Salem High School - Witch Yearbook (Salem, MA)

Page 13 text:

J DOROTHY A. JICNZYK WILLIAM l'. MCDONALIJ Hunor Ntudcnf Hmzm' Sturlvni THADDEUS J. GICSICK VIRGINIA M. C0'l'l'Z Treasurer Vice-President of Class

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10 THE ADVANCE VALEDICTORY CHARACTER, THE INSURANCE OF LIBERTY SYLVIA L. TYLER To guard and to perpetuate liberty has always, since the dawn of our his- tory, been the high calling of Ameri- cans. Our immediate means ot' carry- ing out this sacred tradition seems to be necessarily a program of force, which for its rapid and successful ter- mination demands practical thinking and action in one hundred per cent of the populace. However, to focus our activity too completely, even though temporarily, on a program of force is to endanger our liberty at the same time that we are striving desperately to preserve it, paradoxical though it may seem. When this situation exists, it is as though a people, knowing well the elements of which liberty is com- posed, has adopted a superficial way to safeguard its freedom and is thus walking precariously on a tottering superstructure above the solid ground- work of freedom. Since the excellence and magnitude of our liberty depend upon the quality of those who share it, the proper means of preventing both a decline of ethics, and the development of a passive indifference to character. after the return of peace, is to incor- porate into men and women simple fundamental virtues which, far from being weak and ineffective, have stami- na and a record of long endurance to recommend them. Virtus, itself the Latin origin of the word virtue, means manliness. These desirable attributes of charac- ter may be acquired from several sources. Two of the greatest of these are: a practical. working religion, and a liberal education. True religion is indispensable to high character because of the keenness which it imparts to the conscience in every man. Educa- tion is the door that opens to a broad. deep view of life. Because hearts and minds, thus filled with honesty and justice, charity and international good-will cannot also harbor groundless resentment, jeal- ousy. and racial prejudice. premiums paid out in building character Will in- sure the preservation of liberty, and an environment most conducive to har- monious living. This is the time of parting words and expressions of gratitude. It is not easy to say farewell when for four years we have walked a common way. It is more difiicult to express our grati- tude to parents who have protected and nurtured us in our youth, and to a school system whose expert guidance thus tar along the path of education will undoubtedly be the means of in- creasing our worth in life. I sincerely feel that by assuming responsible posi- tions in society. and by exemplifying in our lives the highest and best teachings of home and school, we can acknowledge more effectively our grati- tude to our parents and educato1's than by any words spoken this hour.

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PRISCILLA Il. BROWN MARIA L. PELCH Honor Nfllrlvnt Ilonor Nfllflfjllf FRANK H. IIICALEY, JR. Honor Student