State Normal High School - Normal Light Yearbook (Elizabeth City, NC)

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1926 THE NORMAL LIGHT' 45 Class History History of any kind is interesting because it satisfies man's instinct of curiosity. We, the Class of 1926, wish to give to you the history of our activities and accomplishments during our stay at State Normal. By it we hope to satisfy your curiosity, to inform you concerning 100 per cent State Normals, to give you glimpses of our past road over which we hope you will tread with greater ease and comfort. It is frequently stated that class histories repeat themselves, but this statement is not altogether supported by facts. As I search the rec- ords for the history of the Class of '26, I find that in many respects our ex- periences ha.ve been different from those of our predecessors. My task is to help you recall many things that have happened, which in the busy world of affairs, one is more or less likely to forget. The Class of 1926 was organized in September 1921 with 23 members, representing four states. From the first our boys took an active part in the athletics of the school. We also had a number to distinguish them- selves in scholarship, namely: Raymond Purnell, Norman Parker, Lester Spellman, and Louise Smithwick. Manly Royal, 'Owen Thompson, Ralph Hill, and the Parker brothers gained special honors in football. Rev. J. T. Doles was our class father during this first year of high school, and a very excellent guide did he make. On May 25, we bade our classmates adieu until September when we would take our places as Sophomores. September 12, found many of us again at State Normal. Some of our beloved classmates failed to return, but a number of new students kept us from feeling too lonesome. We were not successful in getting our former class adviser, but we were fortunate in securing as his successor, Miss L. D. Quarles, who proved to be a very considerate and capable class mother. We began this year with a determination to do much better than we had in the preceding year. We had in our midst as many good scholars as before and several more made good reports the first quarter. Many of our boys and girls were very active in musical affairs, the talents of whom still stand out in the choir and quartet. Those among us so noted are Willie Hurdle, Katherine Grandy, and Manly Royal. Friends, we do not present these attainments merely to show you what we have done. That, fortunately, has never been our policy. What we have done or what we have not done is of no great consequence now. What is finished is finished. We realize the thing which will remain longest in the minds of the teachers is not what we did, but how we did it. We know we are not the best class which State Normal has produced, we have not set records which cannot be equaled, neither have we been especially com- plimented for our brilliancy, but we know that the recognition we have gained has come to us because people have seen that we are a conscientious, hard-working group who are not merely seeking a place in the limelight. On September 13, 1924, we met as Juniors, a class of eighty-nine. Our first official act was to elect Norman Parker president. Once again we succeeded in getting Rev. Doles as our class father, one who has proven himself worthy and capable of leading us on to victory. We were begin- ning to realize what it meant to be Juniors. Class spirit became strong among us as we began to see that our thoughts and aims should be one. During this year there was need for someone to represent the school in the State Interscholastic Debating Contest. Raymond Purnell, an hon-

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1926 THE NORMAL LIGHT 47. Class History--Cofztzhued orable and worthy young man, joined the debating team and won honors for the school. This memorable school-year was brought to a close with a banquet in honor of the class of '25, The longed for day when we should meet as Seniors came at last. How glad we were to meet at S. N. S. once more but this time in the dignified role of Seniors. Quite a few changes were noticeable in our group. About fifteen new pupils from the city high school joined us. These students had at one time been a part of this school, but certain changes took them away from us for two years. Besides this most desirable group, there came to us also about fifteen more, many of whom had been teaching for a few years. We were glad to welcome all of these new students and gave them all the rights and privileges of Seniors. This year, the most important of our high school career. we were fortunate in having for our class mother, Miss E. J. Lewis, one who de- serves credit for unselfish service, one whom we never shall forget. Three members of the debating team this year are members of this class, namely: Martin Wilson, Leon Reid and Lester Spellman. In the field of dramatics and music, members of this class are again in the limelight. The editor-in-chief. the associate editors, and the greater number of the reporters on the Blue and White Banner staff were chosen from this class It is this class who decided to leave a gift to the .school. It happened how- ever that the two senior classes had the same thought and each class agreed to share the pleasure and honor of giving to the school the much needed stand which you see before you. The Annual project also which was begun by the Class of '25 has been continued by us. t We are proud of the fact that several of the young ladies of our class have distinguished themselves in basketball. Under the supervision of an efficient and enthusiastic director, Mrs. S. D. Young, these young ladies have helped to win the enviable position as champions of this section of the state. The initial game of the season was a contest between the Juniors and the Seniors. The game was a Junior victory, but be it to the credit of the senior young ladies that they joined hands with their conquerors and helped to make the above mentioned record for their team. Indeed, Annie Johnson by her splendid plays has won the place of captain. The other young ladies who are outstanding players are: Martha Weaver, forwardg Alice Coston, Guard, Evangeline Forbes, Viola Mangrum and Annie Creecy, centers. This history is but a brief sketch of the happy years that have passed, and yet it covers much. The years have passed. swiftly, years in which a little play has been mixed with the work. Now the time has come for this jolly, energetic class to leave State Normal a.nd take its place in the world among men and women of affairs. Our history as high school stu- dents is ended and from tonight we enter new fields to make further prep- aration for life's work. Dear classmates as you go down from this place, remember our motto-Find a way or make one. -John James