St Marys High School - Green and White Yearbook (St Louis, MO)

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EXTRA CURRICULAR OCCUPATIONAL SURVEY In order that the students of St. Mary's would be helped in choosing their careers, the Occupational Survey class was again in the curriculum of activities. Although this course was held mostly for the benefit of the Seniors, it is hoped that the whole school will eventually profit by it. Since the choice of a Iife's work is the most important decision in a young man's life, he should consider it care- fully and evaluate the different advantages and disad- vantages of his prospective choice. This is what was done in the Occupational Survey Class by means of question- aires, reading matter and lectures on various subiects. The boys also discovered that one particular advantage does not necessarily make his choice the wisest. He must find the point where his interests, abilities and personality co- incide, after finding this point, he must work on himself trying to make the most of his opportunities. The tests that most of the Seniors took at St. Louis Uni- versity under the Pre-College Guidance Program were very similar to those given in the Occupational Class. The only difference was that the tests at St. Mary's were lengthier and more involved. Through the efforts of the Class, a Career Conference was again held at St. Mary's this year. This two year old event is iointly sponsored by our school and the South- west Kiwanis Association. Men who are considered tops in their respective fields were available for consultation with students. The conferences took place after Mr. George F. Meenen, the chairman of the Vocational Guidance Com- mittee of the Kiwanis explained the plan of the Conference. Speeches were also given by Frank Babka, Art Kramer, Bob Boll and Bob Burnett. We the Seniors of St. Mary's thank Bro. Willett and the school for their efforts in helping us choose our career and hope that the classes in future years get an equal amount of benefit from it. MECHANICAL DRAWING This year, due to the large number of students that chose Mechanical Drawing as an Activity, two classes were formed. Brother Fred Fuch's class consisted of Sen- iors, Juniors, and Sophomores while the class conducted by Brother Arthur Wearden consisted of Freshmen. Mechani- cal Drawing is a very practical course as it acquaints the student with much valuable information thats helps him in his later years of high school or in college. Most of the work has been devoted to the teaching of fundamentals, since this is the first time in recent years that a Mechanical Drawing Class has been functioning at St. Mary's. These fundamentals include lettering, ortho- graphic and isometric drawing, scale drawing and dimen- tional drawing. The lettering serves to introduce the stu- dents into simple sign-making in school and later on in business. The others serve to introduce the students to more advanced Mechanical Drawing later on. The stu- dents have shown a strong interest and liking for the class and from all indications the class will continue to func- tion indefinitely. MQ TUMBLING One of the most popular activities at St. Mary's this year was the tumbling class. Everyone who participated in this activity looks back upon it as a year of fun, educa- tion and teamwork. These were the principal purposes of this course which was so ably conducted by Mr. Winters and Mr. Goodwin. Although this class was started from scratch, its rapid growth and progress were indeed one of the high points of the school year. lf one were to see the class early in the year and then see it later, he would not believe his eyes. Early in the year, 'the boys had great difficulty in assembling the pyramids and performing the various diffi- cult tumbling tricks, but as the year passed by they per- formed them with ease and also succeeded in various in- novations of them. These accomplishments require perfect body co-ordination and many hours of tedious practice. The boys obtained this practice during the regular activity period of 45 minutes on each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Again we have to thank the Mother's Club for without their financial help, the program would not have succeeded. They supplied all the equipment necessary for the tumbling class.

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BAND 7 APIIILZD 'A Again this year, St. Mary's was well represented in the musical field as she possessed one of the finest bands in the St. Louis area. The band, now in its tenth year of op- eration was directed and conducted by the very able Pro- fessor Joseph DiFulvio who has been with St. Mary's for eight years. Although the membership was rather small, the band was very melodic and well organized. This was demonstrated at the annual Spring Concert as well as the other functions. Next year the students of St. Mary's can look forward ,l tl l! to a larger though hardly better band since there are many underclassmen taking lessons this year in preparation for next. St. Mary's was well represented by the band in the parades on Memorial and Clean-Up Days as well as a few others. She also performed at various pep-rallies through- out the year. Much credit for this year's success must be given to Brother Ernst who worked so hard in arranging lessons and doing many other iobs which must be done. CHORAL CLUB The Choral Club was again a maior activity of St. Mary's and as usual the students who participated in it received many benefits. This year's class was very large in number and because of the large number, it was very difficult to organize the various sections, but due to cooperation be- tween students and teacher the task was achieved thoroughly. The Choral Club had three different directors, Brother Discher, Brother Mueller of McBride, and Father Hogan. After Bro. Discher was transferred to Texas, Bro. Mueller took over but due to his heavy schedule, he was unable to continue. This is where Father Hogan took over and he performed his task with the understanding and ability of a professional. The Club sang at the Marianist Centennial Program at Kiel Auditorium as well as the Spring Band Concert and also went about the city caroling on Christmas Eve. Few of us realize the work required in getting timing a-nd precision for such a large group of singers who are inexperienced. This is only one of the obstacles which encountered the directors as they attempted and succeeded in organizing St. Mary's Choral Club. To them goes the lion's share of the credit and we hope that in the future St. Mary's boys will continue to show interest and coopera- tion in the Choral Club.

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The first of the three dances put on by St. Mary's this year was anything but a success. On December the l4th the varsity dance took place in the gym with over a hundred couples attending. Music this time eminated from the twelve- piece orchestra of Al Judd. Entertainment, was provided by Bob Burnett, Don Franke, Russ Murphy, Bill Rumping, Don Swenyross, and Don Welby, who sang that famous and beautiful song, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. The third dance, The All-Sports Dance, took place on April 28, with music by Bob Hoff. Again over a hundred couples attended and as usual a merry time was had by all. At the Prom on May 29th, approximately a hundred and thirty Seniors and dates had the grandest time of their life. With Al Judd playing each and every kind of music, the dance floor was crowded the entire evening. The gym was decorated artistically in the school colors, green and white. The underclassmen must be commended for their fine iob of waiting on tables, not a Senior had to lift a finger. Something new to St. Mary's this past year were the Variety Shows, which were under the direction of Brother Leo Willett. The first of these programs took place right be- fore the Christmas Vacation. With Collyn Missey acting as Master of Ceremonies, the festival started off with a piece SOCIAL by the band, which was followed by a few songs by the student body, with Bob Burnett singing a few solos. This was followed by several short skits, talks and a few more songs. Among those who took part in the program were: Dunkle, Andler and Hurst, Swengros, Franke and Wilhem, Hampel, Garneter, Murphy and Rachid, Wiese, Barkenmeir, Herdler and Kammer. The talks were given by Jim Kovarik, President of Student Council and Brother Frank Britz, Prin- cipal. The second Variety Show was put on right before the beginning of lent. Perhaps this was even more successful than the first, with the credit going to Brother Willett. Harry Wiese was the Master of Ceremonies and performed his task with the finese of a Bob Hope. Bob Burnett again took o big part in the program with his reading of a speech about Mary of Fatima. The Cass Avenue Trio played an important part in leading St. Mary's into that cultural feeling with some very famous songs, among which was He's Got A Fine Brown Frame. A cute act was put on by Collyn Missey and Russ Murphy, of the fairer sex. The Variety Program closed with the school song. x Wx lffs-'ffm '43 WN ' f .Q 5' -. ' .sg MOTHERS CLUB Standing, left to right: Mrs. Faust, Boyne, McCullough. Sitting, left to right: Mrs. Julius, Rieger, Babka. The officers and leaders of the Mother's Club, '49-'50, were as follows: Mrs. l. S. Rieger, Pres., Mrs. B. A. Julius, Vice-Pres., Mrs. J. McCullough, 2nd Vice-Pres., Mrs. C. J. Babka, Sec., Mrs. l. Bayne, Treas., Mrs. J. N. Faust, Sgt-at- Arms, and Mrs. B. Kreiger, Historian. The faculty advisor was Brother Frank Britz, and the spiritual director was Rev. Roland Gannon. The Mother's Club has as its aim, the desire to aid the faculty in fostering Catholic education and to promote the moral, intellectual and physical welfare of the students. ln accomplishing this, the Mother's Club does some great work. For example: during the past year they purchased new uniforms for the soccer, baseball and basketball teams, and also special hangers for the football equipment. They were responsible for the Father and Son Banquet which took place May 24th. On June 2, they had a Mother and Son Communion breakfast.