Shaker Heights High School - Gristmill Yearbook (Shaker Heights, OH)

Page 7 text:

Here are two men we all remember. Mr. Russell H. Rupp came with us from the Junior High to become principal of Shaker Heights High School. We didn't see quite so much of Mr. William Slade, Jr., our superintendent, but he was there cheering at the games and greeting us in the halls. Below are a few lines from each of them strictly for us seniors. W To the Seniors: For twelve years you have been members of a school sys- tem dedicated to the education of individuals who are free-free to make their own choices, free to think for themselves, free to express their ideas, free to assume responsibility for their own acts. You realize, I am sure, that this way of life, in which such schools may exist, is today being challenged. lt seems evident that your generation must rethink the prin- ciples upon which our society is founded and must strengthen this freedom which to us is so all-important. We are extremely proud, as you leave the Shaker Heights Schools, that you are so well able to think for yourselves and act on your own initiative and, we feel sure, able and glad to assume individual responsibility in our kind of society. Our best wishes go with you and our loyalty always. WILLIAM SLADE JR., Superintendent. It has been my pleasure to be with you during your six sec- ondary school years. For me this has been a unique and never to be forgotten experience. During this time it has been my good fortune to see you grow into strong and capable young men and women. The student body and staff ioin me in congratulating you upon your outstanding achievements. We are grateful for the many contributions you have made to the school. Always we will be indebted to you for your splendid attitudes and spirit of co- operation. Our school is a better place because you have been here. Commencement week is a happy time. We reioice with you. As you leave us our best wishes go with you. Take your next step with humility and courage. Sincerely, RUSSELL H. RUPP, Principal. 3

Page 6 text:

Forward .... To the Seniors This is a year to remember, this year of 1948. Back in '45, when we entered Shaker High as a wide-eyed sophomore class wondering which stairway was 'up,' we dreamed of the day when we'd go marching across a polished auditor- ium stage for the diploma which awaited us under a principal's smile. And when that day came, we knew there'd never been a class in Shaker, or any place else, half as proud or happy as we were. Class of l948. lt was our best year be- cause it was our senior year, with all the privileges and responsibilities that went with that title. This book is part of the story of that year, and of the people and places that made l948 our year to remember. lt's funny how you remember things about a senior year. Like scenes out of a movie when the camera stuck and the film stopped moving. Close your eyes and you can still see Bruce MacNab smashing the Lorain line, Ronald Bartholo- mew piling up points against South, Jerry Davis addressing assemblies in a Christmas-red tie, Cary Higley making out reports in the Council Office. And the girls you met around the corner by the cafeteria, the fellows you always went home with after seventh period. The year 1948 made a thrilling show, and the Annual Board has tried to preserve it for you here. Some of the shots were lost on the cutting-room floor, and some were missed through lack of a cameraman. But most of the best scenes from the movie of '48 are here. So let's turn the page and start the camera cranking. 2

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Dedication .... Mr. Erich Martienssen Often, in Shaker, we have found ourselves in the classroom of a man who was a capable teacher. Often we have found ourselves in the classroom of a man who turned out to be an understanding friend. But when we found ourselves working under a man who was, at the same time, both friend and teacher, then we were willing to bring sharp pencils to class and keep our chatter down to a minimum. When we found such a man we were more than eager to listen. Because of his ability to make courses both informative and interesting, but to a greater degree because we felt that he had a real and vital interest in us individually, because we believed that his philosophy of meeting life with humor is one that all too few people possess, and because we thought of him first as a friend and then as a teacher, we, the Class of l948, are proud to dedicate our annual to Erich Martienssen. 4