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

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FIRST GRADUATES, CLASS OF 1932 l ll'Sl IWW- l1'I'l 10 Viilllli ll..1'1'i1-1 lfllllitlli, l.lll'j' Nowak. .Xl:11'1l111 lb1':1,i11s, llolvn .l:1nowsk:1. xvillltiil Horny tAll's. lA'0nill'll l'i111-io1':11 :1l11l hl'Ullll'll li1lt'Z0l'OXX'Sli!l. Svvvllll run. li-fl l0l'lF-1'lllI l4Iliz:1lw1l1 .Xlllll'Xbll2lli. ll11'l1'11111- Sllllilllllil 4Sisl1-1' Nl, 4':lS1IIlil'il. l'.S.1'.l3 llilnls-::'111'1l lilysz, llvr- 111:111 ll:1il1- tilvw-:1s1-1173 l:::1l1vll1- I111koxysk:1. ll1bl1Hl'1ll1l liol1si:1k :1111l lie-ily l'1l':llllUlXYSliIl, 'lilllml VUW- lvlil lo Vlefllli Milla' l5lI1lZi1::4k:1. l.11viIlo ll--Ii11Sk:1 tklrs. AlilllllS Yairgolp .lohn liolln-1'. la-0 Zylowski. 1'c1'ili:1 .Is-z qhlrs. Al. W1-solowskil 111111 l1x-no .I:1ro11il:. fS1ll leads to success and prominence. His efforts were rewarded when in the year of 1936 the St. Hedwige's Lions grasped the City Championship of the City of South llend, having defeated Riley High School by a score of 14 to 6. Laurels and recognition came forth from all athletic leaders in South Bend, Chicago and vicinity. Perseverence of the boys and their coach brought prominence. Basketball. which was started in the second year of school's existence under the supervision of Rev. Casimir Witucki, C.S.C. and Mr. Clem Fiwek, as coach, was more fully developed under Mr. Janesheske's direction and coaching. St. Hedwige's also records into its pages the Annual High School week, which is the result of the INZIHX appeals made to our Polish populace, through the continuous efforts of Rev. Francis X. Luzny, C.S. C., who succeeded Rev. Gruza, as pastor of St. lledwige's Parish. The terrible depression. which not only brought poverty to many a home, also tended to ruin great and magnificent institutions of all kinds. St. Hedwige High School was likewise threatened. It became evident that one parish and only a few individuals of other Polish communities, could not under any cir- cumstances, uphold an institution of higher learning. The matter was then presented to the Polish Central Civic Committee, which is composed of representa- tives of fifty-eight Polish organizations of South llend and Mishawaka. The decision was made to 'l'IlE VICTORIAN give the responsibility of maintaining and develop- ing the Catholic High School, into the hands of the entire Polish population. Its downfall was not per- mitted. Plans were materialized when a High School board was formed, to which belong the following: Rev. Msgr. John W. Osadnik, Rev. Francis X. Luzny, C.S.C., Rev. Anthony Rozewicz, C.S.C., Rev. Boleslaus Sztuczko, C.S.C., Mr. John S. Huczkowski, Sr., Mrs. Antoinette Hon, Mr. B. P. Minczewski, Sr., Mr. An- drew Curzytek and Mr. Leo J. Chlebowski. It takes place the first week of May, and includes a financial campaign for the benefit of the school. Each parish pastor selects a subcommittee, which has charge of the drive for funds for the High School. The first drive was started May, 3, 1936, and was formally opened with a Polish Program, presented by the High School Student Body and Alumni of the school, commerating May 3, a memorable date in the history of Poland. This movement was marked witl1 a huge success, when at the end of the drive the Cen- tral Civic Committee collected nearly 352000, which was used toward the immediate improvement of the school. The St. Hedwige High Shool Board, Polish Cen- tral Civic Committee, faculty, Alumni and students are deeply grateful to all benefactors, whose names shall be written with gold letters in the history of the school. Page Sew-11lee1.

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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

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VALEDICTORY The Senior Class of 1937 has reached the goal which they have greatly anticipated for the past four years. Now we are beginning a new life, one where we hope to gain success. Until today when perils and disappointments arose, we were guided and encouraged by our pastor, principal, teachers, and parents. After today, we must rely upon the education and advice we have received at St. Hed- wige High School. The question arises, Are we prepared to go forth and face the unknown world by ourselves ? Before attempting to answer this, let us go back and review the privileges we have received at this institution. Each day we had the opportunity to attend mass and ask Christ to bestow His graces upon us. In the class room we witnessed the untiring effort and self- sacrifice put forth by our dear pastor, principal, and teachers in helping us build an educational founda- tion lined with the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Char- ity, which will be so necessary for our future life as true Christian men and women. With the grace of God a.nd the knowledge and good example im- parted to us by all connected with St. Hedwige High School we are leaving tonight with both, a joy and regret. We feel happy that we have been successful and are now prepared to take another step towards greater accomplishments. Some perhaps will con- tinue to procure a higher education, but for most of us, our school days are over. Some will meet suc- cess quickly, while others will hesitate, but all of us will depend upon the advice and education re- ceived during the past four years to help us solve the difficulties of later life. I-Iowever, we regret that we cannot continue to spend our happy days in school. We will always cherish the memories of our friendships and asso- ciations. At this time we want to thank our pastor, principal, and teachers for the zeal and influence they put forth for the betterment of our youth. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to our parents for their self-sacrifice which made it possible for us to receive a Christian education. Without their aid and guidance, we would have been unable to attain our goal. In conclusion before we start upon life's great highway, encouraged by the advantages given us by our wonderful school, we pause to say Farewell to our pastor, principal, teacher, parents and friends. -Loretta Pilarska, '37. CLASS ESSAY THE NEED or RELIGION IN EDUCATION In a world filled with communism, materialism, and fatalism, there is a crying need of religious edu- cation for our youth, which must be brought to realize the important place religion has in the building of character and in strengthening of the wi . From the Vatican City has come a steady stream of messages urging all to battle against communism. This avowed enemy of liberty is creeping into our state schools and universities. It must be combatted. And the most certain method is to insert into the curriculums of our institutions of learning, that greatest of all subjects, religion. For religion is a force that will give our youth the courage and strength to withstand and repulse the charge of this newest scourge of mankind. History shows that nations which have given up the teachings of Christ present a tragic picture to- day. Now, America stands face to face with this same danger. The word of God has been re- placed by the deity of money. American business has degenerated into a cruel, heartless, system of money- Page Eighteen grabbing. Mercy has long been discarded in high financial circles. Co-mpetition has become so great that it is almost impossible for a person with Christian ethics to maintain the standard that has been set up. The financiers of tomorrow must be taught to break away from these vicious methods now in use and return to those which have made it possible for this country to become the richest and most powerful in the world. A study of religion will aid greatly in overcoming the materialistic outlook of our young people and insure for America contin- ued leadership among the nations. To accomplish these things we must work for the building of character. And the best character for us to model upon is that of Christ. If we can inject into our students, even in a small measure, the charity, love, sacrifice, obedience, humility and other virtues so exemplified in His life, we will have ful- filled the main purpose of religious education. With this accomplished, the world will become a finer, cleaner, and more enjoyable place to live in. -Stanley Gorski, '37. THE VICTORIAN