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

Page 12 text:

The THOMASONIAN Class CD otto “The Secret of Success is Constancy of Purpose” When this Senior Class entered High School some years ago, it had the faith and confidence that it could accomplish what it desired. It desired to complete four years of High School work and be graduated. The Seniors had a goal before them—a High School education. Each one realized that he had an individual task to perform, that he would have to study and act to attain certain standards and requirements planned by his directors. In other words, the Senior Class desired a cloak of achievement to fall upon its shoulders. This cloak itself has no special material value, but it embodies in spirit and essence the accomplishment of a goal. It symbolizes the courage, the character, the intelligence, and integrity of each Senior repre' sented in the class of 1946. The Seniors have woven strong threads of character and personality into this cloak. We have cut the pattern with diligence and work, we have sewed it together with truth and trimmed it with perseverence. Thus we have made our armor durable to protect and to support us as we walk down the road into the Drama of Life. This cloak will be a valuable asset to us. It will help us outstrip our yesterdays, to bear our daily trials more graciously, and to do our work with more force and satisfaction.

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Class History u n the fall of 1942, sixty-seven young actors from the various valley schools made their debut in St. Thomas High School of Education. At first we were all rather timid and stagestruck, but we soon found our props. During the first year we were given only small parts, but we played the rolls exceptionally well, especially in the bond drive, and at our class party. We struggled like good actors through the pitfalls of new subjects—Latin, biology, and algebra. After a strenuous examination in our roles, we passed on to better ones. Our second year found us in a bigger scene. Unconsciously, a cloak of self-confidence settled snugly on our shoulders and banished our stage fright. Mildly egotistical, we entered the basketball tournament, defeating each team in whirlwind victories. We attained our goal, championship. In recognition of excellent playing and good sportsmanship, we received the Oscar award. After endless cramming and worrying, we passed. As a fitting end for the year, we embarked upon a South Park picnic. Quite experienced now in our field, we prepared to enter our third year as understudy to the graduates. In our Junior year at St. Thomas, we were given larger parts to test our ability as actors. Although our cast was small, we gave a wonderful demonstration of our talent at the barn dance. Part of the cast took trips to a Latin exhibit, and a Symphony for cultural interest. During a friendly contest between classes, the the male members of our cast won the school basket ball championship. After all the tests in our different parts, we tried to surpass ourselves in the final test of the year, The Prom. We came through with flying colors, and passed on to more-dramatic roles in our Senior year. Years of study and worry are forgotten. This was to be our big year. The lights were dimmed and the spotlight was centered on the stars as the year began with the annual Federation Dance. Time was passing swiftly. The Chemistry Class toured the Jeannette Glass Factory and then returned to work on the Year Book. Days of picture taking, typing, and exacting work followed. Of course, the year would not be complete without the Senior Hop and the South Park Picnic. Treasuring the limited days we were spending together, the Seniors went to North Park. Commencement time arrived. We assumed a croak of poise and dignity. Happiness bloomed on each familiar face, but the honest eye betrayed the sadness in the heart. How true are the oft-quoted words of the immortal bard: Parting is such sorrow. We shall separate and fullfill the special role for which we have been so well prepared by years of training and studying at St. Thomas High. But when the final curtain rings down, may we meet again to share in the happiness promised by the Greatest Director, Almighty God.