Strong Vincent High School - Spokesman Yearbook (Erie, PA)

Page 9 text:

My stay in the United States has been an experience which I shall never forget because it has been a part of my very life, and the months I have spent here will always be a pleasant memory. I have had first hand opportunity of knowing America, free- ing myself from the prejudices which generally we Europeans have about this country. Beyond that pictured America which is presented by movies and books, there is a more human, cordial, and friendly America. I discovered this with pleasure, especially through the students in school, who have been really sincere friends, the patient teachers who helped me during these school months, and to Mr. Gillespie, whom I have come to know and appreciate. All these wonderful ex- periences have enriched my life while here and will surely en- rich my future work in my country. John Bocchio, Strong Vincent's foreign exchange student from Turin, in northern Italy, is a member of our senior class. This likeable seventeen year old actively participates in many of the school's functions. From John we have gained a broader understanding of people from other countries. With his pleasant and amicably personality he has built a peaceable bridge between Italy and the United States. Wolly Knox welcomes to Strong Vincent John Bocchio, his new house guest and Vincent's foreign exchange student. Johnny, a loyal supporter of all school sports, cheers along with his classmates giving support to our bosket- boll team. 5

Page 8 text:

Art is gone. The student body and faculty of Strong Vincent High School have lost a near and dear friend, Art Weible. Art, as he was affectionately known to the multitude of students, who passed through Vincent during his tenure, compiled an incomparable record of victories. His twelve straight city swimming championships are an outstanding achievement. He will be as well remembered as a counsellor, who had human insight toward the problems of the students he advised. His quiet, reassuring manner seemed to instill a spirit of confidence in his associates, students and swimmers. We, the swimmers recall with nostalgia, his inimitable way of coaching, his words of encouragement, and his unfailing guidance. Much more than dust will gather in his room. I hear a thousand boys shout through its gloom. This illustrates just one of Art's many victorious meets. Here the 1956 swim- ming team celebrate by taking Coach Weibel for a ride. Under Art s in- spiring leadership our swimming team compiled 99 consecutive victories. His winning personality will not be forgotten easily and his guidance to all his swimmers will be remembered always.

Page 10 text:

In 1946, he was promoted to the position of assistant principal at Strong Vincent. Through the years that followed, he and Mr. Hamilton Gillespie, our principal, worked as a team in complete accord and with untiring effort to maintain the high scholastic standards of our school. Now the great team has been sepa- rated, but each, we know, will go on by him- self to carry out the high principles and ideals for which he stands. Congratulations, Mr. Gustavson, on your ap- pointment as principal of Roosevelt Junior High School! In the fall of 1930, when the doors of Strong Vincent opened to receive its first class of students, Mr. Gustavson started his teaching career at Strong Vincent. Down through the years, he taught English, History, P.O.D., and Economics. Because of his diversified interests in the field of sports as well as that of music, he soon became coach of the baseball and the J.V. football teams, as well as advisor to the Choir. 6