Spencerville High School - Echoes Yearbook (Spencerville, OH)

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Salutatory Mothers and fathers, faculty, fellow schoolmates and friends: New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouthg They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast the truth. The graduating class of 1944 salutes you! We especially pay tribute to our parents who have worked, planned, and sacrificed that our ambi- tion to study and to graduate might be attained. On behalf of the mem- bers of this class, I welcome each of you to this scene of our final efforts. This is indeed our night, our graduation. Even the members of the faculty fade into insignificance. Gofod Old Mother High School ha.s written Finis upon our pages and is sending us forth to prove the worth of her endow- ments. Yes - tonight we have reacihied one of our goals and even though we have looked forward eagerly to this event, some of the pleasure has been seized from it through our separation from some of our classmates. Early this year, the long hand of Selective Service entered our ranks to take six of our boys into the armed forces of our great and beloved country. We are all conscious to a greater or lesser degree of the consequences involved in an all-out war effort, in which we have been forced to engage ourselves, by greedy, vicious and unscrupulous enemies, in order that we might survive and perpetuate the freedoms to which we have long been accustomed. This class of 44 salutes all members of our armed forces who are so gallantly giving their all. We would like now to think of the pleasanter things that we feel sure are to follow this great world struggle. Industry has astounded the entire world with its production. Plans are now being madle for reconversion to civilian production which assures all of us a higher standard of living. Science also has made important discoveries that assure us of longer and better lives. Statistics show that 90 per cent of savings that we have put into savings bonds forms a huge reservoir that will be used for new homes, cars, radios, washing machines, and all types of manufactures and agri- cultural prodfucts that make for a higher standard of living. We as a class look forward to taking our places in the different walks of life, agriculture, business, or professions. We aspire to help to solve the many problems that will face a war-torn world. We must progress, for tonight is our commencement. The highest suc- cess ought to be ours. Each day new opportunities are ours and each one of us has an equal chance to do something worthwhile. Never has the value of educa.tion been so fully realized. Never were there so many skilled instructors, each a specialist in his o-wn line. The opportunities of the classroom have passed, but the opportunity for making the most of what we have acquired in school is just beginning. As it look back upon our record and think of us who started together, of the constant routine of being in the class room together and of the kind teachers who have been so faithful, thoughts of regret rise and steal away some of the joy of the day. Everything this class has accomplished has been through the coopera- tion of its members and the guidance of its teachers. We all understand it takes an intelligent individual to study to' become a teacher, but it also takes an observing one who can readily see the wants of his pupils and does all in his power to help him acquire them. Again we thank you for this special privilege accorded us and say wel- come, thrice welcome, to this 56th Commencement of Spencerville High. Happy - yes, we are happy tornighitg how could graduates be otherwise, for Great it is to believe a dream When you stand in youth by a starry stream But greater still is to fight life through And say at the end, My dream is true. Page 20

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VALEDICTORY-Cont. Argicultural possibilities are truly great. The Future Farmers of America must learn to preserve fertile top soil and rebuild that which has been depleted by erosion due to the ignorance of our forefathers. In the past a farmer tilled his land until the fertility was used, then moved on to new frontiers. These having disappeared today, we must build and pre- serve the worn of our land. The factory workers will soon have a huge task facing them, namely conversion from war time to peace time materials. Great machines which are now producing guns, tanks, and planes must change to producing automobiles, reefrigerators and electric appliances. This transference will call for ingenuity. Teaching is another attractive profession with a future for service. Young minds must be trained to search for more knowledge. Not only should it be obtained, but it should also be used wisely. We see many college graduates who have been failures because they cannot use their learning sensibly. Now is a good time to enter this field as 120,000 teach- ers have left since Pearl Harbor. They have entered armed forces and found better paying jobs in defense factories. Although the salary seems small, it is steady even in times of depression. It is estimated that 400,000 more teachers will be necessary for an adequate post war school program. The actual work varies greatly. There are subjects ranging from science and mathematics to English and foreign languages, With these new worlds to conquer, with this clear-cut challenge be- fore us, have we truthfully reached the end? The years ahead will give the answer. If some of us do not grasp the meaning of this immediate task, today is the end. For those who are enthusiastic for the future, this is just the beginning. True pleasure comes from accomplishment through service: therefore to us who would succeed: The things that haven't been done befofre are the tasks worthwhile today. Are yo-u one of the flock that follows, or are you the one that shall lead the way? Are you one of the timid souls that quail at the jeers of the doubting crew? Or dare you, whether you win or fail? Strike out for the goal that's new? And now-Fellow Classmates: Our days in school are ending, Our lessons in pad and text. But problems now beginning, will test our skill the best. The success in our occupations The future alone will tell, Now with sincere' congratulations We say to you- Farewell Page 19

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