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

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A Democratic Education Promotes Peace Tonight as we are assembled in this hall our thoughts are focused on the graduating class and we the members of the graduating class are filled with pride to think that we have completed our high school education. But - - what does this prove? What does it mean? What have we achieved? The answer to these questions is not hard nor is it com- plicated! The primary purpose of our education has been to promote freedom by pre- paring us to take our places in this great democratic system. We have learned to prac- tice and respect our rights and liberties as American citizens, we have learned the ne- cessity of cooperation among all men, we have gained the ability to accept criticism and, last of all, we know that in all aspects the american way of life is tied in with education. In the years following we will take our places in some individual field in this com- plicated and highly technical world for which we have been prepared. Whether we take our positions in the fields of scientific research and endeavor, in the varied phases of agriculture, or bend our backs under the stress and strain of hard labor, our basic tools have been influenced by a desire for freedom, peace and a respect for the democratic standards of living. We, united by these ideals, will be capable of forming a future na- tion which will be strong, secure and prepared to act against agressors with ideas con- trary to our beliefs. We may now start out upon the greatest achievement of our lives, the maitenance of peace on earth and good will towards men. Ann Macy

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Zke Secret of Success All of us born into the world have an individual standard by which we consciously or unconsciously measure and shape every action of our lives. These actions have one goal — success. With many in this commercial world the question is, Will it make us rich? or in other words, Will it pay us in dollars and cents? With others this consideration has little weight, but the all important criterion is, Will it help us to be useful members of society? How can we best achieve that goal and can we succeed in achieving it? Undoubtedly, most of us as we stand at the threshold of a broader life and embark on our first voyage away from home are thinking in terms of all of these questions and are wondering wherein lies the secret of success and what makes it so difficult to attain. All of us graduating here tonight are young, with the greater part of our lives be- fore us. Oui choice of a goal has been difficult to decide upon, but no matter what that goal maybe, we will find the path leading to its achievement filled with many hard- ships. Wiser and more experienced people tell us that, and from our own oberservation, we can hardly expect to avoid them. Many things will arise to tempt us from the path we have chosen. The hardships will discourage us, there will be many pleasures we would like to experience and many enjoyable diversions to attract us. Then is the time we will have to exert all our will- power and ask ourselves, Will these things help us on our way to the goal we mean to reach? Of course, this is no easy task. If success in any undertaking were easy, there would be nothing to spur us to our best efforts. If there were no difficulties to be con- fronted, life would hold little challenge for any of us. For the higher the way is we climb, the more satisfaction there is in persevering to the end, and the richer the re- ward at the goal we seek. Let us not then, be discouraged and falter on our way, but keep our thought for- ever on our goal. Remember the secret of success is constancy to purpose. Oh, pause not, then -nor falter, For Fate is in your hand; Climb ever, -onward, -upward, To where your feet would stand; The rocks are rough and rugged, But victory is sublime; Step bravely, boldy, forward, And climb, and climb, and climb! Phyllis Armstrong

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Valedictory M ss Parents, Faculty, Classmates, Friends: Tonight it is my privilege on behalf of my classmates to bid you farewell. It would be an interesting experiment if, on this stage, we could erect a magic telescope whose powers could penetrate time and space. Pretend that you, the audience, have the power to turn the telescope backwards and view the past four happy years. There in 1948, you see a group of young, eager students entering Sheffield High School. Nine of these students are on this stage tonight. With the unfailing help of parents and faculty throughout the four years you see the constant mental and spiritual growth of our class. We have tried to do our best with high purpose but there are countless things we have learned through experience. In our studies we have had basic courses such as English, History, and Mathematics which better prepared us to take our places in an adult world. The very important study of civics and current events has instilled in us the importance of being loyal, concientious citizens. On the lighter side, extra curricular activities have been an invaluable part of the training of the group. In music groups we have learned the appreciation of music, and the need for har- mony and co-operation. Newspaper work has. given the ability to plan, and organize, and has furnished some experience in creative writing. Through our class activities, we have learned to work and build together toward a common goal. This goal is the class trip, an experience which every student at Sheffield anticipates and values so highly. Perhaps sports have been one of the most vital factors in our training. Sportsmanship and teamwork have taught us to meet victory and defeat with the same spirit. Now we are up to the present time. Graduation is here and we are standing on the threshold of our lives. Let us rotate our magic telescope from the past to the future. We foresee each class- mate in his own way trying to live up to our class motto: Too low they build who build beneath the stars. Our magic telescope shows just how distant the stars are. We know that the only way to do our part is to reach for these stars and even beyond. The stars represent our goal, a life of high ideals, honesty and unselfish devotion to duty. It is our hope that each classmate build his way to the stars as a teacher, nurse, soldier, scientest or whatever vocation he may choose. Those of us who plan to become nurses should sincerely have the desire to help and heal people. Those who will be teachers must do their best to help young people develop into happy, well- adjusted adults. We have studied the lives of many worthy men who have lived by high ideals and success- fully reached their goals. Let their example inspire each and every one of us to our goal. At this time, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to our faculty, parents, and friends who have done so much to guide us through the years. We thank each one of you for help- ing us to start toward our destination -- the stars.