St Helena Extension School - Saint Yearbook (Norfolk, VA)

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' Pciittcai The History of the 1. S. P. and Independent Parties The history of St. Helena would not be complete if there were not recorded the political events and achievements of this institution during the two years of its existence. Every college has its class officers and campus politicians, and St. Helena was not deficient in this tradition — far from it! With a student govern- ment to be elected, the students arriving in September, 1946, suddenly became alive with a strong competitive college spirit. Political activity started at once with a splurge of enthusiasm, d’here were well-organized parties, firey campaigns and hotly contested elections right from the start. Two powerful political parties were immediately organized, each offering complete tickets with candidates for the offices of President, ice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the student body. Duke Hall, with the formation of the Independent Party, was the first to announce its candidates, boosting C. R. Talley for president. Signs and slogans announcing “Talley for President” were soon scatte red over the campus. How- ever, within a few days a strong opposition party came into the field under the banner of the United Students Party, managed by Joe DeToma and his Small H boys. Ward “Blackie” Boston was the Ek S. P.’s nominee for president. In a close election, characterized by bonfires, gym rallies, innumerable signs and culminating in the final assembly speeches of the candidates, the U. S. P. swept into power, taking three of the four offices. Elected along with Boston were John Henderson, ' ice President, and Graham Selby, Treasurer. Guy Gilliam, an independent candidate, was elected Secretary. After the shouting and tumult of the elections were over, the school settled down to work. Under the leadership of “Blackie” Boston student activities func- tioned smoothly. Emity was achieved in all matters concerning the school, al- though the two parties were still organized. The elections in the spring of 1947 were marked by apathy on the part of the student body. Again the E . S. P. assumed the leadership of the student govern- [ 110 I