South Side High School - Optimist Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

Page 20 text:

ISTI THE O P T I M I S T SCHOOL NEWS. Senior Editor, Esther Par her. EDITORS Howard Broek Beatrice Elchhorn Milton Lange Ruth Schechner Winifred Springer Evelyn McWhood Mildred Black The Senior Dance The long-looked-forward-to has happened— the Senior dance came off on Tuesday evening, the 23rd of last month. Was it a success? We’ll say it was! The punch was delicious, the decorations tasteful and music fine. The features of the evening were the Shadow Waltzes. There still remains a doubt as to whether the last Fox Trot was intended for another Shadow Dance or an urgent re- quest to leave. Although the lights finally flickered at 11:15 sharp, there was ample opportunity to crowd a good time into the three hours allowed and no one could deny that the ensemble was a big success. That it was is due mainly to the efforts of the Enter- tainment Committee, which consists of Nor- man Ottley, chairman, Frances Cauffman. Estelle Fischman, Harry Kolodin and Frank Zwigard. THE WIRELESS CLUB Now that the government ban has been lifted on private receiving and sending sta- tions, the Wireless Club has come into life again. After’a long period of idleness, due to the war the club held its first meeting this term on December 11 for the purpose of re- organizing. The following Thursday, Decem- ber 18, the election of officers was held. The following came out victorious: Gordon Ehr- lich, President; Calvin Van Ness, Vice-Presi- dent, and Joseph Lieb, Secretary. The club now has 31 members, which is quite a number for a start. Plans are now under way for equipping the station with a first-class receiving panel, which will make a possibility of hear- ing all commercial stations within a 5,000- mile radius. When these changes are made the school will have a station as good as, if not better, than there is to be found in any school. Application has also been made for a Govern- ment license in charge of Mr. Hunkins, the Director. It is to be hoped that South Siders will take advantage of the wonderful oppor- tunity for wireless work which the club of- fers. THE SPANISH CLUB During the past month there have been two meetings of the Spanish Club in Room 60. At these a varied program has been presented by the members, consisting largely of educa- tional and instructive games. 'Phis club is very instructive and helpful to all those stu- dents who really wish to attempt to live an hour in the afternoon speaking nothing but the language of Spain. Plans arc almost perfect-

Page 19 text:

 Senior Editor, Alfred Zusi. With the rapid approach of the time of our departure, our thoughts turn back to the past, and with mingled emotions we reflect upon our four years at South Side. The dominant note of this meditation is a feeling of intense satis- faction, of triumph that we have successfully completed the prescribed course. Opposed to this, a wave of deep regret sweeps over us as we recall the happiness and the enjoyable friendships resulting from our school tics; associations which are now, for the most part, recollections of the past. We are proud to be graduates of South Side; proud to have been trained in an institution which has gained such an enviable record in the few short years of its existence, and we will strive our utmost to promote and strengthen this reputation in the minds of those with whom we come in contact in later life. The value of our instruction at South Side is immeasurable. We have acquired a firm foundation upon which to build our lives, and any future success that we may achieve may justly be ascribed to this training, for “a good start is half the battle won.” At this turning point in our career of edu- cation, it is indeed fitting that we express, if words can express, our gratitude toward those who were in a large measure responsible for our success. To Dr. Kennedy and to the en- tire faculty we extend our most sincere thanks for their aid in overcoming the obstacles en- countered in our school course. We feel in- capable of an adequate manifestation of our gratitude to our class advisor, Dr. Austin, who piloted the Class of January, '20, thru its trials and reverses to the safe haven of gradua- tion. We respect him as a teacher, and love him as a friend and companion. Under his firm guidance and supported by his sound ad- vice, victory was assured, and to him, there- fore, our issue of the school paper is dedicated. To the school in general we arc grateful for its whole hearted support and encourage- ment of all our activities. Our best wishes are extended to the future classes of South Side, and for the success of their representing organ, “The Optimist.” 17

Page 21 text:

W[ THE O PTIMIST cd for a one-act play to be given at the next meeting and we would urge all ftudents of Spanish to join this club if for no other reason than that they will receive one point credit in their work for the term. THE 4B CLASS At the meeting of the 4B Class on Decem- ber 23 two important matters were decided upon, namely, class colors and a class motto. The colors chosen are gold and black, but, con- trary to the custom of preceding classes the motto is in English, rather than Latin, so that it will mean something to every member of the class. It is “Ever ' end is a beginning.” The meeting adjourned after a brief discussion concerning the senior prom. The 4A-4B Social On Tuesday, December 16, a social was given in the gym to the 4B Class by the 4A Class. A new precedent was established at this dance, there being enough light to last until the close of the afternoon. The music for the occasion was furnished by Grccly’s Or- chestra. The members of the Entertainment Committee thoughtfully provided some delic- ious refreshments in the form of super fine punch, excellent cake and better candy. After the first eight dances on the program, a novelty dance was started, in which the vari-colored balloons which had been used to decorate the gym, were distributed among the dancers, the balloons were broken and joy reigned supreme. Mr. Fisher led the grand march in a very ef- ficient manner, and helped to make the affair the success it was. A goodly crowd of Seniors was present, but sad to say, only about six of the faculty were there. This social was the big gest success of the season, for not only were a large number of people present, but everyone had a wonderful time. The 4A Class is to be commended for its achievement, and it is hoped that other classes will follow their ex- cellent example and have socials as successful and interesting as this one. SAFETY FIRST A very interesting talk on “Safety First” was given in the auditorium by Mr. Van Brunt. He said that, although the subject may be trite, it is just as important, if not more so, today, than ever before. With the modern devices for saving time and labor the “Hurry-up Family” is even larger than in former years. He gave sketches of scveral members of this large family, such as Mrs. Hurry-up, who starts from home to keep an engagement at the time when she should have been at her destination; Mr. Hurry-up, who is always five minutes late at a business ap- pointment, and then there arc the hundreds of Hurry-up children, who have to run all the way to school in order to arrive on time. He explained how each one of these by his hurry not only endangers his own life, but also de- lays his fellow men who arc on their way to keep appointments. Certainly all who heard Mr. Van Brunt’s address will be careful to observe his simple rules for observing safety first. THE SKYLARKERS Last term a group of students interested in the appreciation and presentation of one-act plays, met on Monday afternoons to read and enjoy plays which were selected by the group. No organization into a club was attempted, but this term, upon application to the G. O., the group grew into a club under the name of the Skylarkers. Elections of officers wer: held some time ago, and the following officers were elected: For president, Irmgard Sander; for vice-president, Kathryn Nicoll; for secre- tary, Esther Lcgge. With these officers at the head, and Mr. Burley as the faculty advisor, the club has been holding its regular meetings in Room 101. The club gave its initial public performance last month, when a scene from Silas Marner was given in the Auditorium. This was so well received that the club decid- ed to give another performance in the near future. At present, the club is reading “The Burglar,” which may be their choice when a performance is given. 19