Scituate High School - Chimes Yearbook (Scituate, MA)

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THE CHIMES 7 MAKING THE FRENCH LANGUAGE INTERESTING The French play given by the pupils of the third year class at the Scituate High School was very good. In this play the character of each actor was well described. The French scene at the railway station was exceptionally good. The substance of the play was very humorous and the characters acted the parts very well. The cast represented father, mo ther and daughter traveling. Their means of support was not sufficient but they were trying to act as if they were in a better position, both financially and socially, than they actually were. The father was supposed to have a wonderful education, (which he had not) and he was trying to show his artistic knowledge by making comments about the station. This was a part well acted. The minor characters performed their parts skillfully also. The language of the French is not difficult, yet neither is it very easy to learn. Considering that the pupils have studied French only one and one half years, many of them are mastering it i emarkably well. Many citizens of the town were greatly im- pressed by the way the pupils spoke the French language. In the class room about one third of the time is devoted to conversation. Some of the pupils are corresponding with French students. It is this language that everyone, sooner or later will use in some part of his or her career. Rose Hernan, '26. Frye — Did you hear about the convict who stole a pair of policeman's pants and escaped? Damon — No. Frye — Well I read the headline in the paper. It is, ''Fleas in policeman's pants . We editors may tug and toil Till our finger tips are sore, But some poor fish is sure to say, I've heard that joke before. « Dull Latin Pupil — Say, what case do you put ' all his possessions ' in? Bright Pupil — Suitcase. Mr. Martin asked his class to write a composition on The Result of Laziness . Ben Curran, who was as witty as he was lazy, passed in a blank piece of paper.

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6 THE CHIMES DRAMATICS Perhaps you are the very one who so enjoys an evening 's enter- tainment in which the actors and actresses are entirely unknown. Wouldn't you much rather attend a performance given by the local dramatic club, where you would recognize all the players? Most certainly you would. Therefore don't you think that drama- tics in High School should be encouraged? Don't let anything T may say persuade you ; reason it out for yourself. Twice a year each group of students in the language department entertains with plays, songs or recitations before the school. But do we stop at that? Indeed not, that is but a mere beginning as compared with the senior play or the play presented by the school as a whole, which is given as a public performance at the best local hall available. The enjoyment which the audience receives from these entertain- ments no matter how great, can hardly compare with the vast amount of good it has done the performers and those otherwise connected with its production. The actors and actresses can develop their minds for learning and memorizing in school, because in order to take his or her part well, the lines must be memorized and remembered as well. The art department is of great assistance in planning the stage and surroundings. Much competition enters in dramatics. First, rivalry among the students to play the various parts. Each student has an oppor- tunity to try out for the part for which he thinks himself best fitted, and the person who takes the part in public is the one who it best fitted for the part. Second, in the art classes the clever designers compete to produce their best work, for only the best is chosen to set off the play. Third, in the newly organized pa- geantry classes, the costumes are now planned; and last in the business department the typists compete in making an attractive program. So you see dramatics isn't all in the acting, for much work is done in the other school departments thus saving money and pro- viding training along these various lines of activity. The next time you witness one of our High School performances, consider the talent of the players, the intricate designs which make up the background, the clever costumes of the players and then inspect your program, and I think you will feel satisfied that you live in a town which has such an efficient high school. Therefore don't you think dramatics helpful to all courses and that they should be continued ? Barbara O'Connor. '23.

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8 THE CHIMES THE SCHOOL LIBRARY When we came back to school in September we were very much surprised to find old Room Two changed into a cheery little library. And it surely was a pleasant surprise, for up to this time our encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographies and reference books had been scattered around the building and we either wasted time finding them, or else we couldn't find them at all. Now we can walk into the library, look up the number of the book we want in the card catalogue, and find it in the bookcase. Of course, we became confused at first and could not find the books we wanted, but with Miss Dudley s help, which I am sure we all appreciated, we soon were able to get any book we needed to study. Now it is quite a pleasure to go and read about little subjects that are brought up in class, or study some of the facts we wish to bring out in recitations ; while before, we sometimes shirked our lessons with the very good excuse that we were not able to find the books containing the information we wanted. The library walls are covered with burlap so that interesting clippings may be pinned up. One corner is given over to clip- pings and pictures of the Ancient History students who are daily bringing in subjects of interest. One of the members of the Sopho- more English class put up a picture of David Warfield as Shylock as the class is reading The Merchant of Venice , and all the students are gladly bringing things interesting to different classes. Our library has but two bookcases at present, but it is so arranged that others may be added when needed. The three read- ing tables are used at all times by pupils seeking information. The students seem to appreciate this new addition to the school and when in the room conduct themselves in a quiet and business- like manner. The library is increasing rapidly as books are added from time to time. All it really needs is a good set of encyclope- dias which would be helpful to all students and especially to those studying general science and biology. This will, no doubt, be added to the school library in a short time. The school has really derived great benefit from the library and expects to see valuable additions in the future. Ray Ellis, '26. Heard in History Class M. Merritt (to history teacher) — Did Nero burn Rome? Mr. Martin — Yes. M. Merritt — His mother shouldn't of let him play with matches. • Pa — Whom do you go with every week-end? L. Wolfe (who doesn't get his meaning) — I only go with strong quarter-backs.