Irene Kozikowskig Richard Sprung, of St Marys 0 the Mount Federation Vice President Arlene Krugh, Charles McCrea, Victoria Jaworski, Edward Mours, Sophie Swenty Robert Lilly Vera Reich Mary Mulholland and Adeline Torek. SCIENCE NIGHT DEMONSTRATION In conformity with the aims of the Federation to broaden high school activities and to enable students to play a personal role in its projects, the chemistry and biology classes sponsored a science program on January 18 1945 Nutrition and Pure Food was the main topic discussed As guest speaker the school welcomed Miss Mary Mulholland of The Pittsburgh Dairy Council Edward Mours presided as chairman. MAKING THE BEST OF OURSELVES One of the active branches of the Gavel Honor Society IS the oratorical division Armored with their best speech and poise on January 12 eight oiatorical contenders competed in a contest on various aspects of The Vatican and the Peace as follows The Beginning of Papal Arbitration Robert Lilly When the Pope Defended Christendomf, Pearl Chronowlat How the Pope Labors for Peace Irene Kozikowski, The Vatican as a Diplomatic Influence, Andrew Hmzman Pius XIIs Principles for Peace Charles McCrea Christian Social Reconstruction, Anna Schmittg The Vacant Chair at Versa1lles Thomas Tobin Will Pius XII Be Invited? James Doyle. Marian Fritz presided, Anxiously awaiting' the results of the student body's votes, the orators were on edge until the victors were announced. Thomas Tobin held first place, Charles Mc- Crea, secondg Andrew Hinzman ranked third and Pearl Chronowiat, fourth. CShown in the picture to the right.j The speeches were not all of equal length and difficulty and so perhaps those who labored hardest did not come out on top. Spurred on by victory, these four orators engaged in another verbal contest on the subject The Popes and the Peace. Difficulties in great measure presented them- selves in preparing for this competition. After much read- ing and study, these four champions made their appear- ance for the competitive contest, April 10. Thomas Tobin carried off the laurel. Left to right - Robert Lilly, James Doyle, Anna Schmitt, Charles Mc- Crea, Marian Fritz, fstandingl Thomas Tobin, Pearl Chronowiat, Andrew Hinzman, Irene Kozikowski.