St Marys Academy - Chimes Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Peg learned that . . All That Glitters ls Not Gold S IT STOOD THERE, bright and re- splendent, the gleaming, gold cup was the center of the admiring group. The sun, casting its warm rays through the windows, served to emphasize the pure richness of the trophy. Suddenly, the attention of everyone was drawn to a short, stocky man, rapping on the desk for attention. ffFirst of allf' he announced, lid like to welcome, on behalf of Forrest College, -the ora- tors from four states, to the third annual speech tournament. As you all know, the prize for the school earning the greatest number of points, is the beautiful trophy before you. It has been won in the past two years by Cathedral High and, if they succeed in capturing it this year, the cup is to remain there permanently. There- fore, without further delay, I shall outline the day's events, of which there will be five: debating, public speaking, extempore speaking, discussion, and dramatic reading. Any school represented by more -than three speakers in each event will be disqualified. Also, any speaker, late for an event, is disqualified and his or her school loses any points gained in that event by any other speakers. The first event begins at 10:30 A. M. and the last one will end at 5:00 P. M. Please return to this room by 5:30 P. M. for the an- nouncement of the award. Looking around the room, the viewer is greeted with a variety of expressions on the faces of the young boys and girls seated informally about this spacious chamber. Some faces reflect appre- hensiong some, hopefulnessg others, worry, a few, eagerness, and still more, excitement. After Dr. Hostler concluded his speech, draw- ings began to determine the placement of the schools in the forthcoming events. As Peggy Livingstone turned around to speak to the other representatives of Saint Margaret's Academy, she could not overcome a feeling of excitement, mingled with apprehension, creeping up inside of her, Although Peg was an experi- enced speaker, she was always seized with a pre- tournament nervousness. Victory could mean a great deal to St. Margaret's. How happy she would be to contribute to the attainment of that PHYLLIS A. LI VoLsI, '55 victory! Continual preparation and practice for over two months would then be richly re- warded. The first event was debating, to be followed immediately by lunch. Next, came public speak- ing. At two o'clock, Peggy and two of her friends were crossing the campus in search of the build- ing in which the extempore speaking was to be held. After being told by a passer-by that it was a ten minute walk, Peg and her chums were alarmed to note that they had exactly fifteen minutes before the event would begin. Realizing that disqualification was the penalty for tardi- ness, the girls increased their pace to a near run. Suddenly a car, seemingly coming out of no- where, in a burst of speed, careened and swerved from its straight course and rushed straight for a panic-stricken, elderly woman, who was attempt- ing to cross the street. Before anything could be done, the car sent the woman sprawling in the street. The girls, half dazed, ran over to the vic- tim and tried to help her. The car, without the least halt, raced headlong down the street at top speed, leaving the girls numb with disbelief. Fortunately, the hit-and-run vehicle had only grazed the woman, but she was in a state of un- consciousness. With nobody nearby, they were at a loss as to what to do. Attempting bravely to regain her composure, Peg sent Mary to find a doctor or, at any rate, a person who could help them. A few minutes later, Mary returned with a doctor and the woman was quickly trans- ported to the hospital. Of course, the girls went along to the hospital in case the woman might regain consciousness while being driven. Not until after the doctor told the girls that every- thing would be all right, did they realize that they had been disqualified from the event. Look- ing at their watches, all were surprised to see that it was a little after four o'clock. Because of the kindness of the doctor who drove them back to the campus, the girls arrived at the college by a quarter to five. Peg decided that since all the other schools were participating in events at this moment, a visit to the chapel would be in order. Kneeling in prayer, each girl's thoughts

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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?

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dwelt on the situation in which they had just been involved. Without voicing it, each one feared that disqualification in -the extempore event would ruin their school's chances for the cup. Yet, if they had it to repeat, Peg and her friends realized that their course of action would have been the same. Leaving the chapel several minutes later, the girls met the other students of St. Margaret's. Mary began to relate their story. Gee, I wouldn't have known what to do and I'm sure I'd have been scared to death! ex- claimed Joyce, breathlessly. I hope our chances won't be ruined by your disqualification, interjected Gail, realistically. We're hoping that, also, said Peg, although we will just have to leave it up to Godf' Hurrying back to the announcement room, the contingent from Saint Margaretls exchanged greetings with the other ora-tors, returning from the last scheduled event. All faces were alight with eager anticipation. Finally, after weeks of preparation, their toil was to be rewarded with success-all hoped. Silence prevailed as Dr. Hostler began to speak. We realize that this has been a long and tedious day for you competitors, and I know that you are all eagerly awaiting the name of the winner. After carefully tabulating the points, we find the winner to be Cathedral High, scoring 94 points. In second place, St. Margaret's, with 93 points, and third, St. Joachim's with 80 points. On the basis of this, the trophy will be aaa ,uma 12011 Children, be kind to your neighbors, just bid them the time of the day, A smile won't cost you a penny, But a kind word will go a long way. Be kind to the homeless, the blind and the poor, God loves them dearly, you know. just lend a hand when it's needed, You reap only what you sow. Don't let this vast world fool you, Do things for the good of your soul. The kind deeds you do in this world, Will put you on God's Honor Roll. Ann Gallagher, '56 retired to Cathedral High with our sincerest compliments. Thank you all for making this tournament at Forrest College a success. 'KI wonlt cry, thought Peg. HI won't look silly in front of all these people. After all, we're second. Despite her brave front, Peg felt weighed down by a heart of lead. The sickening reali- zation that her disqualification meant the cup, dwelt with Peg. She couldn't justify her con- science with the knowledge that an elderly woman had been aided. All that she could see was the brilliant, gleaming, gold trophy permanently placed in the hall of her arch-rivals. No words of consolation from her chums could help, it seemed. Sensing the tears beginning to well up, Peggy decided to bring her troubled mind to God. Only He could console her now. Upon reaching the chapel, she sank down in one of the pews. A sense of complete rest crept over Peg as she quietly knelt in this serene, tranquil abode. Fumbling in her purse, Peg found what she was looking for. It was the prayer that Father Cartwright had given her last week. Ah, here are -the words I want, thought Peggy. 'Q . . Help me, O Lord, to accept Thy Will. Even though what we desire may seem meet and just to our finite minds, aid us to realize Thy infinite wisdom . . f' Yes, Peg realized that inner peace and the realization that what we have done is right is far greater and more precious than a thousand trophies of pure, solid gold. p t.t. Dear Mother, my guide to Heaven be, May the light of God's love shine upon me. Show my faltering steps the way, Help me to do God's will this day. In death's last agony, Mother dear, Then, above all, oh, please, be near. That forever in Heaven I may rest, With your Son and you in eternity blest. Elizabeth Zanine, '57