St Marys Academy - Chimes Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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HIS FIRST DA TE T WAS THE FLASHY, colored advertisement that attracted Andy's attention as he walked down the corridor. This showy poster was a sure enough sign that the Freshman Dance was going to be held soon. During the entire day, there was a continual buzzing from one to the other, each debating how, when, and what girls they would ask to their biggest dance of the year. Finally, after a heated controversy, they decided that each one must muster enough courage to ask a 'Kgirlf' Now for Andy, with his bashful ways, this would be pure torment. With heavy, lead-like steps, he trudged un- steadily toward the phone. After awkwardly lifting up the black instrument of torture, he proceeded to dial Denise's number. With in- creasing nervousness, he switched the conversa- tion from sports, to weather, to popular songs, Daddy, will you come with me And review a path which I can see? It covers all my sixteen years With all their smiles, and yes, some tears. I know I seldom gave a thought To him who paid for the things I bought, Who squealed and carried on with me, When I was but a tot of three. You bought the dolly on my bed, The two of us were both well fed. You dressed me like a princess fine, When you and I went out to dine. Through sacrifices you have made, I find myself in this tenth grade, To learn to know the right from wrong, That in my soul I'll be more strong. You hear a thank you every day, And yet I know no better way So, let me say it just once more, Thank you, Daddy, more and more. I Nancy Halper, '57 GERRY MASINGTON, '55 BETTY EICHNER, '55 and then to the dance. Much to his dismay, Andy discovered that Denise and her parents would be visiting in New York that weekend. At that moment, he made a firm resolution never, but never to ask another girl out. He was a dejected and broken-hearted male, dis- gusted with fickle women. As the days passed into weeks, he faithfully kept his hasty promise until 'tshe came along. Last year, long ago, Cindy was his eighth grade sweetheart. The Battle of the Bulge was a skirmish compared with his private conflict. After days of serious thinking, he reached a final decision. He decided to cast aside his former useless resolution and to ask her to the dance. They were Hthe most to say the leastv as they danced across the floor. !m'lf1Z '7aue 'Wad . . A Freshman is a sparkling lass, Who comes to school with glee, Who never fails in tasks assigned, At least-so it should be. A Sophomore is a haughty lass, Who flaunts her mighty name, Who lords it over every frosh, Don't frown-we did the same. A Junior is a merry lass, Who dreads the thought of books, Who likes to study ads instead, Why?-To improve her looks. A Senior is a lucky lass, Who dreams of days ahead, Who looks to God for strength and help To know-Which path to tread. Joann Becker and Bernadine Nickels, '55

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heed the decree of the CELESTIAL COUNCIL NE HEAVENLY DAY, the saintly in- habitants of the Deistic world decided to hold a celestial meeting in St. Peterys Palace on Cloud Number Nine. This assembly was scheduled for half past the North Star and all the blessed members were asked to arrive promptly. St. Peter wisely advocated prompt- ness, for a halo-hazard prevailed in heaven. The sacred female spirits of Paradise, on previous occasions, had arrived la-te, due to their compar- ing halos enroute. It was paradisiacal spring, you see, and millions and millions of feminine halos gleamed and glistened-the bigger and brighter, the better. This hallowed difficulty was brought to Chairman Peter's attention and he urged the weaker sex to be punctual, for the problem at hand was serious. The pious residents appeared on schedule and there was much discussion on ethereal topics, such as: the recent successes of terrestrial rela- tives and friends, the contemptible exploits of Lucifer, the new additions to their heavenly ranks+while one ancient scholar couldn't quite discover the reason why earthlings consented to wear publicly those appalling Bermuda shorts. Chairman Peter called this boisterous group to order and presented the topic for discussion. It seemed that Almighty God had been su- premely disturbed of late, and St. Peter, with the able assistance of the Blessed Mother had uncovered the cause for His august disturbance. The Chairman then continued to explain how Mary had very tactfully learned that the dear Lord was extremely worried about the spiritual welfare of His people. The ungrateful mortals constantly committed sins and seemed to have forgotten their purpose in life. God felt that this disaster was due to the lack of sisters and priests to spread His Word and care for spiritual needs. Chairman Peter then opened the meeting to suggestions. St. john rose and stated, NPete, I'd gladly go back to earth and relive a whole life- time for our dear Master. Some impulsive souls agreed with him, but others had inspired ideas of their own. St. Margaret Mary felt that JOANN BECKER, '55 she should be allotted a committee for the pur- pose of placing a picture of the Sacred Heart in every home. Some industrious spirits volun- teered. There was so much confusion that the chair failed to recognize a slender but firm hand being raised. In an obscure corner of the room the Blessed Mother had pensively con- sidered the problem and now patiently awaited an opportunity to speak. Shortly, the din having been subdued, the Chairman graciously gave this esteemed guest permission to address the assembly. My dear childrenfi began Mother Mary, these are in- deed unholy times and I feel, as does my Son, that the evident lack of religious vocations is causing this present crisis. Now, on earth there are many girls and boys named in your honor. I feel, if you vigilantly prod your namesakes, more sacred callings will result. This wise suggestion was applauded by all and St. Peter quickly called for a vote on the proposi- tion. The council unanimously agreed to Mary's proposal and Chairman Peter moved that the Celestial Council be adjourned. Peterls brother, Andrew, seconded the motion and the Church Triumphant returned to their heavenly dwell- ings. Now, if your name should happen to be Peter and you hear a deep voice calling you to the priesthood, you had better listen, for S-t. Peter is a very obstinate fellow. Or, if your Christian name is john and a gentle voice draws you to the brotherhood, heed his words, for St. John is inflamed with love for Christ. Mary, if a sweet voice is audible to you and you feel an attraction to the sisterhood, sign your name on the dotted line, for the Blessed Mother will persist until you join the ranks of God's hand- maids. Boys and girls everywhere, listen very at- tentively as you perform your daily activities, for your patron saints have many areas to cover. Donlt force them to drag you by the collar, but go along willingly, so that these zealous workers of God can give Chairman Peter a good report at the next meeting of the Celestial Council.

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A Real Hero! T WAS A HOT, sticky summer morning in the middle of july. High in the sky, the sun cast its golden rays upon the sweltering earth. Everyone felt exhausted and couldn't imagine why, but, since it was vacation time, it didn't really matter. The Kelly family were especially happy since, only a few days ago, they had decided to get away from the city heat and now they were vacationing in Ventnor, New jersey. jimmy Kelly was an average, good-looking boy who was greatly interested in sports and whose six feet of bone made him a useful mem- ber of any team. He was just seventeen and in September would be a mighty Senior. Since to- day was a special day, jim was up quite early and did not seem to mind the almost unbearable heat. After eating and doing various sorts of exercises, he decided he had better get started. Being the proud possessor of a driver's license, young Jim hopped into his '39 Ford and drove down to the beach, a total distance of three blocks. Upon reaching his destination, he found the candidates already lined up. A glance at his watch -told him that he was just on time. He took his place in line beside his friend Tommy, a rough and ready sort of boy who always pre- ferred any game in the open air to any book in a library. There were nine of them-nine hopeful aspi- rants for that all-important job of lifeguard. Since only four would be picked, jim realized that he would have to put everything he had into the mile and a half race. One glance at the mighty ocean with its never-resting waves, roll- ing and crashing in curving clouds of foam against the sandy surf confirmed this conviction. But even though his chances were about 50-50, Jim could already see himself as Hhero of the beach. He dreamed of all the fun he would have sitting on his stand, listening to his port- able radio, and enjoying the secenery-but, most of all, he imagined himself surrounded by a bevy of pretty Ventnor girls who, he knew, would not be able to resist his magnetic personality. In fact, Jim was so wrapped up in his thoughts that a sudden poke from Tom made him realize that it was about time for the race to start. The captain of the guards was telling them to be MARY BOYLE, '56 especially careful because of the strong current. Then his whistle sounded and nine youthful figures dashed hopefully into the invigorating waters. At first, they all looked like channel swimmers but the captain smiled as he realized that they could never keep up such a terrific pace. A little later the f'mermen were on their way back to the sandy shore which must have looked as far away to them as the horizon does to us. Jim was particularly tired. How he wished he had taken Tommy's advice and had come home early from the beach party last night! l As he continued to swim he felt his energy constantly growing less and less. Trying to put his feet on the bottom, jim discovered that he was still out over his head. Then he tried, with- out result, to match human skill against the power of the wind and sea. Yes, jim could see that he was getting nowhere fast and that the strong current was getting the best of him. Yet if he could only swim a little farther he would be able to walk in. The thought came to him that maybe a prayer to St. jude would help, although he realized that water wings would have been much more practical. Meanwhile, seven of the candidates had just reached shore, wholly unaware of jimls plight. Tom's sixth sensel' told him that all was not well with jim. With split-second timing, he had turned back and was struggling fiercely against the current in an effort to reach the now drowning youth. Jim's fears were suddenly dis- pelled as Tom neared him and dragged him out of the deep and into the shallow water. If one thing was clear to jim, it was that Tom was a real friend. When Jim arrived home he was greeted by many inquisitive faces but he knew that if his kid-sister, Peggy, found out he would never hear the end of it. So, he kept the secret to himself. Imagine jim's embarrassment the next morn- ing when his father read him the headlines of the sports page- Lifeguard-to-be rescued. jim had learned, however, that being a hero, whether it be of the beach or anywhere else, isn't as easy as it appears. It requires courage and stamina. Ask Tommy, the hero of Ventnor's Beach. He knows.