Sayreville War Memorial High School - Quo Vadis Yearbook (Parlin, NJ)

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The pleasure showing on Mr. Counsman's face is inspired by his daughter's graduation as well as the help he is receiving from NHS member. Denise Malik. 36 Years Of Dedication An appraisal of anyone’s job is dependent on the quality of his service in that job, and no appraisal of SWMHS would be complete without the inclu- sion of Mr. Henry Counsman. Throughout his years as teacher, prin- cipal, and superintendent, he has given to the community high standards of wisdom as well as service. Since 1945, Mr. Counsman has been involved in the Sayreville school system, and at the end of the 1981- 82 school year, he will retire. He began his career in Wilson School, which was the original high school. He contributed to the school as assistant football coach, head coach, and direc- tor of athletics. He has fond memories of that school and particularly savors the memory of Sayreville beating its arch rival South River at football. Two years after the construction of SWMHS, Mr. Counsman became its principal. He really enjoyed this posi- tion because it gave him the op- portunity to get to know the students on a more personal level. He felt this level of interaction was lost when he became superintendent of Sayreville schools; however, he feels partial compensation for such a loss came from developing good relationships with students, teachers, and com- munity members in his visits to the many schools throughout this district. Since Mr. Counsman became superintendent, he and the entire district have had much to take pride in. Students have been scoring well on all state tests and college boards, and a large majority of seniors are accepted at “good” colleges. Mr. Counsman credits this success to the fact that Sayreville has stressed the basics in education — reading, writing, and arithmetic. Unfortunately, Mr. Counsman, as a representative of Sayreville, was unable to promote the referendum of 1979 for the upgrading of the high school library and track facilities. This was a disappointment because he felt these additions would have been beneficial to the students. The most important change Mr. Counsman has noted is a shift in students’ attitudes toward education. Mr. Counsman feels they aren’t willing to try to learn more than what’s re- quired to obtain a particular grade. Euripides said, “Whoso neglects learning in his youtb, loses the past and is dead in the future.” Mr. Counsman agrees and offers advice on how to achieve success: “Believe in yourself.” Throughout his thirty-six years as an educator, Mr. Henry Counsman has always given his best to our school system. In light of this we dedicate this, our yearbook, to him for his many achievements and thank him for his work in the community. Introduction 15

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A dUPERintendent In their final year of working together, Mr. Counsman and Dr. Parneil combine their efforts to improve the school system. After thirty-six years in our school system, Mr. Counsman contemplates his past achievements and looks forward to a relaxing future. 14 Introduction

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Changes, Challenges and Goals BIGHT: A! her last NHS induction ceremony as SWMHS principal, Dr. Parnell and Miss Sowa discuss memories of past honor students. When Dr. Marie Parnell left SWMHS last year, the high school lost a special person. However, the entire communi- ty was fortunate in gaining her as assistant superintendent. Instead of devoting all of her time to the high school, Dr. Parnell is now able to familiarize herself with the aspects of all the schools in the community. Cur- rently, she is focusing on the cur- riculum in order to create a thorough and efficient program for all students. She is also involved in revitalizing the community newsletter and revising the elementary school report card. Although Dr. Parnell is enjoying the challenge of being assistant superintendent, she readily admits that she misses the students at the high school. Over the years she has noticed a change in the way students react to school. She feels that today’s student doesn’t put school above all else. Instead they see it as a functional base for later life. She doesn’t feel that this new attitude has in any way hindered the students’ performance. However, students have to meet this change, and she offers advice on how to do so, “Set goals, even for unrealistic dreams and don’t limit yourself.” Meeting challenges has been a big part of Dr. Parnell’s life as she moved from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent. Dag Hammerskjold stated, “Never measure the height of a mountain until you climb it, because only then you will see how low it is.” Dr. Marie Parnell is one person whose career truly typifies this idea. With I stnsi of grtit satisfaction, Dr. Parnell reflects upon her long career at SWMHS. 16 Introduction