Terry Parker High School - Chieftain Yearbook (Jacksonville, FL)

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Route The herd trampled on, Shoulder to shoulder they strode, The earth stamped bare beneath their feet. Pushing, plodding, stumbling. Vast was the prairie they strode, Narrow the trail worn by others; But they knew this route to be safe. The mass still trods on. Shoving, but not hurrying. The eldest snort at one of the herd losing the path, A stray! Student Poet; Larry Stevens. I 280

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Wilmot Speaks In this wondrous age of vast technical knowledge and mechanical skill, and an ever expanding industrial society, it becomes far too obvious that our children must understand these wonders in order to decently survive. For the future must be even more complex and our children must take the reins of our growing nation. And who would desire to have a babbling horde of know-nothings in so precarious a position? In all fairness to ourselves, our children, and our childrens’ children, we should do everything in our power to see that our beloved ones receive what is their due. their right, and our nation's crying need. That need is sharp, aware minds. Minds to guide America to the greater glory that is her destiny. Yes. reader.' it is not only out of concern for your child’s welfare that they must receive an education, but it is your patriotic duty as well to see that all children get one. May I point out that you. reader, a buyer of literature. must surely possess the ability to read. Would you deny to your children, or your neighbor’s children. the excitement and pleasure that has come to you through this medium, or deny them the even more vast pleasures and benefits of a good, sound, free education, which perhaps you were denied? Do you have the right? Pray, reader, give it to serious thought, for all is at stake! And we must educate our children in order that they may be able to defend themselves, and protect what is theirs. Tomorrow’s adults must be able to actively participate and understand the function of our democracy—and to see that our government stays that way. Our children are the wonder of all that we hold dear and precious. As Mr. Mann has said, education is our only political safety. Outside of this ark all is deluge. There are those among us who object to public schools in our cities because they think they are impinged upon for paying a few pennies in taxes towards the education of our children. But I say that the price we pay is well worth it, for the pittance will build our nation into the strong arm of freedom in the Earth, and we will not be forgotten. . . universal suffrage without universal education would be a curse.’’—Mr. H. L. Wayland Student Writer. Aubrey McKachcm Student Artist: Sandc Van Dyne. Medium: Stitchery. Ignorance is Destruction We are presently in an immense state of agitation in America. As Emerson wrote: We are all a little wold here with numberless projects of social reforms.” If allowed to come about, one of these reforms will undoubtedly aid us in solving many of the problems that this great nation will run into in the years to come. This reform is that for free education. As concerned Americans, we should demand public, tax-supported schools for our children. For what is knowledge but the key to success-the success of the entire nation? The quality of the so-called common schools of New England have reached an all time low. Teaching methods are poor and the buildings inadequate. Conditions are even worse in the Middle Atlantic States and unfortunately, the Southern school is an almost hopeless case. The only alternative remaining is to send your children to schools run by churches or other private institutions. However, the fees charged by these schools are not such that the average American can easily pay. If this is so. then why are so many people shouting in opposition to the installation of public educational facilities? Time used for learning how to read and write to some people is as they put it. time lost—time that could have been used for working. I ask: Why should we not reap the benefits of the thoughts of great minds? Is it that we have nothing to gain from the wisdom of Aristotle. Machiavelli. or Voltaire? The Bible has taught and will continue to teach us valuable ideals and morals. This is evidence of the power of books. Surely we could use some advice from sources of this sort. The mere fact that we presently need this reform period in our nation is proof that education would be invaluable. More and more people have been granted the right to vote. But what is it worth if they don't have the knowledge required to use it wisely? There are those of you tax payers who are against using your tax dollars for schools. These people must come to realize that there is no limit to the rewards obtained from an investment in education. The nation will be repaid in plenitude. But we must act now. for ignorance is not bliss, it is destruction. Student Writer John Vitale Potpourri 779

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 Student Photographer Steve Patrick. Medium: Superimposition. Potpourri 28i