Stoughton High School - Stotonian / Semaphore Yearbook (Stoughton, MA)

Page 30 text:

SEMAPHORE 1944 LETTER FROM MR. LYMAN February 16, 1944 To the Editors of The Semaphore Stoughton High School Stoughton, Massachusetts Dear Editors: You editors are ending your high school course in a period where racial pride and hate, world domination and security have been blared into your consciousness to such an extent, by both radio and press, that it is no small miracle if you have found time to give such matters any thought to say nothing of what you have been able to give your readers. If we lived in another day, I would not need to say that there should be no such thing as racial hate — hate between individuals is a very ugly thing — between races it is not only ugly but silly as all races, including our own, are composed of good, bad, and indifferent individuals. Racial pride »iay be something else — it might be pride in what each race is contributing to the welfare of all. It has no other justification. Domination sounds so ugly, security so desirable that we fail to note that security for any individual, nation or race is only obtained by domination of others. We all would be nearer to the proper outlook if we thought of the other fellow ' s security rather than our own. Wc have been taught thit it is better to give than receive. We give lip .service to such teachings ; we wish the other fellow to practice such teachings — thus we make, what might be a beautiful world, an ugly world. This world needs more idealism — the idealism and enthusiasm of youth is vital. What is to be your contribution .- Very taily yourj, W. B. Lyman WBL:SG 26

Page 29 text:

1944 SEMAPHORE CLASS HISTORY Having completed the course of study of the Stoughton High School, we, the class of 1944, wish to sincerely thank the school faculty for the educational training which is so essential in such troublesome times as these. 1940- 41 At last the day had come and hope and happiness filled our hearts as we legibly inscribed our names on the register recording us as students of the Stoughton High School. Under the supervision of Miss Enos, our class adviser, we held our first elec- tion of class officers and elected Polly Barker and Robert Dray to represent us in Student Council. We successfully sponsored our first social event, the Freshman Dance. As reward for our tireless efforts as Freshmen we left school for the year knowing that when we returned in September, we would be one step nearer to our glorious goal, graduation. 1941- 42 Now, being well accustomed to the ways of high school life, we began to settle down to a more business-like atmosphere and elected William McDonald, president ; Mary Wisotsky, vice-president; Robert Dray, treasurer; and Polly Barker, secretary. With the help and direction of Miss Lavallee, the Sophomore Dance turned out to be p. great success. When we left school in June, we had the satisfaction of knowing that the third rung of the ladder of success had been reached and we would return as Juniors. 1942- 43 In this our third year we anticipated one of the busiest terms in our high school career. Joseph Silva and Max Katz were welcomed as new members of the class. The annual class elections were held and William McDonald was elected president; Mary Wisotsky, vice-president; Robert Dray, treasurer; and Ruth Grant, secretary. War took its first toll on the class as Joseph Sarrey and Richard Sellars were accepted by the Navy. Because of war conditions we voted to hold an informal Prom and through the tireless efforts of Miss Ross, our class adviser, it was the greatest financial success in the history of the Stoughton High School. Class rings and pins were purchased and distributed. The Army laid claim to more of our classmates, Robert Churchill and Kenneth Kelley. As our busy and prosperous Junior year reached a glorious end, we looked forward to our Senior year. 1943- 44 We returned to our last year of high school life less one more member o? the class; Frank Caldwell had been accepted by the Navy. Our final election resulted in William McDonald, president ; Virginia Fedorchuck, vice-president ; Robert Dray, treasurer; and Anahid Sevian, secretary. The war continued to lessen our class member- ,ship and lengthen our roll of honor, as Joseph McEachron left for the Army. The acting ability of our class was brought into the limelight as the Senior Play, Brother Goose was successfully dramatized. Commencement Week, followed by the Reception, Banquet and Class Day kept us busy, but with the thought of graduation on our minds, we carried on, and finally marched across the stage of the State Theater and received our diplomas. Upon leaving the Stoughton High School and venturing into this war-torn world, knowing that the future destiny of America depends on us, we will do our utmost to see that America remains the home of the brave and the land of the free. 25

Page 31 text:

spare time well spent is not lost and we have many activities in which to participate.