Scarborough High School - Four Corners Yearbook (Scarborough, ME)

Page 13 text:

FOUR CORNERS 3 When two classes are occupying the rooms, the noise from one room disturbs those reciting or studying in the other. This diverts not only the mind of the students but that of the teacher. The dressing rooms and halls are also crowded. Some of the girls are obliged to keep their wraps downstairs in the cloak rooms of the primary department. There is also no provision made cither in the way of room or equipment for the domestic science work or manual arts of any kind, not even a chance for a library, which all class A high schools require. Not only is this true of the high school but also of the lower grades in the same building. It s?cm to us that no m: re fitting memorial can be given our Scarboro boys, who fought in this great war, than a new high school building in honor and appreciation of their brave deeds and sacrifices. THE SCHOOL LIBRARY One of the most successful activities of the school year was the beginning of what we hope will be a permanent high school library. Through the combined efforts of the students and faculty, we have now a fine collection of about two hun¬ dred volumes covering a variety of topics. Nearly all of the books are new; many are the gift of local firms and school- text publishers, but a large percentage are personal contribu¬ tions from the students themselves, the alumni and friends interested in the school. All the fiction works have been cataloged according to the Cutler system, and are used by the students under the same regulations as any other library books. A book-case has been secured which, at present, is adequate, but it is hoped that this will soon be filled. Our library serves a double purpose: first, by having an accessible collection of books, the English department is enabled to meet all State requirements for outside reading; second, the students are given a chance to increase and better their knowledge of literature that is really worth while and

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2 FOUR CORNERS The winter term opened with Miss Leighton, U. of M., T8, and Miss Bryant, Bates, T5, as assistants, and Mr. Bessey, Bates, T3, as principal. New features have been add to the curriculum which we feel are upward steps in our develop¬ ment as a standard high school. Agricultural club work will be allowed credits toward graduation; a new library has been established, and public speaking has been started, which we hope will be a permanent feature. A new high school is now our objective; we are trying to merit a new building by increased interest in our work and we trust that the combined efforts of students and townspeople will result soon in a build¬ ing which shall in every respect be worthy of our splendid town. A NEW HIGH SCHOOL. It is needless to say that all students attending the high school agree that a new building is very badly needed ior efficient work in the future. The most noticeable feature at present is the need of more room to accommodate the increasing number of students. There are now sixty-seven pupils enrolled with only sixty-two desks provided. Some students have seats but no desks for their books. In recitation rooms additional chairs have been placed. During the morning exercises, or when a lecture is given in the main room, the pupils must sit together in one seat in a cramped and uncomfortable position. It is under¬ stood that a large class is expected to enter this coming fall, making a total enrollment of at least seventy-five. Where will room be found to place them? Under these conditions the students are not given a fair chance to do their best work. The present building is also occupied by the primary and grammar schools. The noise made by these pupils during their recess and noon hour is very disturbing, as the high school is in session. The high school students are unable to study or keep their minds on their lessons, as one would naturally expect. Another disturbing feature is the fact that the two class rooms are separated only by a thin partition.

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4 FOUR CORNERS acquire a love for good reading which is one of the greatest benefits to be derived from a high school course. We wish to sincerely thank all who helped make this project a success, and to remind our friends that any library is a growing institution and will always welcome any additions they may feel like making. A fine step for the alumni associa¬ tion to take would be an endowment, the interest of which might be used to purchase books in perpetuation of the memory of Scarboro ' s sons who fell in the great war. SUCCESS. Success in life depends chiefly upon the earnestness with which we perform our duties. The successful men and women are those who do with their might whatever they do. With a brave determination they give the task to be performed, whether of the head or hand, their undivided attention until the work is done. We are all familiar with people who are complaining of “ill luck.” They believe there never was a lot so hard as their’s; yet when they attempt to perform their tasks, they soon become weary, and neglect them until il is too late. Dissatisfied with life, they never permit themselves to become happy, but neglect all opportunities and declare that life is a failure. In the lives of many eminent men we read that when young they were compelled to suffer great self-denials, yet each lime, with renewed earnestness, they struggled on, and in the end attained success. Thus it might be with us all, if instead of becoming discouraged at the least obstacle which presents itself in our way, we should press on and strive to complete our tasks in the least possible time. How we do a thing is of far greater importance than what, or how much we do. It is said of our concepts, or thoughts, that they do not come to mind in a hap-hazard way, but are governed by cer¬ tain laws called “Laws of Suggestion,” chief among which is closeness of attention. Thus it is with success. It does not come to us by chance, but it is attained by observing certain rules, and if we put our whole mind to the work we shall be sure to make our mark in the world. C. M. A 7 ., ’20.