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

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4cttWt fr ment. Bob Breon was elected as President, A 1 Johnson as Vice President, Jimmy Armstrong as Secretary, and Jack Davenport as Treasurer. The Independent Party, sparked almost entirely by Vince Romano, put only two candidates into the race. Wally Riley was the only successful Independent candidate, capturing the office of Treasurer of the Freshman Class. But the political scene changed in the fall of 1947 with the arrival of the new students. Although the U. S. P. assumed the initiative, placing Valentine Ripley and LeRoy Barnes as its candidates for President and Vice President of the Freshman Class, the Independent Party had gained considerable strength. Backed by the upperclassmen, Riley and Romano, the Independents nominated Jim Alahon and Charles Alaccia for the Freshman offices. This campaign was undoubtedly the most exciting and colorful ever held at St. Helena. Signs and posters for both parties appeared like magic all over the campus and in the most unusual places. Inflated balloons bearing slogans waved at strategic points. Mahon even had a flyer buddy to “bomb” the campus with Independent Party “propaganda.” At this juncture Governor Tuck visiting the campus observed, “these boys at St. Helena have more spirit than V. P. I., ' illiam and Alary and the University of irginia combined.” But the most adept political maneuver was the last-minute switch of Lew Alartin, a third candidate for President, who threw his support to the Independent Party. Lmder this political engineering and intrigue, the U. S. P. folded. A ' lahon and Adaccia were elected by an overwhelming majority. During the year Breon and Alahon, the titular heads of the two parties, cooperated closely with each other and the administration. The result was efficient, energetic promotion of the student welfare. But the names of the parties and candidates matter little in the long run. The real significance of all the “campus politikin” lies in the democratic experience and sense of responsibility gained by the students in exercising self-government. The students at St. Helena had to create as well as carry on their student activities. They are satisfied to stand on their record. [ 111 J

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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

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