St Thomas High School - Retrospect Thomasonian Yearbook (Braddock, PA)

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The THOMASONIAN 194 3 MOTTO: Now We Launch, Where Shall We Anchor? It is an old saying among sailors that every great ship has a soul. This is certainly true of the good ship, “Thomasonian ; for every student, from far and near, who has walked her gangplank and followed her four-year cruise has felt the power of association with that ship, not only during the cruise, but in after-life as well. Especially is this true of the fifty students, who in 1939, clamored enthusiastically over the railing of the “Thomasonian.” They were eager for sturdy winds and white-capped waves. Theirs was a great battleship, equipped with the essential tools and materials. Their four-year cruise was well mapped and carefully developed. Courses in Christianity assured them of a more serene and balanced life. Mathematics developed their reasoning power. Commercial subjects—typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping—made them reliable, capable, anti exact in all their undertakings. Sciences—biology, physics, anti chemistry—gave them a broader knowledge of the progress of the scientific world. Spanish united them more closely with their South American neighbors. English enabled them to express their thoughts more intelligently and coherently. No other voyagers on any ship could have received better training than the class of 1943. All that their trip on the “Thomasonian” has taught them will enable them to buffet the heavier storms of life. The training received, the pleasures enjoyed, and the knowledge acquired, will aid them in attaining their goals. After a successful and prosperous voyage the Thomasonian” has now anchored, setting a group of wiser, stronger, and more seaworthy mariners upon the shore of a topsy-turvy world. They had hoped to enter into a world of peace, love, and concord. Instead, they must go into a world filled with bloodshed, hate, and revenge. Now all their thoughts are turned to doing everything they can for God and country. No doubt most of the Senior boys of “43” will be called upon to serve their country in the armed forces. Already three have answered this call. I'he girls also will do their part. Some will be nurses, while others will work in the factories. No matter how little it is, all must do everything in their power to help restore this beautiful earth to the peace and grandeur which was its possession when it came from Almighty God. I'he class looks forward to great opportunities and hopes to meet all challenges bravely and triumphantly. How they will meet these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities remains to be seen. The log of this mother-ship shows a brilliant record and, if the future can be judged by the past, “all will be well.” If, however, in spite of all, trials and difficulties will prevail, the new mariners will go forward confidently knowing that each is “the master of his fate, the captain of his soul.”

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The THOMASONIAN 1943 Dolores Aranos Quiet and sedate, book-loving Dolores has endeared herself to all her classmates. Jean Betz A remarkable talent for writing was discovered by her work on the “Thomason ian.” This is only one of the many talents of our “Jeannie with the dark brown hair.” Edwin Ashoff Earnest and cooperative, Edwin has made many friends at St. Thomas. Joseph Broz.da “Joe” has won the loyal support of his classmates by his belief in fair representation and by his splendid work as President of the Federation. Brenda Biggins By her engaging smile and winning personality, Brenda has played an outstanding part in her class. She was an active member of the Speech Class.