Sheffield High School - Sentinel Pines Yearbook (Sheffield, MA)

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1945 for specialized work. We must go from here tonight with the ideas of peace, freedom, and equality. It is our generation that will have to see that a world of righteousness exists and not a barbarous world of war, hatred, and greed. After twelve years of study, work, and play we are ready and willing to go out into the world as young men and women and do our share in the creation of a world of peace, freedom, and understanding. We are prepared to do our part in carrying out the laws, regulations, and duties of any peace terms that are made and will be made in the future. Perhaps we shall help make some of these peace terms. It is our task to see that the great achievements of the inventors of the world are put to use for the sake of humanity and not for the destruction and death of nations and peoples. We must participate in the creation of a new world transportation system with the airplane holding a prominent place. The men and women who have been flying in this war will not let the airplane be forgotten. They are interested in its perfection and the con- tinued use of aircraft for pleasure, transportation, and the upkeep of good will among the many nations. As our parents watched the development of the automobile, so shall we watch the development of the airplane. The United States will figure prominently in the further expansion of aviation. Our goods will become well known in all remote places. More foreign goods will be brought into this country. Good will will be spread from one country to another and there should be no need for aggression and war. High school grad- uates will be distinguished in carrying on this rise of aviation. Perhaps the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem The Builders express the thought I wish to leave with you tonight : All are architects of fate, Working in these walls of time : Some with massive deeds and great, Some with ornaments of rhyme. Nothing useless is or low; Each thing in its place is best; And what seems but idle show Strengthens and supports the rest. For the structure that we raise Time is with materials filled; Our to-days and yesterdays Are the blocks with which we build. Truly shape and fashion these, Leave no yawning gaps between; Think not, because no man sees, Such things will remain unseen. As we leave here tonight, members of the School Committee, Mr. Somes, Mr. Hartley, Mr. Loring, and Mr. Merritt, faculty, parents and friends, we say farewell. You have striven to give us much wisdom and understanding. Through your careful instruction we have learned how to cope with many of the problems we shall have to face. We will do our best to uphold the ideals you have set for us and see that you are rewarded for your patience, fidelity, and unselfishness. Classmates, the hour of graduation is here. As we go forth from here tonight, let us remember the happy days of our school life together. We are going out into a proud and generous country. It is a privilege to be graduating into such a world — let ' s try to make it a better world! And now, farewe ll! Ruth Stevens ' 45 1

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1945 Finally, maj I say here, let us be thankful we are Americans, free to follow whatever life work we choose in whatever manner we see fit, free to enjoy all the peaceful and happy privileges of living in a country where ideals may be realized. Our work here is ended. We are happy with the bright and hopeful thoughts of the future, but, at the same time, saddened by the thought that no more will these halls echo to our footsteps. None of us will ever forget all you have done to help us on our journey. Ethel Wanger Not for School, But for Life We Learn The Senior class of 1945 has chosen for its motto Not For School, But For Life We Learn. We will go from here tonight to apply the knowledge we have acquired in school to our life work. Changes are taking place around us constantly and we must be prepared for these changes — be ready to meet them and know how to deal with them. Education has been generally accepted as just something to prepare a young man or woman to better understand one another. At no other period in the history of the United States has education been more important than it is at the present time. Today students are taught how to win and maintain peace, how to make the world a better, safer, and finer place in which to live. Tonight we do not know what the future has in store for us. There are endless possi- bilities which lie ahead. In the world today it is possible for a person to become famous while still in his or her youth. Others may become wealthy, and others will be successful in business or profession. As long as the war continues we cannot further our own personal interests. Some of us will go into the armed forces — as some already have — some will go on to further their education, and others will accept positions that are necessary and im- portant to the winning of the war. We must learn not to envy others for what they have and are able to do, but try to reach higher levels ourselves. If we are taught that war is the only way to survive, we will learn to hate and hatred can mean only one thing — there will be wars and dictatorships and no peace. On the other hand, if we learn that peace, freedom, and the right to question and criticize are first in our lives, we will better understand and get along with each other. When this war is won, we must take into consideration the problems of our Allies as well as the problem of dealing with the conquered countries. Actually America is relatively young among the nations of the world, yet the greatest concentration of wealth and power is found in the United States. We will have much to say as to the peace terms and we shall see to it that they are fully enforced. Those of us who graduate from high school today will have a vital part in seeing that there is not another war twenty or thirty years from now. After Wor ld War I the United States was not interested in the affairs of England, France, and the vanquished countries. Wilson introduced the League of Nations, but the American people had no wish to become a party to an organization which could have been worthwhile in the maintenance of peace if there had been some strong country behind it to enforce the laws and regulations of the League. The youth of today must see that the peace terms are enforced, respected, and obeyed. C expect our country to do this and we will play our part, however small it may be. We do not go to school in our childhood years just to pass the time away until we must go out into the world and earn our way. In school we learn to respect the ideals of others, we are t might to he considerate and appreciative of our fellow beings. We are taught discipline, duty, and honor. We become less self-centered in our thoughts- we learn to think of others first, how we can benefit the majority and not just our group or ourselves. While we are in high school, we usually choose our life work. We take up specialized courses

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VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM Back Row, L. to R.: Arthur Coons, Manager, George Ball, David Eichstedt, Fred Van Al- styne, Mr. William Hartley, Coach. Front Row,L. to R.: Brooks Conklin, Richard Armstrong, Ira Markham, Donald Donsbough, Captain, Harry Ball, Frank Mackoul, Martin McGarry. JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM Back Rom, L. to R.: William Wakefield, James Lecakes, Arthur Brazee, Robert Ball, Olympio ( lartinelli, Fred Van Alstyne. Front Row,L.to R.: Mr. Hartley, Coach, Donald Curtiss, William Hartley, Martin McGarry, Captain, Brooks Conklin, Gordon Gibbs.