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

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S ccettf The history of the Debating Society can best be told by comparing the Society to a rolling snowball. It all started when interest was aroused in Mr. Paul F. Logan’s English classes in the fall of 1946; by explaining the rules and functions of formal debating, he had created the “snowball” stage of the Society. But something was needed to give the “snowball” a push. Amidst the initial stages of Saint Helena’s creation, where trial and retrial were the rule, only an interest slightly above the passive stage could be maintained. That push was provided by incoming students in February, ’47. At this junction, an active Society was formed, and its chief activities were conducted on the campus. These activities consisted of debates with the Current Events Forum, given alternately at the Forum meetings, and at assembly. September, 1947, saw the Debating Society emerging as the first organization to be resumed upon the reopening of school. This term found the Society in a position to enter into intercollegiate debating on an unequaled scale. The months of September and October were spent in vigorous research and “dry run” debating, thereby preparing its members for formal college competition, j Meanwhile the Society offered programs to the local Norfolk schools and churches. When, through ! these means, it became evident that all resources for material were drained and Air. Logan’s coach- ing sessions had begun to produce debaters, the Society initiated correspondence to schools in Virginia and surrounding states, and the name of Saint Helena was then to become known at other institutions far and wide. While space does not permit a full listing of the results of every debate held this session, a mention must be made of the outstanding experiences which rendered the memories desired by the members to be preserved here: the “first debate,” held at Williamsburg, and that night, which was spent with Irving Brittle’s relatives in Richmond; the next day at Georgetown University, and the unequaled opposition met there; the fights for victory over Williamsburg, finally achieved (they won two and we won two); “Perry ; Co.” transportation; the trip to Lynchburg: A 1 Lewis and his “extemporaneous speech” at Lynchburg College, and the “night in the cellar” there; Dave Wilson’s piano recital, and the girls at Randolph-AIacon. Then the Easter tours: the ups and downs of the preliminary preparations, mostly financial; the “night life” at Wake Forest, and the wonderful entertainment shown by that team; the dinner-debate at Haverford; the unusual j| foresight shown at Villanova; the informality at Temple; the New Yorker accommodations which weren’t utilized at New York University; the only large audience encountered, at Fordham. Memories to be recorded: the tournament at Williamsburg; the radio program scheduled at WTAR [ ' on May 27th. 1 Without the entire membership listed on the opposite page, none of these experiences would ' have been possible. Those names have been mentioned, then, in an effort to assure that the mem- , ories they recall re main clear for posterity. !| li SAINTHELENAEXTENSION li 1! li [ 73 ]

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THE Officers: A. Lewis, I. Brittle. Members: . Ellis, B. Rehlaender, E. Cholko, fV. Goyne, L. Maitin, R. Kirven, D. JEilson, B. Ni.xo :. Sponsor: Mr. Paul Logan. The greatest contribution to the effectiveness of the Society was made by its coach. Its founder, mainstay, and planner, Mr. Paul Logan, will long be remembered for his ability to transmit to his associates the high degree of determination which made possible the maintenance of a vigorous program. Mr. Paul Log.an 1948 SAINT [ 72 1

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( ammcttce Officer: G’. Rock. M embers; J. Kuemmerle, W. Bowling, C. McCoull, J. Jones, D. Rusher, B. Breon, B. Elliott, J. Joines, G. Gilkeson, Eldridge, R. W ade, M. Webb. P. During Its two years of operation the Dance Committee under the able chairmenship of Bob Breon and Glen Rock provided Saint Helena with a most elaborate and successful program of en- tertainment. The Dance Committee initiated the policy of sponsoring a school dance every other week. This brought widespread and enthusiastic response from the student body. The big social event of the first year was the formal Coronation Ball, which was the occasion for the crowning of .Mrs. June Moore, by Governor Tuck, as Miss Saint Helena. The gala affair was played to by Shep Fields and his orchestra. During the second school year the Dance Committee brought forth a full schedule of well- organized and colorful dances. After a series of bimonthly dances, the first formal affair was held on the eve of leaving for the Christmas Holidays. The other formal occasion was The Grand Finale on April 24, 1948. Buddy Moreno and his orchestra furnished the music. To the members of the Dance Committee, for their high degree of organization, their diligence and their intelligent promotion, belong the credit for achieving a high standard of entertainment at Saint Helena. THE 1948 SAINT [ 74 ]