St Marys High School - Blue Mantle Yearbook (Milford, MA)

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mediately undertaken and the following officers were elected: PRES.Francis McNamara VICE PRES.Robert Howland SECT.Miss Helen Charge TRES.Miss Margaret Rossetti In the Diocesan Debating Club, the Class of ’44 was prominent. They were represented by such talented speakers as Miss Catherine Clement, Richard Gallagher, and Francis McNamara. And they were justly proud when the St. Mary’s Debaters won the championship of the Springfield diocese and secured permanent possession of the Bishop O ' Leary cup. A choral speaking selection was rendered by the pupils of St. Mary ' s, on the Life Radio Club broadcast at Worcester. The witch scene from Macbeth by Shakespeare was offered, and in contrast a nursery rhyme was rendered by the speakers. Thos e representing the Junior Class were, namely: Marie Kilburn, Jeanne Madden, Rosarie Edwards, Helen Kittredge, Catherine Clement, Mary Kennedy, Jean McCormack, Florence Mahoney, and Louise Arsenault. The leading social function of the year was the Junior Prom, with Robert Donovan as chairman. The hall was elaborately decor¬ ated and a large crowd enjoyed the gala affair. With these accomplishments, the Junior Year of the Class of 44 drew to a close and they entered the honored place reserved for proud seniors. This year proved especially fruitful, for now they were both older and wiser than they had been when they en¬ tered as lowly Freshman. The Senior Class Officers were elected as follows: PRES.Hubert Keane VICE PRES.Robert Sullivan SECT.Miss Helen Charge TRES...Miss Marguerite Miller In the Athletic Field we xvere duly represented. Intramural football introduced such players as Bill Kirley, Bob Donovan, Hu¬ bert Keane, ’’Chic” Sayles, Joe McKiernan, and Francis McNamara. On the basketball court, one of the outstanding players was Chic Sayles. In baseball, also, we were represented by Chic Sayles and Francis McNamara. A Halloween Dance was sponsored by the Class of ' 44, in the line of which nothing was left undone to Insure a good time for all. The co-chairmen of this dance were Miss Rosarie Edwards and William Kirley. Later in the year another successful dance was conducted in the school auditorium, known as the Valentine Dance. The hall was appropriately decorated for the occasion,with Miss Helen Charge

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tic records, fruitful debating material, dazzling social functions, and their history-making sport news have made them the cynosure and envy of S. M. H. And so, without further adieu let us proceed to draw back the curtain of time and follow this happy class in their successful journey through hig h school. On a bright and warm September day, in the year 1940, a group of bright-eyed, merry youngsters entered the portals of St. Mary ' s High School. This day will linger long in the memory of all for it marked the beginning of a trail of glory, blazed by the Class of 44. The Freshman Oratoricals served as a source of surprise and pleasure, as much talent was revealed during the first speaking contest. Winners of the contest were chosen as follows: FIRST PRIZE.Miss Helen Charge Francis McNamara SECOND PRIZE.Miss Catherine Clement Richard Gallagher Even as lowly Freshmen, the Class of 44 demonstrated their success in social-life when they conducted the Rainbow Dance, in the school auditorium. It was a gala social affair, largely at¬ tended, and enjoyed by all. The second year rolled around and with it came additional glory for the new Sophomores. They were admirably represented in the Athletic Field by such sportsmen as Chic Sayles and Francis McNamara. The dance of the year was the Columbus Day Dance, conducted by the eager Sophomores. Hubert Keane and Miss Mary Kennedy served as co-chairmen of the dance committee. The Oratorical ability of the Class of ' 44 was further proven in the Sophomore Oratorical Contest, which was open to the public and attended by many of the townspeople. Miss Helen Charge and Francis McNamara were adjudged winners of the final contest, with Miss Catherine Clement and Gerald McKernan being awarded second honors. , Leaving behind them two successful years, the Class of 44, entered their Junior year. The election of class officers was im-

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and Albert Sayles as co-chairmen. Debating played a prominent role during this year also The Class of ’44 was again represented by such able orators as - Miss Catherine Clement, Miss Jeannette Smith, Richard Gallagher and Joseph McKiernan, These debaters have made an enviable record, which will long be admired by those who witnessed their perform¬ ance . Another of the leading events of the year was the demonstra¬ tion of speaking ability in the Senior Oratorical Contest, This event was open to the public and proved to be an entertaining event. Those participating in the finals were: Misses Helen Charge, Catherine Clement, Claire Dion, Mary Kennedy, Helen Kit- tredge, Marguerite Miller, Margaret Rossetti, and Jeannette Smith, Mary Sullivan, also, Richard Gallagher, Francis McNamara, and Francis Nugent. The St. Mary’s Merry Minstrels sponsored a vsry enjoyable show, the chorus of which was well supported by the Class of ' 44, Those who contributed specialties were Francis McNamara, Robert Donovan, and Richard Gallagher. One of the most successful candy sales ever held in the school was sponsored by the Commercial division of the Class of ’44. The Senior girls were bedecked in gay little aprons and hats for the occasion,and the proceeds from the sale proved them to be expert saleswomen. The Commercial division also deserves endless credit for their untiring work in issuing the Servicemen’s Bulletin, Letters from servicemen, in every corner of the world have poured in ex¬ pressing the deep and sincere appreciation of their efforts. Since that memorable day in September 1940,when the Class of 44 passed through the portals of St. Mary’s, Joy and happiness have been theirs. For that joy and happiness, they are grateful Only one shadow has dimmed their happiness. That shadow was war. Many of their dear friends were taken from their midst and cast into a great and terrifying conflict. But though their classmates, scattered throughout the world, cannot be here today with them, their memory lingers on and the prayer of the Class of’44 will be that God may protect them always, and if it be His Holy Will send them safely home once again to their loved ones. So this is our history.........the history of an illustrious class, whose heart will ever throb in close harmony with that of their dear Alma Mater Helen Kittredge 44.