Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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In My Opinion... A new column designed to provide an emo- tional and intellectual outlet for the student’s point of view on school affairs. OUR DEBTS Carol Anastas 63 Debt! What is it? How do we repay it? A debt is that which is due from one person to another; an obligation to repay others for the good deeds they have done for us. We owe debts to God, to our parents, to teachers, and to all people who help us mature as in- telligent and respectful individuals. To God, first of all, we owe our respect and love. This respect and this love is shown not only by the physical motion of attending our religious places of worship, but in the con- duct of our everyday lives. Respect for God is shown by keeping His commandments, and love is shown by our actions and our will to do what is right and to live good, healthy, and useful lives. By doing our best we thank God for the multitude of wonders He has given us. We owe much to our parents that we can never adequately repay for all the good they have done. They have sacrificed much that we may have better lives than they. If it weren’t for good parents, our future would not be very promising. “Ingratitude,” the poet says, “is more foul than traitor’s arms.” Therefore, we should be grateful to all who help us. To our teachers we owe our knowledge of subjects necessary to help us to grow up and take our places as teachers, secretaries, or become members of any other professions that we have chosen. We owe a great deal to our government, military forces, and to those who protect us from war and help us to secure a peaceful world. Today we are grateful that there are fine men who are patriotic enough to work in our behalf to keep us from being destroyed from the earth. Having mentioned only a few of the people to whom we are indebted, I am sure that there are many others, with concern for our personal lives. How can we repay them even in a small way ? We can repay them by doing our part well and not taking for granted that we can re- ceive benefits without giving something in return. IN DEFENSE OF CHEERLEADERS Dianne Blackall ’63 While attending our first football game at Arlington, a few choice comments were al- ready made about our cheering squad, so as a result, in behalf of the cheerleaders, I would like to say a few words of defense and praise which each one deserves. “Aren’t they awful?” “They look half dead,” “I wish they’d whisper a little louder.” And so it went through the whole game as the girls did their best to bring on victory. Only one week was given to these girls to prepare for their first game. Many people do not realize that it is not all pomp and splendor being a cheerleader, but hard work and practice two or three days a week plus spare time at home. It isn’t easy to stand in front of a large gathering and try to make them assist us by making some noise besides insults, watch the game, and smile in the face of defeat. After all, someone has to lose. We must realize that it is only a game and not the end of the world. There will always be another time, so please don’t take it out on the cheerleaders. Loyal students of Somerville High are on the defensive side, but others on the offensive. We need more offense on the field not in the bleachers. From there we need whole-hearted cooperation. I’ll bet if boys as well as girls made some effort to learn cheers and “pep Seven

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banquet. This has proved to be a joyous, fun- filled affair in the past. The object of this organization is to build strong characters and to aid the community in whatever way possible. At the end of last year, Tri-Hi-Y members collected enough money from a car-wash, to send a number of needy boys and girls to camp for the summer. Of course, the girls have many social events of their own; such as parties and weekend trips. Last year, some of the members spent a weekend at the University of Massachu- setts. It was an experience which I am sure, they will not soon forget. Tri-Hi-Y has much to offer any girl, as you can see. THE RADIATOR At the end of last year, Louise Mazyck was elected Editor of the Radiator Yearbook; James Cavanaugh was elected editor of the magazine, and James Rancanti, business manager. The “Radiator” is perhaps the busi- est organization in the school. So far this year a “Radiator” representative has been at every school event, the entire organization visited the Boston Globe building, two rep- resentatives were at the Better Breakfast Breakfast, the editor and James Curry were guests at the Boston Traveler’s luncheon, and five staff members attended the Annual New England Scholastic Press Association con- vention. Attending were Rosemarie Farina, Leo Kelly, Daniel Kane, James Curry, and James Cavanaugh. The convention was held at the Boston University School of Public Relations and Communications. Prof. Robert Baram, a member of the school’s staff, is the director of the Association. At the conven- tion the “Radiator” received two awards: one for excellence in Yearbook editing and publishing; the other for excellence in maga- zine editing and publishing. The guest speak- er at the luncheon was Edward Kennedy, the assistant district attorney for Suffolk County. He spoke on the President’s Physical Fitness program and domestic policies. GEORGE MACROKANIS RECEIVES HARVARD BOOK AWARD At the end of his Junior year, George Mac- rokanis was selected as the outstanding boy of the Junior class, and presented the Har- vard Book Award. The picture above shows Mr. Giroux presenting George with the prize. The Harvard Book Award is presented to the outstanding Junior at the High School, and it is one of the most coveted awards given in the school. The award is a volume of a world-famous classic. The recipients of this award are of the highest character, and past recipients have gone on to be the leaders of the city, state, and country, and successes in life. We know George, who was also elected president of National Honor Society, is the type of person who will do as the others have done and be a shining example of the leader- ship of Somerville High. Six

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up” the spirit of the team, things would be a great deal better. Did you ever stop to think how a nervous cheerleader feels as she faces the gloomy- looking spectators, or how a football hero feels when he hears someone yell “Boo”? Well, it’s a pretty horrible feeling. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love cheerlead- ing and I know every other cheerleader does and wouldn’t give it up for the world, but please stop and think. Am I a hypocrite? If you are, make an early New Year’s resolu- tion and come on and help us out because — We’re from Somerville ’n’ no one could be prouder. If you can’t hear us, help us shout louder! WHAT’S RIGHT WITH SOMERVILLE HIGH Joyce Catanzano ’62 Somerville High School, like practically all other high schools, is subject to constant criticism by a major part of its pupils. Al- ways ready to accept the worst about the school, pupils are usually blinded to the won- derful opportunities for advancements in ed- ucation available at S.H.S. and other schools. Somerville High has some of the most qual- ified teachers in the country. All are gradu- ates of accredited colleges with the best train- ing for the future. We also have a marvelous system of extra- curricular activities with a combination of twenty-five clubs and sports teams. There isn’t any pupil in the school who could not join at least one activity and from it receive the enjoyment of being with fellow students. In addition the poise, good sportsmanship, and training that can only come from work- ing with others may be obtained. Our guidance department is also an out- standing one with the most helpful counsel- ors, who are always ready to aid you and all pupils who need help. Remember the choice of vocation or a college is a decision that most young people need help in determining. Somerville High has much to off6r its stu- dents, but unless the attitude of an unsatis- fied minority changes, the full benefit of the strong leadership and superior quality of our teachers will go unheeded. SHOPPERS Ann Crowell ’64 At last it has been done. Here is my per- sonal survey of super-market shoppers. Al- though not complete, the data which I have assembled reveals this threefold classifica- tion: The first type of shopper is the “Browser.” She is usually on the plump side and just loves to shop for food. She brings no shop- ping list but just wanders up and down the aisles, picking up whatever looks good. You will notice the place she stays at longest is the candy counter. The second type of shopper is the “Tester.” Every item must be tested before she will buy it. She will shake and rattle whatever she can lay her hands on from can goods to frozen foods. But the meat section is her specialty. She must squeeze each piece of meat before she decides which one to buy. Everything on the meat counter looks pretty much abused after she leaves there. The third type of shopper might be called “Bargain Bessie.” She is the woman who conies in with a pencil and paper to figure out if two cans of dog food at twenty-five cents a can are cheaper than four cans of another brand at four for one dollar. All she needs is an adding machine. If you think these characters appear exag- gerated, the next time you go to the super- market take a good lock at the shoppers. I mean a really good look. See if you don’t find all of them making the rounds. Eight