St Hedwige High School - Victorian Yearbook (South Bend, IN)

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SAINT HEDWIGE HIGH SCHOOL Streets, which had been erected fifty years ago as the first Church of St. Hedwige Parish, and used later as the school for our Polish pioneers, was being remodeled into classrooms to accomodate students, who would attend the High School in the following years. Nearly S400 was donated by the South Bend Society No. 2427, of the National Polish Alliance, for the remodeling of this building. During the Christ- mas holidays of that same year the work was com- pleted, and on January 7, 1929, the students, books, furniture and typewriters were transferred to this school. A severe cold blast had gripped the city at that time, and it was feared that the students, going from one building to the other, were endangering their health. This however, did not discourage them. Instead they remembered that to reach the peak of success, one must begin with hardships. The following year the development of the school was seen when thirty-one Freshmen and twenty-four Sophomores registered. The criticism of some of the supposed friends of the school, the dark stages of depression and the lack of equipment had threaten- ed this progress, but it was soon strengthened when the principal and the student body chose Our Lady of Victory as the School's Patron. During this year they adopted the hymn Nic Opuszczaj Nas , which has since been sung by the entire body after every morning prayer. With such a faith success was as- sured, despite every adversity. St. Hedwige's, already in the first years of its ex- istence, was honored by the visits of great renowned personages, who recognized and greatly marveled at the work undertaken by the Poles. Some of the distin- guished guests were: Rev. Dr. S. F. Lisewski C.S.C., Rev. Eugene Burke, C.S.C., Rev. Father Burns, C.S. C., Rev. Msgr. J. W. Osadnik, Rev. John Dillon, the Diocesan supervisor, Rev. John S. Hosinski of Ham- mond, Indiana, Rev. J. Gosselin of Salt Lake City, Rev. Joseph Moreton of Ogden, Brother Damian, C. S.C., Sister M. Bertyl, C.S.C., the community super- visor, Congressman Samuel B. Pettengill, Joseph Wojciechowski, Prof. Frank W. Kelly, Profesor of Speech at the Notre Dame University, and Mr. Maurice Pettit. In scholastic work, the students have shown great progress when they took part in debates and in Polish and English Essay and Short Story Contests, sponsored by several leading organizations, which tried to inspire and encourage the founders and stu- -'Trw v1c'ron1AN'- dents. Great interest was also taken in the dramatic course, and under the direction of Rev. Sister M. Severina, C.S.C., dramas and moral plays were staged. Training in character and public speaking were the aims of these programs, which were attend- ed to capacity by people of all parishes, loyal support- ers of the School. Some of the most successful pro- ductions were: Dolores , Under the Tutelage of the Blessed Virgin, Surprises, The Sign of the Cross and the Smile , The Priest, The Victory of Love and Father Tim. The opening of the third year found the school enrollment more than doubled, with twenty-six Ju- niors, twenty-six Sophomores and seventy-one Freshmen on the roll. It was during this year that athletics were organized under the direction of our well-known enthusiast and youth-lover, Rev. Casimir J. Witucki, C.S.C., at that time assistant pastor at St. Hedwige's.The first football coach at the school was Mr. Sigmund Sadlowski, who tried to the utmost of his ability to mold a team with the few candidates he had on hand. Football games were scheduled with other High Schools. Practices and all home- games were played at the J. D. Oliver Field, with only about seventy-five people witnessing them. Yes, our supporters at this time were few. Never- theless, the Fighting Poles were not discouraged. They well understood that athletics bring fame to an institution. They vowed to overcome all obstacles to bring the desired recognition of the Poles. The most inspiring of all was the prayer on their lips to Our Lady of Victory before and during every game. When out-of-town games were played interurban cars were chartered and the entire student body ac- companied the boys, in order to inspire them on to victory with their loyalty. At this time the school adopted the name of Lions for its team. As a crowning touch for their stellar achieve- ments and gridiron attempts the St. Hedwige Lions were honored with a dinner, the first in the history of the school. If any banquet was ever appreciated, and its sponsors deserved great praise it was this one, prepared so quietly that it burst forth with the most astonishing surprise not only to the athletes, but to friends, faculty, and the entire student body. This successful fete bespoke courage, loyalty and self-sacrifice of Miss Gertrude Szmanda Know Sister M. Casimiral Miss Cecelia Jez, Know Mrs. Aloysius Wesolowskaj, Misses Mary Budzinska, Irene Jaronik, Betty Frankowska, Mr. Thad. Kurek and Mr. Leo Page Fifteen

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SAINT IIEDWIGL' HIGH SCHOOL The South Bend Citizens of Polish extraction, have always been greatly admired for their energe- tic progress in this city, in having been able in the last sixty years, not only to build, but also to uphold the standards of four large Parish communitiesg which to this very day are the centers of practice, and encouragement of practice, of their native lan- guage, customs, and traditions. The qualities and characteristics of the ancestors through whose labors great recognition for Polish customs, achievements, and spirit has been given universally today. Like their ancestors, the local Poles were not sa- tisfied with the progress made by the communities. Driven on by their spirit, industry, energy, and de- sire for the finer things in life, culture, and the herit- age which was theirs: but which was set aside while they were busy building their schools, churches and social centers, they have realized that in the hearts of great-minded people loving their native country and fellow-beings, is aroused the fire of feeling from which is born the unbending will, persevering action. and the offering of one's self for the good of man- kind. Such men are greatly needed everywhere. especially in this age of grave catastophe. Leaders are wanted, who would be able to bring forth to the highest peak of glory, everything that the enemies of faith and morality degrade. In our own circles they have felt the need of men, who would be prepared at all times to hold and bear the standard of our Polish forefathers. Having studied this from every angle. the great idealist, Rev. Stanislaus A. Gruza. C.S.C., former pastor of St. Hedwige Parish. sought to realize the object of his plans, which resulted in the opening of a Catholic Polish Institution of higher learning. The aim of this great movement was a higher religious education and the development in our youth in South Bend and vicinity of a feeling of obligation to its country. and pride in its language, and customs. ln the year of 1928, Rev. Gruza received permis- sion from his Excellency, Right Reverend John F. Noll, Bishop of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to open the portals of such an institution. Plans immediately were made with the zealous and ever-persevering co- foundress. Rev. Sister M. Severina, C.S.C., to send a call-to-action summons to the graduates of the eighth grade of the Class of 1928. A curriculum of studies was planned with Miss Helen Dernbach, of Page Fourteen the city school administration, so that the students, who were to be pioneers and up-builders of so great an undertaking would be able to pursue the same program of classes as offered in any other High School. Ven. Sister M. Severina, C.S.C., was named the first principal of this institution. Indeed, God had directed His servant unto the right road when He placed her in the position of directress. Under her guardianship comforting and encouraging words, the High Scool was to start its marked history. The teachers assigned to teach were Ven. Sister M. Severina, C.S.C., Sister M. Christella, C.S.C.. Sister M. Francella, C.S.C., and Rev. Casimir Witucki, C.S.C. September 4, 1928, a class of thirty-three boys and girls registered, greeted the pastor, and began the first year of this movement. Some of them were only in their early teens and did not grasp the im- portant part they were to play in the crusade for re- cognition of the Poles. Little they knew what the future had in store for them. Some visioned a mod- ern building, equiped with all luxurious necessities. To their great astonishment, however, their dreams suddenly came to an end when on that morning they returned to the class-room they had left but two months ago. The opening of school and the found- ing of the greatest bulwark of the Polish people of South Bend, was started with a prayer and address by the Rev. Msgr. John W. Osadnik, pastor of St. Adalbert's Parish. A few weeks later the need of another room. in which to teach the commercial subjects was greatly felt. This was remedied, when an adjoining room, previously the sleeping quarters of the janitor. was renovated, so that the students could pursue their typing classes. Six typewriters were purchased and paid for from benefits derived through successful games of bunco and beano, card-parties, raffles and entertainments, arranged by the students of all par- ishes, in attendance at the School. Some Of the leaders in business circles and organizations came to aid the wonderful cause. in buying several other typewriters. Rev. Stanislaus Gruza C.S.C.. St. Hedwige's Grade School Alumni, Dr. B. J. Bolka, Mr. Andrew Wodka, and a great many others, are On the list of the school's benefactors. In the meantime, the old wooden one-story build- ing near St, Hedwige Church, at Scott and Napier THE VICTORIAN

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SAINT HEDWIGL' HIGH SCHOOL Andrysiak, who formed the committee of arrange- ments. Since then, the Annual Testimonial Football Banquet, arranged by the St. Hedwige High School Alumni Association and South Bend Polish Business Men's Association, plays an important part on the school's calendar of activities. In order to model its curriculum after the state course, it was during this year that science equip- ment was installed into the school. With the aid of some doctor-friends of the school, different indivi- duals, and several Polish Organizations, the Science Department, as well as other departments were more fully developed. The fourth year of the school's existence con- firmed the development of the school when on Sep- tember 2, 1931, one-hundred and seventy-five as- sembled in the Study Hall for the opening session. Every effort was made by the directors, to provide every facility for the students. Hearing of the school's need of benches, Mother Frances Clare, C.S.C., of St. Mary's donated about thirty good benches. The Superintendent of the City Schools also generously helped donating used benches. The program of studies, classical as well as com- mercial, was more fully carried out. The faculty in- cluded five Sisters and Rev. C. J. Witucki, C.S.C., so nearly every teacher taught seven periods a day. The following subjects were taught: Religion, Polish History and Literature, English I-II-II-IV, Algebra I-II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Latin I-II-III-IV, Spa-- nish I-II, Health Education, Physical Training, Biolo- gy, Chemistry, Civics, Sociology, Typing, Bookkeep- ing, Commercial Law and Secretarial Studies. A Glee Club was organized, under the direction of Mr. Louis S. Wodka. The Orchestra, which was started in the second year by Prof. Casimir F. Luzny and later by Sister Anthony Mary, C.S.C. was fully organized during this year by Mr. Stanley Bednarek. Toward the end of this year, dreams were rea- lized when commencemnt exercises for the first graduating class were planned. The Baccalaureate Sermon was given June 6, 1932, at St. Hedwige Church at 7:30 o'clock. A sight more beautiful was not witnessed, when on that morning nineteen young men and women, donned in gray caps and gowns, laid before the Altar of God and Our Lady of Victo- ry, the fruits of the Founders of the High School. Class night was held the following evening at the parish auditorium. The Speakers of the evening were the Rev. Dr. S.F. Lisewski, and Prof. Clarence Manion Page Sixteen of the Notre Dame University, who sincerely ex- pressed the recognition of the Poles, in the following words: St. Hedwige High School on the eve of sending out into the world its graduating class, should serve as an inspiration for all of us to look up to. It subscribes to the idea of right leadership, the vital cog in our civilization which we lack today, which can only be gained in a Christian atmosphere. Most of us go through life without knowing what it is all about. We are acquainted with a certain part but do not know its effect upon the finished product. So it is that we are only concerned with the imme- diate problems and needs which confront us. Cling to your Polish culture. From such an atmosphere sprang the independence of the Colonies and the Con- stitution of the United States. On June 7, 1932, in the St. Hedwige's Parish Auditorium the seniors were awarded diplomas by Rev. Stanislaus Gruza, C.S.C., in the presence of two Polish Government Officials, Mr. Thaddeus Buynow- ski, consul-general of Poland at Chicago, and Profes- sor S. Galazka, of the Polish ministry of education of Warsaw, Poland, speakers at the exercises. Con- gratulations again were given the founders and first graduates of St. Hedwige's. After explaining the need for higher learning, Mr. Buynowski closed his address with the following remarks: I will take away memories which will not be forgotten for a long time. I thought our Poland existed only within the boundaries authorized by the treaty of Versailles, but my view has been changed and I find our cus- toms, our religion, have been spread. Much has been accomplished in the small wooden building which houses the High School, and much has been given to the graduates. It is up to them as they look upon their diplomas in the future to carry on the hymn of nationalism, retain their Polish names, songs, cus- toms, ideals and companions. The following year, having won the approval of the four-year curriculum from the city school admi- nistration, the directors of the school sent an appli- cation to the Indiana Department of Education for its accreditment. The certificate of credit was re- ceived April 7, 1933, which put the first Roman Catholic Central High School in the city of South Bend on equal footing with all Public High Schools in Indiana. As a result of the state's recognition and with the aid of God and Our Lady of Victory, the school strengthened itself in scholastic as well as athletic work . In the fall of 1932, St. Hedwige's greeted its new coach, Mr. Cesare S. Janesheske. With no athletic equipment on hand, his untiring efforts and per- severence were to make football history for this Catholic High School. Progress was immediately shown, and it is a proven fact, that progress always THE VICTORIAN