Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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RUSSIAN SATELLITES Louise Price ’58 “Russians launch new satellite!” “Red moon circles earth!” “Russians conquer space!” These were the head-lines that glared from every newspaper; these are the words that newsboys shrieked; this is the development that shocked the world. Con- sequently, people have since been seeking to determine what this means to us and every member of the free world. Since the world has learned of these Rus- sian satellites which are soaring through space, Russian prestige has soared also. This new achievement goes far in convincing peo- ple of every nation that Russia has emerged as a first-class military power in the age of missiles and atomic weapons and that it is seriously challenging the leadership of the United States. The Russians called their first device that “Sputnik”—meaning earth satellite. It was propelled into its earth-circling path some- time on Friday, October 8th, by multiple- stage rockets. The site of launching is not known but is believed by American authori- ties to be “somewhere north of the Caspian “Sputnik I” is round, about 22.8 inches in diameter, and weighs 184.3 pounds. Four radio antennas project from it and the Rus- sians say that it contains nothing but radio equipment and devices that supply radio power. The satellite is zooming around the earth at a rate of 18,000 miles an hour, mak- ing a complete circuit in one hour, 30 min- utes, 2 seconds, at an altitude of 650 miles. An American expert says it might remain in the sky “a thousand or a million years.” The United States’ missile program was spurred on to even greater action when an- other satellite, “Sputnik II,” was launched on Sunday, November 3rd. This was seven times heavier than the first, was propelled almost twice as far into space, and contained a dog, appropriately named “Mutnik.” The White House and American scientists hailed the Russian step as a great scientific achievement, but some American scientists accused Russia of dispatching their satellites in an orbit which would make American study of the devices the most difficult. Rus- sia was so pleased over its initial success that it informed the rest of the world about the feat before notifying its own citizens. What, exactly, does this mean to us, as part of a free world? Are we being out- witted and out-smarted by men who will use this as a weapon to their own advantage? Must we sit back and allow our pernicious enemies to take command of the vast regions of outer space? Does it take such a “bomb- shell” as this to shock us out of lethargy and into action? Let us not be oblivious to such things! Let us, as citizens of a freedom- loving democracy, take stock of cur scientific progress and contribute in any way possible to further study in this field. “IF WINTER COMES ” Ernest Hart ’58 One of the strange mysteries of life is the autumn leaves. Seemingly, they should change color in the spring. Spring is the sea- son of radiant flowers. Why do the leaves wait to reveal a beauty of color until they have been lashed by the winds of austere autumn? Yet suffering can illuminate the lives of some people. The closer to death, the closer to life. Noticing how the dying leaves of autumn seem to become the new leaves of spring, I have wondered if the leaves might not give us the answer to the mystery of life after death. How ignorant most of us are! Do we ever take time to observe the leaves? In cre- ation we may find the secret of creation. Leaves falling to the ground—only leaves. Never underestimate these messengers frcm Heaven. Six

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A complete TB program must consist of three separate departments — case finding, treatment, and rehabilitation. Case finding and rehabilitation are sponsored in our own community by the Middlesex Health Associa- tion (This is done entirely by donations which are received through the sale of Christmas seals.) Necessary treatment for TB victims is given by the Middlesex County Sanitorium. Two years ago, tuberculin patch tests were given to students in Somerville. This matter of case finding proves to be extremely effective and economical. Two active cases were found at a total expense of only $216.00. This program will be renewed next year. At least once a year an X-Ray Mobile visits each community and offers a free chest x-ray to all. You ask, “Can TB be prevented?” Yes, it can. Here are four ways in which you, as a teenager, can help prevent the spread of TB in our town and throughout the nation: 1. Maintain good general health. 2. Encourage your parents to be x-rayed. 3. Keep well-informed on this sub- ject, and be certain that your information is accurate. 4. Encourage people to buy Christ- mas Seals. The TB picture in Somerville and all over America may be summed up in the words of Emily Bissel, who originated the Christ- mas Seal Program in America. Before her death in 1948 she said, “I see thousands who had no hope and who have it now.” Let us continue to extend new hope to those who have been stricken with this dread disease. vm BUY CHRISTMAS SEALS KM KM MEET THE EDITOR “Who’s that cute little brown-haired senior in the Editorial Room?” “Why, that’s Marjorie Howe, editor of the Radiator!” Yes, glancing into the Radiator Room be- fore school, after school, or during special, you’re bound to see Marge, a pert, hazel-eyed miss, who stands five feet four inches tall. And if she has a far-away look and is frown- ing prettily, you can be sure that she’s trying to set up a dummy for the next issue of the Radiator! Marge has unusual writing ability, and the staff members all agree that she’s tops to work with. Marge hails from Northeastern Junior High where she was salutatorian of her class. She is an active member of Portia and Na- tional Honor Society, and her name is con- stantly on the credit and max. credit lists. In her spare (huh?) time, Marge enjoys all sports, especially swimming and basket- ball. She also enjoys reading, and listening to music from “South Pacific.” She announces firmly (but with a twinkle in her eye!) that she has no ideal man. (Keeping it secret, Marge?). When asked about her most embarrassing moment, Marge turned a pretty shade of red and grudgingly admitted that it happened in her sophomore English class! Margie’s ultimate goal is to become a traveling journalist for Holiday magazine. With your personality and ability, Margie, you’d be a welcome addition to any magazine staff! Next year will find Margie at either Wel- lesley or Middlebury College (She hopes!). Somerville High School salutes you, Margie —and we know you’ll succeed! Fivo

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Left to right: Robert Fedele, Richord Welch, Cosmo Cornelio, Donold Nougler HOYS’ STATE During the week of June 21-29 the Ameri- can Legion sponsored its annual Boys’ State project at the University of Massachusetts. This program was initiated to give the young men of our state a practical experience in the functioning of our government. Repre- senting the Somerville High School were Cosmo Camelio, Robert Fedele, and Donald Naugler, sent by Post 19 and Richard Welch, sent by Post 377. Upon arrival the boys were assigned to a city or town, and to a county. Each boy par- ticipated in the local government of his as- signed area. He could hold both a local and a state office. In fact, the first steps on the road to political popularity was the local election. But don’t get the wrong idea. It was not all politics, not by a long shot. As a matter of fact, after government, the athletic program was the next important thing. There were teams in basketball softball, baseball, and track, or, if you weren’t interested in those, there were tennis matches, gymnastics, or swimming. Each city had a team in the four major sports and usually some representa- tives in the other sports. The winning teams all received certificates of athletic merit. Of course, as you probably know, the name Boys’ State, meant just that, all boys and no girls. Each night the phone lines were jam- med with calls from lonely boys to their girls, and mail call was a bedlam. Now, getting back to politics. The munici- pal elections were barely over and the local governments had just begun to function, when the work began again, this time for the state and county elections. There were rallies, speeches, party conventions, posters, and heart-to-heart talks. The Boys’ State newspaper, edited and staffed by the fellows themselves, played up the elections in a big way. When all this excitement was over and the air was clear of confetti and hoarse cheers, six fine young men found themselves in constitutional offices of Boys’ State. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be chosen as a participant in Boys’ State. Some five hundred boys attended, chosen on the basis of scholarship, character, and standing in their class. They represented schools from all parts of the Commonwealth. Since they used the regular college dorms, they were able to obtain a true picture of college life— study, athletic and social. (Ed. note. Why aren’t Somerville High School girls represented at Girls’ State? Wo- men are assuming a larger share in govern- ment each day. A girl, therefore, needs as much training in politics today as a boy. She, also, must have adequate experience in the functioning of our government. After all, our first woman President of the United States must be efficient!) Seven