Shields High School - Patriot Yearbook (Seymour, IN)

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J. R. Mitchell Principal of Shields High School Mr. J. R. Mitchell started his teaching career in 1915 in the country schools of Washington County, near Salem, his home community. He came to Shields High School in 1920 as a teacher of Manual Training and coach of athletics. He had previously held a similar position for two years in Montpelier High School. In 1927 he resigned his coaching posi- tion here and gave his full time to the teaching of Manual Training until he was promoted to the principalship two years ago. Mr. Mitchell had his training at Indiana State Teachers ' College and at Indiana University, graduating from the latter institution in 1931. Mr. Mitchell has taken active and con- sistent interest in student welfare work, particularly in boys ' work. He has been sponsor of the local Hi-Y organization for several years and has taken a promi- nent part in the advancement of the Boy Scout program in Seymour. He is also active in the affairs of the community, being superintendent of the Christian Sunday School and a member of the local Lions Club. Shields High School has made marked advancement during Mr. Mitchell ' s term as principal. One of his outstanding ac- complishments has been the organiza- tion of the home room plan which provides opportunity for small groups to work under the direction of sponsors who are directly responsible for their guid- ance, study and progress. The inaugu- ration of the supervised study plan whereby the pupils are given time for study in the various recitation rooms has also proven very satisfactory. This plan provides for directed study at a time when it is most needed in the prepara- tion of work. The program of extra- curricular activities has greatly developed under Mr. Mitchell ' s guidance. These activities afford opportunity for the stu- dents to participate in the affairs of the school in such a way as to develop initia- tive, poise and self-direction. Besides the above improvements there has been a de- cided development in student morale re- sulting in better feeling between teachers and pupils and a better attitude toward the school. The I. H. S. A. A. makes the high sch ool principal directly responsible for the athletic program. This includes the maintaining of scholastic standards, the passing on eligibility of the various par- ticipants, control of receipts and expendi- tures under the direction of the local board of education, and the cultivation of the ideals of good will with other communities, and of good sportsmanship among the players. Mr. Mitchell has handled our athletic situation in such a way that there has been no friction either within the school, or with other com- munities with which we have maintained athletic relations. His previous experience as a coach gave him an insight into the problems of athletic control and a sym- pathetic understanding of the coach ' s job. Mr. Mitchell ' s fine attitude, his sense of fairness and justice, his broad sym- pathy, his generous and cooperative help- fulness, his firm insistence upon right conduct and high standards of work have endeared him to his pupils, his teachers and the public. Shields High School loves and respects him as a man and a leader.

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Mr. Norman J. Lasher Superintendent of Seymour Public Schools Seymour ' s Schools are recognized fa- vorably over the state for their standards of excellence. This recognition is due to the progressive leadership of our Super- intendent, Norman J. Lasher. His strong character, broad human sympathies, high purposes and training, together with his executive skill, have helped make this possible. Mr. Lasher came to Seymour as Super- intendent of Schools in 1925 after having served in the same capacity in Cas City, Indiana for seven years. He has had a rich experience in all fields of educational work. He taught five years in rural schools, served several years as a high school teacher and principal before be- coming Super ntendent of Schools, all of which have fitted him for the profession which he follows. Not only is his ability recognized locally, but his counsel and judgment are called upon often in state educational circles. Through his guidance the local school system has developed and broadened its services to the youth of our city. Four modern, well equipped grade buildings, three of which have been built or re- modeled under his direction, serve our needs adequately. The curricula offerings of the Junior and Senior high schools have been enlarged to meet the require- ments of a diversified and ever growing student body. Our school system is so organized and planned that it has been placed in the highest rank by the State Board of Education. Through the practice of strict principles of economy and busi- ness methods, our schools are administer- ed on a much lower per capita cost than the average cost for cities of our class. Mr. Lasher ' s work does not stop with the school system. He is a member of the First Methodist Church, the Seymour Rotary Club, the Masonic Order, as well as being actively identified with Welfare Work, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, and other philanthropic agencies. It was largely through his efforts and interest in boys that Scouting was revived in Seymour. He helped to start the move- ment to organize the Hoosier Hills Area Council making possible this National tie-up with the Boy Scout Organiza- tion. From the beginning, Mr. Lasher has served as a member of the Council Board being the only representative from this city to serve continuously. He took an active part in planning and building the present council camp, Camp Louis Ernst, rated as one of the best equipped camps for Boy Scouts in Region Seven. Mr. Lasher ' s further interest in the welfare of boys was manifested in the summer playground program inaugurated under his direction. Upon coming to Sey- mour he found that the Public Schools had no facilities for out door physical education and play. The Emerson Field, one of the best in Southern Indiana, was built to fill this need. Now our schools have adequate accommodations for both. Mr. Lasher ' s early educational training was secured at Marion Normal College. His Baccalaureate degree was taken at the State Teachers College, Terre Haute, and his Masters work done at the University of Wisconsin. He is an active member of many state and national educational fraternities and organizations.

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The Faculty L. GRACE ANDERSON Latin State Teachers ' College Indiana University, A. B. Graduate Work at Indiana University V. B. EVERDON Principal of Junior High School High School Geography Vocations, United States History State Teachers ' College, B. S. ERNEST ASBELL Economics, Biology Butler University, A. B. Butler University, B. S. Butler University, M. S. Working toward M. D. degree at Univer- sity of Missouri. ELIZABETH FAY FEASTER English, Spanish Western College University of Wisconsin, A. B. Graduate work at University ofWisconsii PATIENCE DRYDEN Hygiene, Supervisor of Physical Education Hanover College, A. B. Columbia University. LILLIE E. FOSBRINK English Moore ' s Hill College, B. S. Indiana University, A. B.