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

Page 11 text:

To the Class of 1959: It is with mixed feelings that I extend my congratulations to the members of the Class of 1959. You were in the first grade when I assumed my responsibilities as Superintendent of Schools. At that time there were 137 pupils in your class. Some are no longer members of your group and others have increased your class to 164 pupils. Many changes have taken place as you have progressed along your way in the Stoughton Public Schools. I feel, too, that my association with you has been more intimate because my daughter Maureen L. has been one of you. So it is with joy and sorrow that I contem- plate your graduation from Stoughton High School as the Class of 1959. Our schools have zealously endeavored to improve our total curriculum to prepare you to meet the demands that will be made upon you as you enter a changing, exciting world. You must do more than watch the world develop about you. You must determine to participate and make your personal contribution to the formulation of a democratic society which will serve its members and insure their freedom. I exhort you individually and as a group to strive to develop your full potential. You must stand ready and willing to accept the challenges that face you. As citizens of a democratic society you must not only know where you are going but more important you must know why. To be effective your acceptance of democratic ideals must have a visible effect on your daily lives. For, as the great Disraeli once said, Circumstances are beyond the control of man, but his conduct is in his own power. You must be willing to indulge in self-analysis and this will be a test of your maturity. We have faith in you. We believe that your personal achievements during your school years are evidence of your potential for the future. As Superintendent of Schools, I extend my personal best wishes to each and every member of the Class of 1959. I hope that you will continue to be a credit to yourselves, your parents, and your school. 7

Page 10 text:

e 0 m m e c I ' Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on . . . one thing I do, leaving the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God. Phillipians 3 Yours is a class which has been known for its diversified talents and abilities, ready for what- ever activity was presented to it. The enthusiasm with which the class as a group tackled each problem had much to do with its success. As you are graduated from Stoughton High School, you will necessarily follow many different paths, but in all walks of life this zest for achieving can help you to attain whatever goals you may set. The important thing is to keep striving toward a higher goal, rather than to rest on the laurels already won. The School Committee wishes you the joy of success; but even more, the infinite pleasures of striving for a higher goal in life. A. C. Woodward, M.D.

Page 12 text:

To the Class of ' 59 I send my sincere best wishes for years of happiness and success. It is at this time that many of us who have been close to you during the past several years will feel prone to offer well-meaning advice relative to the conduct of your daily lives. Much of what we say may have real meaning for you. However, no matter how valid may be our guides to purposeful living, it will be for you to determine ultimately the manner in which you will choose to pursue the goals which have greatest personal meaning to you. For this reason our advice now has Jess significance in shaping your future than that which we have accomplished already in helping you meet the responsibilities of sound, independent judgement. My one great hope is not that your high school has given you a complete education, but that it has opened the door to further education, whether it be formal or informal, by helping you to develop a free, inquiring mind that is not fearful of facing issues nor making mistakes. This — more than the accumulation of facts — is the true essence of education. In all likelihood our longest memories of S.H.S. will be memories of people rather than of specific deeds or events. Certainly the past several years have offered each of us friendships which we will never forget. With mixed feelings then — happiness over your outstanding achievements as a class and regret over our brief separation as friends — I again extend to ever ' one in the Class of ' 59 my wishes for the very best. Principal 8