Spencerville High School - Echoes Yearbook (Spencerville, OH)

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Valedictory It is an honor to address, in behalf of the class, all who have assembled here. It is also a responsibility because what is said should reflect the thinking of the majority of the members of the graduating class. I shall try to tell you in the few minutes that have been alloted to me what some of those things are that we appreciate and under- stand. First we wish to express our gratitude to the people of the community who have made our educational program possible. The activities in which we have engaged have been well attended. We appreciate the interest and encouragement that initiated and developed them. Too, the passing of the bond issue for the new elementary school makes possible not only a better educational program for the grade children but also will house a new home economics laboratory and extend our music facilities. The cafeteria will be expanded so that all who use it will have time to enjoy their meals. Even though we will not enjoy these improvements directly, we appreciate the hearty support given this bond issue, which Mr. Branstetter said was passed by an unusually large margin. These improvements will furnish more and better educational opportunities for all the youth of our community. Where else but in our wonderful country of America are students given the care and consideration in obtaining an education that we, today's graduating class, have received? The fact that educational opportunities in our country are universal, places our school system far above that of other countries. The poorest child receives the same attention and consideration in our schools as the wealthiest boy or girl. Too, we are not forced to pursue any particular occupation but are given the opportunity to enter any field in which we are interested. The variety of courses offered in our school is unsurpassed in even the finest European schools. Vocational courses in home economics, commercial subjects, indus- trial arts, and agriculture are offered along with our academic subjects. The student has the freedom to choose those to which he is best suited and in which he is most interested. He may take advantage of these opportunities or let them slip from his grasp. The choice is his own! Our school system is supported by the Democratic philosophy of life. The students are permitted to share not only in the fruits of labor, but also in the planning. Just as our government exists for the individual rather than the individual for the govern- ment, so it is true of our educational system. Students of all races and creeds, from the richest to the poorest and from the most talented to the least talented receive the same consideration and attention. It is his responsibility to make the wisest use of the chances provided. I believe these opportunities are given to us, not by leaders in Washington or Columbus, but by our parents who see that we attend school regularly, our teachers, who have patience with us in our growth and development, and the voters who see to it that our government is not taken over by political dictators. I only hope that we are successful in retaining these opportunities for our children's posterity as you-our parents, teachers, and friends-have been in keeping them for us. Our four freedoms-freedom of speech, of worship, freedom from fear and freedom from want-are unabridged by the officials of our educational institutions. We are not, thank God, forced to speak just as others would have us speak, nor are we compelled to worship by any set pattern but are encouraged to lead Christian lives -lives free from dictatorship and free from fear of punishment for speaking our thoughts. Our minds are not led astray from our studies by the pangs of hunger in our stomachs. We learn through our co-educational system to live with all people in our society. In the schools on the European continent as well as in some in our own country, boys and girls go to separate schoolsg and, although we all admit there are some advantages in this, we must recognize that the co-educational system better prepares boys and girls for later life. By being in school together, we acquire with ease the ability to talk together, play together, and live together in a wholesome, genial manner. Fear of not being accepted by the group fades before a spirit of cooperation. The military training program in the schools of many countries, is replaced here in America by strong competition in sports. There is a natural spirit of rivalry in all people. This spirit is what prompts the initiative of the individual and cause him to work to be recognized. Sports heroes are much more idolized here in the United States than generals are. Why can't a sports' program replace the desire for war in the hearts of all the world's youth? ...lg-

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