Technical High School - Tech Tiger Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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GSQHHRSmMOHAS At Tech the well-known stiff math course is eased somewhat by our likeable instructors. They are not, as many believe, so wrapped up in mathematical calculations that they are completely oblivious to school or community affairs, but are regular “Joes” with hobbies and interests common to all. Some are even guidance counselors and class advisors. But we must not forget in our characteriza- tions of them, their importance to us here at Tech. Each is tops in his own field, with his own methods of getting across to us what comes so readily to him. There are eighteen different mathematics subjects taught here. This is a lot, but we at Tech believe that mathematics will play an increasingly important part in the daily lives of many people. Mathematics is an essential tool of the engineer, scientist, technician, and mathemati- cian; and individuals, including many striving young people Seated Left to Right: Perry Best, Mary Kelley, Miriam Allen, Dr. Helen Theinert, Arthur Woodworth. Standing Left to Right: Theodore Chase, Henry Hewitt, Stanley Sprague, George Andrewes, Harold Schellenger here at Tech, training in these specialties are in more demand than ever before. Only one mathematics subject is required of freshmen and seniors in the General course. However when a boy studies for a Technical course diploma, he is normally required to take six math subjects before he is graduated. ‘These include basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and strength of materials. Girls, as a rule, do not take technical mathematics. Of course there is always someone to break a rule. Boys enrolling for the College Preparatory course study four or five mathematics subjects including solid geometry and advanced math. Girls selecting this course are required to take only two years of math, but many graduate with twenty extra credits due to mathematics electives. So you see we really like math at Tech. Lehes Candyce Miller — John Knapton — Alg. Class Right: Joan Clark, Mr. Woodworth Solid Geometry

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HISTORY Here we are at the history rooms located on the second and third floors. United States history, modern history, and economics are taught in these rooms. Trudging along the corridor on the second floor we pass room 231 in which economics is taught besides the regular history classes. Here we go. To the student of economics the benefits reaped from the course are many. A knowledge of the business world is acquired. By learning about financial problems the student (the future voter) will be able to vote for the right man. In learning how we are dependent upon others we can understand the problems which confront them. Economics explains employment problems and the need for taxes. Many facts applicable today and in years to come are to be gained fro m the study of economics. Modern history consists of the study of the present times. The study of the World Wars, the important battles, the influence of people on countries, the geographical in- fluence of countries on people, the downfall of Naziism, and the beginning of Communism helps us to understand the present and future world conditions. United States history is the study of past and present history of the United States. We learn how our country came into existence, how by its errors and trials it became the country it is today. If the United Nations is in session at New York and you can talk your teacher into going, it’s a wonderful full day trip to see the General Assembly in action. To us, all of the history classes are important even though the notebooks, volumes of papers, on-the-spur quizes and tests have to be taken with the course, besides the cur- rent events and five minute talks. After all, it’s all for your own good. Seated Left to Right: Leda Scagnelli, Eleanor Reardon, Ruth Grady. Standing: Albert Johnson, Sidney Doane Jean Pinney, Roland Goulet in American History Left to Right, Seated: Claire Trombley, Richard Raymond, David Young, Roy Billings, Eileen Therrien. Standing: Larry Scheehser (moderator) , Jay O'Sullivan, in round-table discussion The history teachers are an active group. They partic- ipate in many activities and they sure get around. To- gether they’ve taught at Forest Park, Buckingham, Tapley, Van Sickle, Myrtle Street Junior High Schools,and Trade High School. For hobbies they are interested in movies and plays, in gardening, mountain climbing, and interior decorating. They belong to and are active in such clubs as the Catholic Women’s Club, Teachers’ Club, and the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association. One of the history teachers is the advisor for the Student Council. The de- grees held by the teachers are as follows: Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Master of Art. Together the history teachers have contributed twenty-five years of their service to the enrichment of the historical background and perspec- tive of us Techites.

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Left: Miss Shea Right: Future Typists The “rhythm society” at Tech is the source of the staccato tapping sounds heard in the halls of the third floor. For the second year Tech has offered to its students the opportunity to gain a knowledge of the techniques of typing. The course covers a wide scope of training. The pupil is familiarized with the parts of a typewriter, TYPI] G the correct care and use of these parts, the addressing of envelopes, and the arrange- ment of letters and themes. Why do we refer to our typing classes as the “rhythm society”? Without rhythm one cannot achieve an accurate and speedy typing skill. This phase is stressed by typing to music with a definite pattern. At last the big day arrived! We were going out in that famous gray car with “Chief” Walmer. To prepare for this we struggled through the classroom part of Tech’s Driver Education course. Here we learned the mechanics of a car and the rules of the road. By passing this section, we earned a card notifying the Examiner that we were exempted from the oral test. The first step in our actual driving was Mr. Walmer’s demonstration of his famous “routine method.” Then he handed the keys over to us and we nervously shrank behind the wheel for the first time. However as the days flew by, so did our nervousness, and finally we are the proud owners of a license. Left: Polly Richards Martha Davis Eleanor Taylor Mr. Walmer Rowena Morey Right: Robert Gordon David Hackett Jesse Lyons Mr. Walmer James Herbert 15 DRIV ER EDUCATION