St Francis Xavier Academy - Xavier Yearbook (Providence, RI)

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(Jlasa history ON the eighth of September, 1917, a date long to be re- membered by the class of '21, fifty or more little misses, ranging from the ages of twelve to fifteen, tripped proudly up to the Academy, to commence their high school career. Nearly every city and suburban town was represented. Strangers at first, the girls quickly made friends, al- though separated in different class- rooms throughout the entire year. All followed the general course. The year passed quickly bring- ing at its end the final examinations. Having faithfully studied, the greater part of the class of 1917 successfully passed the exams, and departed for their well-earned sum- mer vacation. The pupils, however, kept in view their reunion as sophomores the fol- lowing September. September at last! and everyone was delighted to return to school. Freshmen no longer, but aspiring sophomores; they were to occupy that bright, beautiful classroom on the first corridor, and continue their x y z,” and be introduced into the “Laws of Motion,” etc. This year was not destined to pass smoothly, for after a very short period, St. Xavier s, like all other schools of the state, was closed, because of the “Spanish In- fluenza; several weeks of study were lost but the sophomores, on their return, suffered a greater loss, the friendship and companionship of a beloved classmate, Mary Maguire, who died a victim of the disease, R. I. P. The holidays came and passed in quick succession, soon bringing the joys of spring. An outing to Newport had been planned by the Seniors for the whole school, at the end of the year, and all were waiting patiently for the appointed day. It finally arrived, warm and sunny, just the day for a sail down the bay, which can long be remembered by all as one of June’s perfect days. Nor was that the only day of happiness, for the sophomores, as they can look back, and say that their second year at S. X. A. could not have been equalled. The class of 21 were now Juniors, and we were happy to be again united after our long pleasant vacation. On our return we were all delighted to enter the Junior room, where we were initiated into higher studies and activities. This year will be The Xavier” Page Nineteen

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Ellen Rita Shields Mart) Henrico Storin Ah! here is one of our ‘ bright lights,” a very versatile young lady. Her broad smile and happy disposition have gained for her hosts of friends while at St. Xavier’s. Too, she has maintained a noble record. Ellen becomingly upholds the name of “Mount Pleasant” and its environments. Rhode Island College of Education is her ambition. We excuse Mae for coming from Pawtucket as long as she has supported the “bakers dozen” Latin class and has been a credit to said class and to all her classes. Mae enjoys dancing, and also studying, if circumstantial evi- dence can prove anything. She intends to spend the rest of her life in the education of youthful America. Margaret Louise Sullivan “Bobby,” alias Margaret, enjoys the great honor of being the smallest in height only in our class. She has her opinions withal, and is held in high esteem. Her clear soprano voice has furnished us many pleasant moments, and we all know that her future audiences will enjoy it as much as we have. Julia Elizabeth Walsh Here's Julia, the “senorita espanola” of Smith Hill. How eager she is for that Spanish period and the recitation of the poems of that beloved language! Julia’s only worry is her initials, for we know from experience that they have caused great confusion. In a few years, Julia will be big enough to take a position and show her “stenographical bent. We hope her J. E. W. will not mar her future career. Anna Marie Taft O no, Anna isn’t a Freshman. The ob- server might think so, but we know differ- ent. No, indeed! a learned and dignified Senior. Never shall we forget the times her hand has saved us — from failures. And we might add that Anna is a walk- ing encyclopedia of Greek myths. Anna’s lucky star foretells that after a few years she will hang up her Elizabeth Genevieve IVilliams Last in our alphabet but foremost in all class affairs is “Betty.” She excells in all her studies and also in the leading of gym- nastics. At noon recess or on Friday after- noons you may see her “tripping the light fantastic toe” with her pal. She is the fourth member of the “quartet.” Next year she will grace the halls of the R. I. C. E. We’d like to be her f.u t u r e pupils Elizabeth is well liked by her teachers. Page Eighteen “The Xavier'

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especially remembered because St. Xavier’s was honored by a visit from the noted and venerable Belgian Prelate, Cardinal Mercier, who had come to America to thank the people for their support in behalf of suffering Belgians. Gymnasium, and the daily use of the compass now became the features of the Junior’s program. Yes, we drew perfect circles (leaving the imprint of the compass on the desk). At this point, the original composition of poetry was our great boast. May of this year, the girls had the privilege of making a retreat. It was con- ducted by Rev. Michael O’Brien, who was truly a spiritual inspiration to the classes. The girls sang their hymns each morning at Holy Mass, and each afternoon at Bene- diction. On the last morning all received our Divine Lord in Holy Communion, and left His Holy Presence feeling spiritually strengthened for their future work. The whole school also had breakfast that morning in the Convent hall. The days of days! We were Seniors at last! What did the word “senior mean for us? Especially good example for the younger girls by our demeanor and silence on the corridor and stairs, between periods. This was not very difficult, for we were always noted for our observance of quietness. Class election now took up the attention of all, and although there was much talk and excitement, it passed smoothly, the result giving us for class officers, Catherine Fitzgerald, president; Jeanette Caulfield vice-president; Margaret M. Barry, treasurer; and Helen L. Phelan, secretary: four girls whose only aim is and has been the welfare and betterment of the class. The distinguishing event of November was the Annual Academy Sale. The class of 1921 aspired to the success of their predecessors of '20; and were amply rewarded by surpassing them. However, we feel that the experience and good example of the girls of '18, '19, and ’20 played no little part in the success of ’21. After the excite- ment of the sale, studies were earnestly resumed until the approach of Christmas, when the accustomed play had to be chosen and prepared. This was very easily settled, and the play “Scrooge was given a few days before the holidays. The principal roles, taken by Anna Taft and Helen Phelan were well acted. After the play a very effective Pantomine, “Nativity. was also given by the Seniors. This beautiful tableau filled every heart with the real Christmas spirit, and all went home for the holidays, the memory of Bethlehem’s Crib influencing them. The mid-year holidays and classes were resumed early in January. Because the year 1921 is Dante’s sex-centenary, we began the study of the “Divine Comedy. To aid us in the appreciation of this masterpiece, we secured the services of Dr. Walsh, the celebrated lecturer of Fordham, New York. He traced the world’s estimate of Dante in a most scholarly way, and dismissed us with a longing to learn more of the Great Florentine, pronounced the world’s poet. 1 hrough the four years, especially through this last one, we have been waiting patiently for our graduation date, and although we feel sure that it will be a happy day, there will be much regret in leaving dear old S. X. A. No matter to what corner of the world its members may go, the class of ’21 will always be faithful and loyal to Alma Mater; this is our present and firm resolve. —Eileen Murphy Page T ivenly The Xavier’’