Smith Academy - Echo Yearbook (Hatfield, MA)

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22 PURPLE AND WHITE ECHO Pro Merito First Row, left to right: Anna Burda, Helen Kacinski, Mary Majeski, Stacia Slovi- koski. Back Row, left to right: Miss Ryan, Miss Stoddard. The Pro Merito Chapter of Smith Academy, in the fall of 1942, consisted of three senior members: Stacia Slovikoski, Anna Burda, and Helen Kacinski. In December, these members presented a program in the assembly. The speakers explained the re- quirements of Pro Merito and reported on the activities of Pro Merito conventions. At this assembly. Principal Larkin announced two new members from the junior class: Mary Majeski and Cory Bardwell. Pride in having a boy added after four years with- out one was, unfortunately, short-lived, for Cory left soon to go to Deerfield Academy. District and state conventions have been cancelled for the duration because of the present transportation problem. But as soon as difficulties cease, the regular routine of two conventions a year, will be renewed. OFFICERS HELEN KACINSKI, President STACIA SLOVIKOWSKI, Vice-President ANNA BURDA, Secretary-Treasurer MISS RYAN and MISS STODDARD, Faculty Advisers

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SMITH ACADEMY 21 Presentation of Class Gift With the passing of tomorrow, the mem- bers of the class of 1943 will join the ranks of alumni. Before such a transition takes place, the members of this class wish to present to Smith Aacdemy these two war bonds, one for fifty dollars and another for twenty-five. We hope this gift will not only serve to keep alive our memory, but will be, to all who benefit from it, evidence of the sincere gratitude we feel for all the benefits we have received here. Frank Osciak ' 43 Address to Undergraduates It gives me great pleasure to say a few words to you in behalf of the senior class. Tomorrow brings a big event in our lives. After four years of effort, we have ac- quired a high school education. When we entered Smith Academy, our nation was still at peace. But during our high school course, we have seen a com- plete change in world conditions. World War II is affecting the lives of all oi us, and has forced us to defer plans for our own immediate future. One of our group is already in the service, as you know. us certain of one truth: Education is the inspiration of progress. It was the desire inspiration of progress. It was the desire for more knowledge, for example, that led Columbus to the discovery of Amer- ica. And if man had not realized that he must develop his faculties, we would be living in a far different world today. There would be none of the modern con- veniences, such as electricity, refrigeration, and rapid transportation. There would be no realization of the democratic principles of freedom and justice. We would still be liv- ing in the world and environment of a prim- itive civilization. Day by day, the advantages of a higher education become more and more pro- nounced, and a high school education is now considered practically necessary. The best advice we can offer you still in high school is this: the only way to get the most out of your high school education, is to put your best into your studies. Surely in the disturbed world we live in today, none of us can fail to realize that life brings changing situations and changing relations. And we know that a high school course prepares us to meet these chang- es with greater ability. Orderly training, systematic study, the opportunities for the practice of loyalty and cooperation, and the benefits of friendly relationships with fellow students — all these advantages Smith Academy offers. Make the most of them, in the years of high school life be- fore you. Our years of companionship with you are at an end. We have enjoyed them and found them profitable. As we leave, we extend to you all a sincere wish that you may do your work here well. And we can think of no better parting message to you than the one contained in these words: All education is self-education. RICHARD BELDEN ' 43

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SMITH ACADEMY 23 The Faculty First Row, left to right: Mrs. O ' Niell, Miss Stoddard, Miss Ryan, Mrs. Muller, Miss Connelly. Second Row, left to right: Mr. Bristol, Mr. Larkin, Mr. Jacobek. Amherst College Smith College CLARENCE J. LARKIN, A.B., Principal Algebra, Chemistry, Geometry MARY E. RYAN, A.B. Classical English, Commercial English 3-4 MARGARET E. STODDARD McCarthy ' s Business College Shorthand, Typing, Business Arithmetic MARGARET L. CONNELLY Worcester Domestic Science School Household Arts Instructor JOHN C. JAKOBEK, A.B., M.S. Mass. State College Biology, Science, History, Problems of Democracy GILBERT D. BRISTOL, B.V.A. Mass. State College Agriculture Instructor MRS. F. E. MULLER, A.B. Wheaton College Latin, French, World History MRS. B. C. O ' NEILL Bay Path Institute, Commercial College, New York University Shorthand, Commercial English 1-2, Business Training