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

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VALEDICTORY ADDRESS Parents, Faculty, Classmates and Friends: For many years we have looked foreward to this day, the wonderful day when we would be through with school. There would be no more dull studies, no more homework, we would enter a brave new world of freedom and opportunity. That brave new world lies just beyond the door of this room. We do not fear to enter, but strangely enough we are not experiencing that happiness about which we had dreamed. Our thoughts, as we sit here do not bound foreward in anticipation of adventures which lie ahead, but rather, return along the path upon which we have journied these many years. This is a High School Com- mencement but for all of us it is more than that, some of us began our school life together in this very building, others joined our ranks in the seventh grade, we have been friends a long time. During these years of childhood and early youth we have learned more than the studies offered in the curriculum. We have learned that there are times when we must turn to teachers as friends for help and guidance. We have learned co-operation, and also initiative in leader- ship. If we carry this knowledge with us into the world which lies ahead, the road will be made more easy and we will be better able to appreciate the pleasures which we may encounter. It is difficult to say what may befall us. This atomic age in which we live has many diverse elements, we may be on the threshold of a bril- liant new age or on the edge of disaster. What ever lies ahead, we must face it with courage. We can feel that the training we received at Sheffield High School will better en- able us to adjust ourselves honorably. This time of parting contains an element of sadness; it is hard to break old ties but we cannot dwell forever in the past. We must go on to bigger and better things. We are fortunate that we have had our years at Sheffield and in saying farewell my classmates join me in expressing our gratitude to our parents, teachers, the school committee and the townspeople for making our years at school so happy and of such value to us. Tonight as we leave the doors of Sheffield High School we have taken the first step toward the goal which is expressed in our class motto, To the Stars Through Difficulties. 11 17

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SALUTATORY ADDRESS Parents, members of the school board, faculty, students, and friends: For the past twelve years we have learned a way of life that has devel- oped in us the ability to think for ourselves and to respect the opinions of others. It has also taught us the significance of fair play. In our generation one needs more than just reading, writing, and arith- metic; yes, the basic fundamentals are needed, but we also had to develop the ability to think for ourselves. Many hours of informal discussion in classes have taught us to respect the opinion of others and to understand their opposing viewpoints. The spirit of give and take at class meetings, student council, and various other group activities demonstrated our privilege of voicing approval or disapproval on a multitude of school issues. Everyone had the chance to express himself fully. We carried out the plans that were finally decided upon by the majority. In our interscholastic games and contests, we were taught fair play. To win, of course, was the student aim of all this competition. Although we stressed the winning, the victory was not as important as how the game was played. In victory, we were pleased and filled with a feeling of happiness and self-satisfaction. In defeat, we learned to accept the loss with grace. Having developed the qualities necessary for harmonious relationships in a little more than a decade, we hope to carry on these standards of fair play and respect for others in the years to come. May these principles ever remain a part of our Democratic Way of Life, so that all future graduates may continue to enjoy an established natural right. If we are to maintain these prerogatives, not only must we practice them but we must also continually strive to better them In his speech delivered at Easthampton, L. I., July 4, 1916, Charles Evans Hughes said, --When we are thinking of the ideals of democracy, we are thinking of the schools, and we deplore every condition in which we find man lower than he should be under a free government, and we want rreater victories of democracy that the level of success shall be raised. I wish to thank you--parents, members of the school board, faculty, students, and friends— for your help in firmly rooting in us these ideals of democratic living during our twelve years here at Sheffield High School. V e want you also to share in the happiness we feel tonight. Representing the Class of 1950, I bid you a most cordial welcome to our graduation exercises. 16

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