Salem High School - Witch Yearbook (Salem, MA)

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1856 — a beginning — the founding of Salem High School — the birth of secondary education for all the children of all the people. 1956 — a commemoration — one hundred years of educating youth — one hundred years as an integral part of the community — the old school on Broad Street — the new school on Highland Avenue — symbols of education, tradition, progress — these places with their wonderful stories — with their never to be forgotten memories — stood, and stand, as a stepping stone for future life. Seniors on the threshold pause and reminisce about their four short years together — As Freshmen — frightened, awed, confused — their first social, the Freshman Frolic — meeting classmates — making friends. As Sophomores — learning to work together — experiencing class unity in the Poor Man’s Prom, the Beach Party. As Juniors — as upperclassmen — a feeling of pride and loyalty to the school — the first election — the hours of planning, preparation — the final success, the beautiful Junior Prom — the result of working and sharing together. As Seniors — the long awaited Senior year — the year of work and fun — the last year — the class spirit shows results — an Inspired revue — gay parties — a beautiful reception — the thoughts and Ideas combined make the last year memorable. As a graduating group — memories to cherish — a lifetime ahead — another beginning. The picture is not complete — seasons herald activities and sports — each significant for its time. Organizations — the helpers of the school — con- tribute to its welfare and progress. Ninety-nine classes before left their memories — we, the Class of 1956, also leave ours. Old landmarks of Salem pass — the spirit remains — a modern city with his- torical overtones — a city with many memories and a promising future. That is Salem High too — a school with memories — a school which grows as needs arise. We are proud to be graduates of Salem High and we hope that our Year- book exemplifies our feelings.

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' THctHonccim i On October 24. 1955, our beloved teacher. Miss Helena L. Shortell, passed 1 away. The announcement of her death caused deep sorrow to those who knew ] her as a person and as a teacher. j She came to Salem High School in 1918. after graduating from Boston jj University. For many years she served as head of the English department, in t that capacity until her passing. She was faculty advisor for the Debating Club j and the Dramatic Club. .She receivecl her master’s degree from Boston College ' Graduate school in 1934. i Those who knew her as a teacher admired her for her ability, her under- standing, and her devotion. The struggling, timorous pu|)il felt the understand- ; ing patience of Miss Shortell, and in .June, when he left her class, a new confidence had been born within him. The bright pupil found Miss .Shortell demanding in her desire for his maximum effort. Years after, this same pupil ! would return to thank her for her devotion, for he had gained his reward hy dint of her lessons of perseverance. The growth and accomplishment of her student was her reward. To those who knew her as a person, she was a friend ever eager to help in times of need, with a spirit marked by a genuine sympathy, without a thought ' of herself or her own interests. Her warm personality won the friendship of all jil who knew her. Her charity had touched them all; her warmth had missed not i one; her influence was indelibly marked on their hearts. i A member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the Third Order of ’ Carmel, she taught Christian Doctrine at the Church of the Immaculate Concep- ■ tion. To the Heavenly Father, who knew her as a good servant, she dedicated I, her life. She lived for Him; she lived with Him. It is difficult to express in words our bereavement, for as Tennyson said: “I sometimes hold it half a sin j To put in words the grief I feel; For Words, like Nature, half reveal And half conceal the soul within. . . . But that large grief which these enfold Is given in outline and no more. Words are inexpressible, phrase useless, but we all pray that her soul rests in infinite peace with God. J MISS HELENA . HORTELL , “Requiescat in Pare.”

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