St John High School - Blue Book Yearbook (Jackson, MI)

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4 SENIOR CLASS HISTORY The brilliant sun of a gay September morning in the year 1935 smiled down upon a g1'oup of thirty-two happy children, whose faces were lighted with a radiant gleam of anticipation-a happiness and anticipation which can result only from the thrills and mysteries of a new adventure. They were for the first time treading the pafth to the steep heights of knowledge and were soon to be enrolled under the banner of the vast army of scholars seeking to enrich their mental store. Their little hearts tlutered with wonder of the future, but their inno- cent minds were filled with the confidence pvircoming any misgivings they may have iac . Our first trial of reading, writing and arithmetic taught by Sister Mary Felix be- came real sources of pleasure and enjoy- ment to us. At a glance, the tiny aisles on one side of the room were occupied by neat rows of little bean poles with skirts and sweaters hanging from them, while on the opposite side the little gentlemen were sit- ting siifly attired in their Iirst long trou- sers, all sincere in their purpose of educa- tion. NVe journeyed through the grammar grades, meeting with many obstacles, but with the assistance of our kind teachers- Sisters Fidelis, Owen, Ann Dominic, Noella, Bernard and Mary .lane-we succeeded in overcoming all obstacles, and in June, 1943, were informed that in September we would be allowed to begin our High School course. An unforgetable initiation prepared us for whatever the year had to offer, which included among other events the rapid changes and remarkable improvements by Father Duffy, transforming our school and the surroundings into an attractive institute of learning. As freshmen we thought that High School would be comparatively easy, for during the preceeding years we had looked forward to our High School days as the end of all troubleg but we soon realized our mis- take, for here the real iight began. True to freshman instinct, we, 52 in number, asked many questions that were laughed at by our more sedate companions. Our hopes were not depressed, however, until we discovered, much to our sorrow, that to retain the title of Freshmen, one must need be studious. Algebra and Latin were perfectly safe in their respective places, but we wished them to remain there. However, Sister Carmella gave assurance that this trying season would pass, and so would we. To tell the truth, we did pass and then began more difficulties. H50 Sophsf' One feels much more impor- tant when one is called a 'tSoph. However, in our second year the skies were much bluer and we gradually found ourselves SENIORS IN BETTER DAYS I in You Ililllll' tlzcui? Sci- PHP? -I-l. Page Tliirly-Iwo

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aauffy REV. JOSEPH V. COYLE Pastor, Superintendent REV. RICHARD P. BAIRD, C. PP. S. Religion, Director of Athletics Director of Blue Book REV. LEO G. ZAVATSKY Religion, Congregational Singing, Acolytes MOTHER M. THOMASINA Principal, Latin SISTER M. LUCIEN Commercial, English SISTER EMILY JOSEPH Science, Religion SISTER M. CARMELLA Science, Religion SISTER CHARLES EDWARD I Mathematics, Religion SISTER ALICE PATRICIA English, Religion SISTER MARIE PATRICIA History, English SISTER MARY BERNARD Mathematics, Latin, Religion SISTER MARY JOAN Music, Choir, Glee Club MR. ART WINTERS Music, Band 0 SCHOOL SONG Hail Alma Mater Hail St. John's Blue and Gold, Dear Alma Mater. To thee we pledge anew our fealty, Thine is the victory. Our hearts hast thou conquered, We shall be true to thee eternally. When in the future years, Memory recalls The strong, lasting friendships made Within your walls, Then shall we sing your praise, Your honor far and wide, May peace and love within your walls abide. Hail Alma Mater, our school beloved, Our spotless lives shall be Your greatest fame. Ever our guiding star, be thou our inspiration, Honor and loyalty be ever to Thy name. Page Thirty-mu'

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SENIOR CLASS HISTORY smiling and had some real fun. XVe held our heads high enough to see nearly all of the future glories, and since those same store houses of knowledge were not as yet overburdened, they did not readily droop because of weight at least. lt was during this interval that Sister Carmella again warned us that we were slowly but surely coming out into the light of day. XVe made our social debut by sponsoring a school dance for the students of both St. John and St. Mary High Schools, high- lighted by the dramatic music of the Nick E. Lodian. During this eventful year the high school students, in collaboration with the music department, presented their me- morable Plantation Frolicsf' The program, under the direction of Father Baird, dis- played the talents of our future crooners. As HSophsl' we boasted of our two letter- men, Bill McCluskey and George Schramm. The latter starred on the basketball quintet. Juniors. Yes, at last we are the impor- tant Juniors, but the acquisition of the title cost the class seven of its members. Our future looked bright, but the present dis- played hard work. There was much Sorrow on September SJ, 19-15, for it was that day that the priestly work of Father Duffy came to an end, Dur- ing his three years as pastor at St. John's, he gave generously of his time and energy lor school improvements and the promotion of athletics, and the present students are benefiting from his tremendous effort. During this year, several dances were promoted under the sponsorship of Father Baird for the benefit of the Spectrum, These social affairs were attended by meni- bers of St. John and St. Mary High Schools, and the large representation made possible the publication of the paper until the close of the school year. At the close of the Junior year, the an- nual Junior-Senior picnic was held at Pleas- ant Lake, chaperoned by the Fathers Coyle, Baird and Schmidt. It was a pleasant event heartily enjoyed by all, although the follow- ing day Polly's was swarmed by picnic en- thusiasts seeking relief for their sunburn. The Junior-Senior Banquet completed the year of 1945-46. A toast to a distin- guished class of Seniors on the fruitful years to come was given by our Junior pres- ident, George Schramm. A toast was also given to the Juniors, saying that we should add a brilliant chapter to the history of the school, laughing as much, playing less, and working harder. Father Coyle gave the main address and wished the Seniors of last year a rosy future. Our Senior term found us very busy un- der the strict but friendly rule of Sister SENIORS IN BETTER DAYS ian You name them? Sec Page ll. Page Thfrly-111144