South High School - Oriole Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

Page 13 text:

The girls have a part, too. Some, by acquiring a college education, will he better fitted to help reconstruct the nation after the war. Some will take posi- tions in order to release men. Others, who have spare time, may take Red Cross courses and help make necessary supplies. There are countless ways in which we may be of service, hut one excellent way is by practicing economy. In many respects we might be more saving. It would help the food supply greatly if we would cultivate available space, and, having the food, see that none is wasted. Economy in dress is also important. We need less change of style and less variety. In amusements we might cut down expenses. Our minds would not be injured seriously if we frequented the movies less, in fact, we might be driven to books for entertainment. The time of patriotic boasts and display is past. This is a time of true, practical patriotism. We are to be weighed in the balance, and if we are not found wanting, we shall be better because of the test. Although the war is neces- sarily full of horror, it is possible to benefit by it, and when it is over the world should have established truer standards. ifdpful iSfinta S OUTH is suffering a great loss in parting with the Seniors, and realizing that we have set a very high standard, we feel it is our duty to give a little timely advice to those who must take our place. First, remember that Seniors are always said to be dignified. This means that it is not proper for you to mount the banister at the third floor and ride to the first we never did. It also means that you should see that your dignity is respected by the Freshies. This is such a difficult task that I hardly know how to advise you, for we were never entirely successful. One can but do his best. However, with the new South Hills High to receive the surplus verdure, your task should be easier. Seniors are models in the matter of marks: they never strive for any- thing below an E. If you can get anything higher you will be the object of awe and admiration. Think of the grades of this year’s class ; you will have to make a colossal effort to surpass them. We realize that succeeding such a brilliant class, your path will be especially trying. Furthermore, Seniors are always punctual. We never had a tardy mark — • at least, if we had, it was because the bell rang before we arrived. Never talk in study period, (unless it is convenient) for even Seniors are occasionally sent to the D. T. You see, the objection to talking in study hour is that it sets a bad example to the Freshmen, who come to us so young that their little minds are very impressionable. To be brief, if you make A’s in all subjects, if you speak only when spoken to, if you use no slang, if you are never absent or late, if you possess perfect school spirit, you are an ideal student. But if you should be one of these rare specimens, we would extend our sincere sympathy. We do not see how anyone could ask for a more desirable class than we have been, so if you come up to our standard you will have a much better time than you would by being perfect students. 9

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HIu (ttouutry, of O UR country, in which we have enjoyed peace and happiness, has been forced into the most dreadful war in the world’s history. It is our opportunity to give our country some of the benefit which we have received from it. Now that we are in the struggle it is our duty to be of the greatest possible use ' it is the men’s privilege to aid the country directly by fighting or by carrying on necessary business. The women’s part is equally important, as they can relieve distress, release men, and economize in many ways. We believe that the success of the war depends upon every individual doing his part. Are we prepared to do ours ? Do we yet appreciate how deeply the war must affect us? The Seniors of ’17 are likely to be the first class of South to be broken up by war. A year hence we may find our fellow students much scattered and in various occupations. If the past four years have been spent profitably we should have the fortitude to shoulder our small part of the world’s cares. It is difficult to realize that the boys whom we have known so well for four years may soon be on the other side of the ocean. They are glad to be old enough to be of use to their country. Although their task is hard, in many ways it will benefit them. When they are no longer needed and return to enter college or business they will have experience behind them which will make them better prepared for serious work. We cannot help thinking of those who will never return. They will have proved themselves worthy of the land which our forefathers so stanchly defended. Our boys are just as patriotic as ever, and the emergency is all that is needed to bring out their manly qualities. 8

Page 14 text:

JtfamurU F ( n ' k y ears a K°- when we, as trembling 1 ’Veshies, saw the strange rooms of vSoutli, the stern teachers, and the sea of unfamiliar faces, we wondered whether we would live to graduate. I ut we u e no longer afraid of getting lost while passing from room to room; we have found the teachers very human and those strange faces belong to old friends. The years, which once seemed so endless, have passed quickly. In- stead of rejoicing in freedom we cannot leave without regret. We have had so many good times and formed so many pleasant friendships that we feel like a large family. We have the distinction of being the last class to graduate from South while the school is complete, for next year many students will he sent to the South Hills High. We have been asked whether we did not wish we might be the first class to graduate from the new building, but we prefer to be the last class to leave South before it is divided. After spending approximately forty-eight hundred hours at South High we naturally have great affection for it. We shall think fondly of even the portables, for what would we have done without the chicken coops to ridicule ? Crowded conditions have not seriously inconvenienced us ; in fact, they have made us better acquainted. In many respects our school life has been very enjoyable. We have found our faculty perfectly splendid. They have been most sympathetic in our trials, helpful in our difficulties, and interested in our activities. We are sure our friends are worthy of the name, for we have had opportunities to see the best and the worst of each other. Having so many fond recollections, we leave regretfully. We know that we shall part with many friends as well as with South, for as our ways part it will be impossible to see much of our classmates. We hope that the future Seniors may feel the inspiration of the schools lofty standards. Here ' s to South, may she live long and keep up her good work ! uUjank fxm T HE compiling of a Class Book involves much labor. We have been sur- prised and delighted with the splendid spirit of the Seniors. Many entered upon the literary work, so that the class did not rest while a few assumed the burden. We wish to thank our faculty advisors for their untiring energy. Though helpful, they gave us all possible freedom in the expression of our own ideas. The financial side is always important. Miss Baker kindly shared the pro- ceeds of the concert with the Class Book fund. We Seniors did not do our part in selling tickets, and we were the objects of so much ridicule that we went after advertisements with unusual vim. We appreciate the kindness of those who gave us ads. Why not turn to the back pages and make the acquaintance of our financial friends? They deserve our patronage, so that advertising in the “Oriole” may become a matter of business and not a favor. 10