Smith Academy - Echo Yearbook (Hatfield, MA)

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PRO MERITO The Pro Mento Chapter of Smith Academy is an honorary scholastic group. To become a mem- ber, one must have at least an eighty-five average, and to remain a member one must retain this scholastic standing for all the years in high school. The society is divided into two groups, the Senior Pro Merito and the Junior Pro Merito. Members of the Senior Pro Merito this year were Mary Belden and Bernard Saydlowski and the members of the Junior Pro Merito were Phyllis Kochan, Mildred Novak, Nancy Barsh and Doro- thy Goodwin. Since there were so few members, no officers were elected. The Smith Academy Chapter is a member of the Massachusetts Pro Merito Society which holds annual meetings in various schools in the state. This year, because of conflict of time, the local members were unable to atend the state conven- tion in Westfield. The Pro Merito was established to give stu- dents the proper honor for attaining high grades, and thus to further interest in studies, which sometimes tend to become le:s interesting as the number of extra-curricular activities grows. As the interest in the Pro Merito grows, the students will receive better grades in their studies. PRO MERITO

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Student Council STUDENT COUNCIL On September 9, the Student Council mem- bers met to elect officers for the year. These were: John Barrett, president; Phyllis Kochan, vice president; Bernard Saydlowski, secretary- treasurer. The other members who dedicated their time unselfishly to the Council affairs were Mary Belden, Donald Jandzinski, Fred Belden and Thomas Prucnal. The first matter to be discussed by the Student Council was the magazine campaign, which was sponsored successfully by this group again this year. The proceeds were used for many purposes during the year. A large part of the sum was used to purchase a radio-phonograph combina- tion for the school. This equipment is a decided addition to our many audio-visual aids. Acting on the suggestion of several members of the faculty, the Student Council sponsored a contest to find a name and an emblem for the athletic teams. This undertaking was not success- ful. However, a name may be found by next bas- ketball season. After the last basketball game before Christ- mas, the Council held a party, to which the San- derson Academy basketball team was invited. Re- freshments served during the evening consisted of sandwiches, cocoa and cookies. The Student Council has enjoyed a fairly suc- cessful year, during which many problems have been introduced and solved.

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THESPIANS STRICTLY FORMAL On November 4, the Smith Academy Thes- pians presented the three-act play, STRICTLY FORMAL at the Hatfield Memorial Town Hall. The scene was the living room of the Cutler resi- dence. Joyce Cantwell played the role of Jane Cutler, a teen-age girl with a prom problem. Ann Kennedy gave a hilarious performance as Cindy, Jane ' s cousin and little helper, who had more ideas than were needed. Dorothea Fortsch was sweet and likeable in her role of Sally, who had trouble with handsome Robert Widelo, as her boy friend Jim, who had a mind only for passing French. Donald Jandzinski gave a splendid per- formance as Elroy, the boy who did not like girls but believed mostly in his shot-putting. As a nervous father, Bernard Saydlowski gave a dig- nified performance and was quieted down with the help of his well-mannered wife, played very nicely by Joan Moriarty. Much humor was added by Francis Godin, who portrayed Mr. Ahern, a quick-tempered man who seemed to always be in trouble with Mr. Cutler. John Barrett, in the role of George, Jane ' s No. 1 beau, was faced with many problems concerning the girls. Phyllis Ko- chan had the breathless part of Marilyn, who was chasing after Elroy. Patricia Mason cast as Ag- nes, the bedraggled maid of the house, gave a witty performance. Janet Vollinger displayed much glamour in the part of Marcia, the sophisti- cated triple-threat from New York. As the high- strung Mrs. Tilton, Mary Belden acted out her part with great authority, but had a little trouble with her younger daughter, Josie, whom everyone regarded as a brat, cleverly portrayed by Elinor Vollinger. Mildred Novak had the role of Rose, the girl with the mumps, who stirred up a bit of action. Carl Wendoloski, as Bob, a lieutenant in the Air Force, was nice-looking and quiet and liked to eat. The prompters for the play were Dorothy Goodwin and Phyllis Pelis. For her fine direction, Miss Ryan was presented a pen and pen holder by the cas t.