St Stephens Academy - Academician Yearbook (Port Huron, MI)

Page 32 text:

The Portal Left to Right — (Top Row) — Ted Jones, Thomas LaVigne, James Mason, Thomas Brophv and Albert Oesterle. Second Row — Floyd Bernard, Virgil Benanette, Mary Ryan, Agnes Heaney, Jane Britz and Dorothy Beeeherer. Third Row — Marie Bonny, Rose Marie Schwab, Mary Roche, Shirley Sharrow, Jean Chase, Norma Carey and Everine Bezenah. Front Row Jean Mara, Mary Graziadei, chairman; Clifford DeMars and Francis Graziadei. DECLAMATION CONTESTS At eight o’clock January 13, the silver tongued speakers ascend ed the platform and delivered their selections which proved and showed hours of preparation by every pupil. All could not share the honor of winning but some few of the contestants would be chosen victors and so after deliberating twenty long minutes the judges announced that Jean Chase and Mary Roche had tied for first place and Albert Oesterle had captured the second honor. The evening was delighted by both musical and vocal solos ably assisted by St. Stephen’s High School orchestra which rendered many loved tunes between the speakers. The names of the contestants and their selections are as follows: Marie Bonney, “Laurels for a Mother ' James Mason, “The Man Who Wears a Button.” Shirley Sharrow, “Back Waters.” Jean Chase, “The Honor of the Woods Edward Jones, “Vive La Marine.” Rosimarie Schwab, “The Ciitzen.” Thomas LaVigne, “Woodrow Wilson.” Mary Roche, “The Man in the Shadow.” Albert Oesterle, “Uncle Sam.” Jean Mara, “The Consul.” Page Twenty-eight

Page 31 text:

The Portal members Reading from Left to Right — (Top Row) — Jack O ' Hara, saxophone; Harrv Love, saxophone; Joseph Wright, violin; John Addison, cornet; Robert Kelly, violin; William Adamson, violin; Bernard Kessel, violin. Second Row — Patricia Bowen, saxophone; Angela Martel, trombone; John Barry, violin; Joseph Wellman, violin; Betty Patton, violin; Margaret Kuschel, violin. Third Row — Albert Oesterle, clarinet; Dominic Marone, violin; Adlord Bleau, violin; Barbara Reinecke, clarinet; Nelda Noffs, cornet; Noreen Mara, piano; Alyce Heaney, violin; Douglas Norris, violin; Jack Gerber, violin. Bottom Row — Agnes Heaney, Velio; Donald Mulligan, drums; Margaret Kennedy, bells, Olive Haves, ’cello. Absent — Margaret Lohrstorfer, violin. THE ORCHESTRA The poets say ' Music hath Charm Proof of these w’ords is gradually being realized from the interest shown in musical activities in the modern school. St. Stephen has from its very foundation encouraged music in ensemble. The charm of her music is steadily growing both in school, social, and business activi- ties. The orchestra as it is at present has reached a high standard. It now’ numbers twenty-seven pieces and has specialized in numbers suitable for all occasions. They are invited to play during banquets, suppers, and entertainments where light music is appropriate. They wish to thank the Knights of Columbus, the G. A. R. and also Fr. Martin of Yale for the privilege of entertaining at their business and social activities. Practice has been held regularly every Tuesday at 3:00 o clock. But practice has not been held in vain for we are proud of our trophy of the highest honors won by the Orchestra at the St. Clair County Contest held in May, 1930, at Algonac. It is with the encouragement and confidence of the faculty that these honors were able to be realized. Words cannot express the appreciation and feeling of gratitude the Orchestra has tow’ards the faculty and members of the school and parish. Page Tu’enty-sez’cn

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The Portal The freshman declamation contest was the outcome of the elimination held in December when the ten winners were chosen. First place was awarded Agnes Heaney in the selection “Claudias and Cynthia Thomas Brophy, who gave “The Gladiator ' merited second place. Honorable mention was received by Everine Bezanah who gave Booker T. Washington’s well known number, “The New South.” The other contestants and their selections were as follows: Norma Carey, “One Niche the Highest ’ by Elihu Burrett. Francis Graziadei, Henry Waterson’s “New Americanism.” Jane Britz, “The Lark bv Charles Reade. “The Death of Rodio- quez by V r i rgil Benanati. Dorothy Becherer, Dr. Frank Crane’s essay, “Pay As You Enter.” Mary Ryan, “The Soldier’s Last Salute,” by Porter. Floyd Bernard, “A Eulogy of Lincoln.” It has become an established custom at St. Stephen’s to hold each year its annual Freshman and Sophomore declamation contest, but owing to the increased student body it was necessary to hold in November a preliminary elimination to determine who represent the grade. DEBATING For the past two years, St. Stephen has not been a member of the Michigan State Debating League. It has rather been the policy of the school to give the opportunity for extensive work rather than intensive work to the greater majority of the High School students. As the classes grew in size, the policy was adopted of holding inter class open forum debating on any subject of literary or historic signifi- cance. This plan has been followed and only once this year did the school engage in an outside debate. On February fourteenth, St. Stephen team met the Port Huron High to debate the question, “Resolved, That Responsibility, Liability Automobile Insurance is Desirable.” Helma Smith ' 32, Donald Mulligan 31, and Joseph Wright 81, repre- sented St. Stephen. By previous arrangement no decision was given. The debate was extremely interesting and gave valuable research. ROMANCE 111th timid hearing , f altering step Alert , get poised for flight As dawn ill utn es the eastern sky, “Miss Day” keeps in at “Sight.” Then growing holder , for he sleeps So deeply; low she bends And kisses him. Then swiftly, her Imperial throne ascends. The gods ne’er dream pt as, gazing They behold her shining light This proud and haughty maiden stooped And kissed the despot. Night. Helma Smith, ’32, Prize winner at St. Clair Literary Contest, 1930. Page Twenty-nine