St Marys Academy - Chimes Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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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.

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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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the funny thing is-they do happen . . . Two Miracles ETE BARNES, weary with concern about his twelve-year-old daughter, Edith, walked slowly, dejectedly, up the steps to the hospital entrance. A slight case of grippe had developed into lobar pneumonia and she had been whisked to the hospital. He wondered how the youngster must feel. Was she frightened by the strange faces, the unfamiliar room and the array of mystifying tubes and apparatus? Being so ill, he reasoned, she probably wouldn't notice any of this. Now, he was in Dr. Myers' waiting room, oblivious of other anxious faces. Concentrating deeply on the situation, he wished he could ex- change places with Edith. This was a ridiculous idea, he knew, since it would accomplish nothing except to place Mary and their four other chil- dren in a worse position. If there were a God in Heaven, why didn't He help? By now, He must know Mary's and the children's voices by heart. They always con- fided in Him. Pete Barnes had been taught as a child to recognize and respect a greater Power. This was his introduction to and the termination of his religious education. At his marriage he had promised not to hinder his wife or children in the practice of their faith. He was a man of honor and principle, even though he had little concept of God and His powers, so he had kept his word. Though Mary and the children dis- played complete love and trust in God, Pete couldn't follow their example. Yes, he recog- nized God but he felt independent of His help. Praying and such were for people who had to lean on something or someone. Mr, Barnes, please! . . . Mr. Barnes?'l Oh yes, I'm sorry. I was thinking. Hastily greeting Dr. Myers, he asked, f'What's the story, Doctor? What is Edith's condition? Mr, Barnes, I'm going to be frank. The child is in a very critical condition. Her chances are very slight, mainly because of the attack of scarlet fever two months ago. Of course, everything possible is being donef' Pete, stunned, said nothing. Actually, he knew it, but he just wouldn't face the truth. Looking at Pete's waxen expression, the Doctor CATHERINE B. YEAGER, '55 took him by the arm and guided him down the hall to Edith's room. Mary was at the telephone when they entered, quietly asking for Father McCluskey, her own confessor. There was no need to tell her any- thing. She realized the gravity of the illness. The convulsive gasps emerging from the tent told the story. The bag, filled with air, seemed to expand and withdraw less and less evidently. Mary and Pete entered the vacant room next door-Mary fingered her rosary and Pete sat with his head in his hands. He was thinking of Mary's resignation to God's will and again, of the family's dependence on God. Unknowingly, he was beginning to realize the importance and comfort of sharing sorrow and leaning on some- one else. How inadequate and alone he felt! In a kind of whisper he said, 'fGod, help her! Please let her live. It was such a tiny prayer but it was the first he had ever uttered. He lifted his wet face just as the door opened and Father McCluskey entered to tell them he had administered the last Sacraments. The vigil lasted far into the night-Pete sat in an armchair, Mary, exhausted, lay on a cot. A nurse also was there watching for any change. In a half sleep, Pete was startled by a voice. Doctor Myers was standing there with a smile on his face. He said, Edith has passed the crisis and I have a feeling the thanks doesn't belong to the miracle drugs but rather to a 'Miraclef According to science and Medical Journals, there should have been no recovery. Pete got up weakly and again his eyes were wet but this time, with sheer gratitude. It was two weeks later, Christmas Day, and the traffic in and out of room 604 was end- less. Edith., a vivacious little girl, had become friendly with most of the patients on her floor as well as the doctors and nurses. Gifts were piled in every available spot but the Manger held the place of honor. Father McCluskey came to wish Edith a Happy Christmas and Pete walked with him to the entrance of the hos- pital. Father, Pete said, would you be willing to instruct me in the teachings of the Catholic Faith?