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

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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

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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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CLASS HISTORY Emily Joseph, not only storing the fruit we had gathered during previous years, but al- so performing the responsible duties placed upon the shoulders of the i'Mighty Seniors. One of the biggest events of our Senior year was the production of Ye School Vil- lage of Long Ago and Mr, Loring's Auntsf' under the direction of Sister Emily .Joseph and Sister Mary Joan. School Retreat! Father Mereto gave an inspiring retreat. It settled deep into the hearts of the Seniors, for this retreat was thi last of their lives as students at St. Jo n. Russ Derby was the main attraction at the Cascades Clubhouse during the Junior- Senior Banquet. Our gratitude and appreci- ation go to the Juniors for a memorable and enjoyable evening. We had looked forward to our gradua- tion as the one big moment of our life, but when we knew that it was really drawing near, sorrow was mingled with our joy, for we were loathe to leave the place that had harbored us for twelve short, happy years. lf there is one sentiment which fills our hearts in an outstanding manner as we de- part, it is that of gratitude. No student has ever gone through his twelve years of study and preparation without becoming deeply indebted to many people. Of course, our first 'tThank You goes to our parents who have made our attendance here possible. 1'ilt,l1e1'S Coyle, Baird and Zavatsky also de- serve our sincerest expressions of gratitude for they have given their entire lives to mold and fashion us according to the Per- fect Model. Nor can we depart without ex- tending a token of gratitude to the Sisters who in so many known and unknown ways have given us valuable assistance during our years of training. And so we bid farewell to our dear Alma Mater, anxious to be on our way, yet sorry to leave these sacred halls and their many wonderful memories. INA! vi THE SENIOR PLAY Page Thirty-four