St Bernards High School - Bernardian Yearbook (Fitchburg, MA)

Page 24 text:

THOMAS NELSON STOFER “Smoky” was one of our best friends ever since he came to us. Honest, generous, always above board he ever stood out as our choice of “real American youth.” Al- though not a member of the squads he was always right there with the teams and did his best to see St. Bernard’s win. Now that he is about to leave us, it is St. Ber- nard’s wish that ‘‘Smoky’’ wins always in the game of life. EDWARD JOSEPH STRAKA Ed, essentially an outdoor student may rightly be classed as Al in versatility, since football, basketball, dramatics, debates took a part of his precious time; not mentioning his studies in which he ranked high, also. Due to his all-round ability Ed was offered a scholarship to Columbia, but for the time being he has passed it up for an enlist- ment in the Navy where we expect to hear great things of him. RICHARD FRANCIS TAYLOR Dick was the South Side favorite of our class this year. Quiet, suave, and ever ready for fun, Dick always indulged in the trivials of school life, however, with measured wis- dom, thus avoiding the possibilities of reproach or correc- tion. The Class of ’45 will long remember him as a like- able chap and splendid school friend. KENNETH BERNARD WHEELER Kenny our curly-headed rooter from Shirley never missed a day, if he could help it, in traversing the dis- tance to Fitchburg. We are not certain what the reason was. Perhaps it really was the quest of knowledge, or may- be, and on this thought we love to dwell, it was our irre- sistible spirit and good fellowship. Whatever the motive we certainly enjoyed Kenny's company, and now in patt- ing we say “Good luck, pal; we won't forget you.”

Page 23 text:

ewe ent teh, me ng JOHN FRANCIS O’DONNELL Here we present Jack, the Mayor of our class. We would need a book in which to describe his outstanding charac- teristics, so we must cut it short here, having to be satis- fied with classifying him as the best basketball player we have had in years. His love of fun, too, must not go un- written; and it is the latter which will above all make him finer and stronger as the years go by. Best of everything, Jack. JAMES ARTHUR ROURKE When Jim smiles the world’s aglow. Since senior year began he has been given to it more than ever before, and we are beginning to wonder in dismay, if it is because he will soon part from our company. As a student Jim is one of the best, and it is hard telling now in what capacity he will shine in the not-far-distant future. ERNEST JOSEPH SAUCIER Ernie is a high-light in the contributions which Leomin- ster has sent us. His great interest at present is his studies —a thing the rest of us have unfortunately overlooked. What Ernie plans to do when the war is over is still a mystery, but we know he will forge right ahead and achieve his goal. RODERICK PRESTON STOCKING A curious but delightful blend of energy and fun seems to be the best description of our affable Bud. He was a firm believer in the saying that study might undermine the health, so was ever on the alert to find the mine the enemy might lay. Nevertheless, he topped the scales of marks, tending downwards but a few times in the whole four years. Now, we take leave of this worthy Bernardian and send a future asset to the Navy. Wn a ees A : 19

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EDWARD MANTHORNE WUESTHOFF High Rock Road is not too high for Ed to climb after a day of busy school work with us. He breezed in upon us each morning with a flashing smile that made us forget our grouches, and right through the day he was the mainstay of any flagging spirits. As a member of the C. A. P. he is very fond of flying; and can also make his car “fly” pretty fast, especially when he is behind schedule. Keep “em flying,’ Ed. We are all with you. EDWARD WILLIAM YOUNG Friendly, earnest, and preeminently capable Ed, with the handsome dark hair and eyes was the joy of our stay here at St. Bernard’s. Retiring and carefree he, neverthe- less, sought every opportunity of giving a timely lift or help whether it was in regard to studies or fun; and for this genial, true comradeship we will long remember him after school days are over. Here’s ours for the best in the world, Ed. RITA GRACE ALLEN Rita, blonde, blue-eyed, and smiling, used to hold us spellbound at recess with her stories of excitement and ad- venture. Sometimes we even forgot to eat, so that the bell rang before our hunger was appeased. In the business world we know that Rita’s efficiency will be equally as impressive. Loads of luck, Rita. THERESA DORA BASQUE Theresa has been a faithful guardian of the senior dig- nity, even when most of us were forgetful of that high perogative. In the morning she brought a quiet, gra- cious air about her which she maintained throughout the seven periods of the day. What an asset for a future suc- cessful secretary! 2