St Josephs High School - Crest / Signet Yearbook (Garrett, IN)

Page 10 text:

Valedictary Reverend Father, Parents, Teachers and Friends, Tonight marks the close of an important part of our lives. By taking ‘One Step at a Time but Always Forward” we have passed through the period of adolescence and completed our high school course successfully. The import- ance of this period of development has been recognized by all agencies of religion from time immemorial. Psychologists and educators of today, realizing that we face a new era in educational thinking, agree that whatever ideas in terms of attitudes have not been determined, have here an opportunity for direction and crystallization. The physiological changes, with their concomit- ant psychological effects and the larger social outlook of this age, make the adolescent period an important one in which to cultivate certain social atti- tudes and ideals with respect to the relations of individuals, the family, the community and the larger interrelations of society, both national and inter- national. The majority of adults will not stray far from the accepted patterns of conduct and sentiment firmly established in childhood and youth. How fortunate we are in having received our training in a Catholic High School where our attitudes and ideals have been formed in accordance with the principles of religion! Educators as well as parents are today beginning to realize that education without religion does not develop the whole personal- ity of the individual. Catholic Educators have always known this and it has not taken a “depression” or a ‘world war to make them realize this. We feel certain that you, Reverend Father, and our teachers have con- stantly aimed to develop in each individual the knowledge, interest, ideals, habits and powers whereby he will find his place and use that place to shape both himself and society toward ever nobler ends. Too, we know that you have been interested in us individually and that your knowledge of us is one of continued personal interest. For all you have done we are grateful. We shall endeavor to continue the work you have so nobly begun by taking ‘One Step at a Time but Always Forward”, in all that we may happen to meet with in life.

Page 9 text:

OUR CHURCH The house of our God Has been and will be Our refuge in storm Our light on the sea. That was the place, Where as children we went With our endless little trials, The Holy Sacrament. Through gladness and sadness Through the years of our learning, The God in our church, we've found to be Our refuge in storm, our light on the sea. Theresa Richter

Page 11 text:

Salutatory Dear Friends, At last the time has come for our work in this school to close. June is here, and with it our class day , and to its program we bid you ahearty welcome. This occasion may not mean much to you, just another Commencement, but, be- lieve us, it is a big moment in our lives. We know that we are on the verge of leaving that place, our school, which has sheltered us for twelve years and we are a bit frightened at the prospect. Your presence here tonight, dear parents, confirms the faith you have had in us all these years. Yes, many times you have looked beyond the noisy clumsy boys and have had visions of great men, serving their country and leading their fellow men in worthwhile enterprises. Many times you have probably seen in the giggling girls beautiful women presiding over beautiful homes. We thank you for that faith and wish to assure you that we shall do all wecan to repay the many sacrifices you have made for us, and shall endeavor to prove worthy of your trust. In greeting our principal and teachers, we also want to express our appre- ciation of the part they have played in making this occasion possible. Without their cheerful guidance and unlimited patience we might have given up long ago in the arduous task of acquiring an education. We know that they rejoice with us today because they have equipped us for the tasks ahead. Yes, we realize that we are living at a critical time not in the history of a single nation but in the history of the world. At this time when so much that is good is challenged and even obliterated it is necessary that we “Dare to Be Different”. It is with these thoughts that we, the class of ‘41, welcome you to our commencement exercises.