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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