St Vincent Academy - Vincentian Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

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JUNIORS I On our return we found ourselves strangely reluctant, time was hurrying, was snatching things away from us. Our days were bound by the mystical figures of Dickens, by laws of gravity, by weights and measures, by notes and then more notes. The near goal of our ambition seemed at times lost in a misty haze of fear as we wondered if we could ever remember the right items at the right times. The latter, of course, worried us. Etiquette troubled us, though we did not mention it. Should we or should we not ease quietly into a class without pausing to pass the time of day? In our Junior-Senior Banquet we felt we had at last asserted our- selves. Immaculate tables, senior graciousness, our own stumbling eiorts to entertain with what we believed to be dashing, interesting conversa- tion. Nevertheless, we all had such a good time that we believed our efforts were repaid. SENIORS Is the expectation greater than the realization? We wondered, as we walked stifliy along, but slightly encumbered by our new gowns, look- ing for dignity, but almost losing it with our caps. At any rate, we could at last occupy those long wished for front seats in the gymnasium. Intellectually, we felt fairly well equipped. Our aims were high, although the first few weeks found us meeting our subjects only half way. How strange that seniors should weaken g that the very facts which we considered so securely tucked away should have vanished during the summer. Valiantly, we resisted the temptation to trust in the maxim that seniors are never flunked. Only perseverance, that hinge of all virtue carried us over days and nights, afiiicted as we were with unend- ing English, History, Latin, French and Chemistry assignments. At Thanksgiving, however, we had time to recuperateg at Christmas we were able to enjoy ourselves, but at Easter time, we exulted in our supreme achievement-The Senior Prom. With its colorful phantoms of delight. Against the conventional black and white. Did seniors feel more or less secure after their final examinations were over? After four care-free, happy years, it is no easy task to leave our Alma Mater, and to separate ourselves from all that we hold dear. And though the world seems too much with us on the night of graduation, we resolve ever to exemplify the spirit of a true Vincentian-the ideals of Catholic Womanhood! 19

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5g3k6QSS2ZVINCENTIAN5S326QSS3Z CLASS HISTORY FRESHMEN Undoubtedly, a great day in the history of our lives had dawned when we, as verdant freshmen, humbly, and self consciously, trod for the first time the halls of Saint Vincent Academy. At times, we won- dered how the sun, the moon and the stars remained in their orbits, for on one hand, the mysterious functions of squares and roots made us panicky, and on the other hand, the sonorous dignity of Latin confused our tongues. But being a normal class of freshmen, we eventually adjusted ourselves to our environment, and so to high school routine. With our new surroundings, we gained new friends although a few have turned ofl' at different paths along our highway, and exist for us only in memory. For the most part, however, our friendships deepened amid the joys and sorrows of freshman days. How we stiffened with pride, and exulted in our victory, when first we defeated the sophomore basketball team! No wonder that we, now, heavy with dignity, and bored with honor, often gaze upon the heads of the freshmen, innocent as yet of all such laurels, and deep in our hearts wish we could recall, relive those past three years. SOPHOMORES So on another day, clothed in the languor of early fall, we came back, sophomores. We had found our own particular niche. At last we belonged. We now roamed the halls with an air befitting our new station, our eyes lingering on familiar things in 'a proprietary manner. We discovered that Algebra hadn't the slightest edge on Geometry, we greeted beaming parents and dubious friends with what, we fondly believed, were deftly-turned French salutations. Confidently, our team took the game away from the Froshg we remembered our first year-but we took it anyway. And, as now became us, we ventured a step or two into the social whirl in our reception to the seniors. Two years have passed but the memory tints of it are still vivid. Our vision too, widened as we discovered the heady magic of argu- mentation, of feeling the ground firmly beneath our feet, of the magic of words. And so the days slipped smoothly into the restful heat of another vacation. 18

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VINCENTIAN3g l2i THE GRADUATES SPEAK wish: To be the followers of right, Whatever the years may bring, Before the world our standards strong, Courageously, to Hing. To be real comrades, staunch and true, And sports, in all work, fair, Never to hesitate, nor weep, Under the touch of care. To maintain helpful, cheerful parts, In everything that's good, To have an active interest, Expressed and understood. To be fine, honest, steady souls, In face of sharp rebuff 3 To be thoughtful of other hearts E'en when the path is rough. To wear broad grins, against the odds, And increase self-control To fight temptations, which will try To turn us from our goal. Then we are sure the Father will, With His embracing smile, Bless every weary task of ours, And sanctify each trial. Reward will come in happy peace, And end of restless fear, Our minds, in common strength, will grow, More lovely, year by year. -Winifred Esselborn. 20