Thomas Dale High School - Reflector Yearbook (Chester, VA)

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The change from one ideal of life to another is al- ways gradual, like the change in seasons. After a time of almost unnoticed alteration in nature, we at length gaze upon a world that hes been transformed. It is natural, then, to look back upon the events which led to the wondrous transformation. The alteration began in September, 1937, as a bewildered, and yet proud, group of Freshmen enrolled at Chester High School. Frantically scurrying about to find the proper classrooms at the proper times, we gradually became adjusted to the new order of life. Termed “green’—as “green” we were—we determined to “climb though the rocks were rugged.” Spring, close on the heels of Winter, brought on vacation and a welcome rest from the quest for Knowledge and Understanding. In the autumn, we returned for another season of expansion and growth. The greenness of our Freshman year faded into a pink glow of pride at being no longer considered “ratss.’ help us and encourage us in our intellectual expansion, Peggy Terrell. It We chose as our mascot, to was on January 27, 1939, that we were given our place in the sun of Chester High School. That day was Sophomore Class Day. During the ensuing vacation, many of our number were beaten to earth, to rise no more. Others came back, with renewed strength, to carry on. As Juniors, our pink of glowing pride merged into a healthy tan as we labored in the strong sunlight of Hope. Feeling “grown up,” as upper classmen, our minds began to sink deeper into the soil of Learning, grasp- ing newer and better things. At long last, we were privileged to join certain clubs and organizations of the school. ce twenty-five “She Reflector

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BEATRICE ALLIE VAUGHAN DOROTHY THEODOSIA WALKER THOMAS HENRY WILMOTH “Laugh and be merry “Hang sorrow, care wi ll kill a cat. “4 man is relieved and gay when he Better the world with a song.” Therefore, let’s be merry.” has put his heart into his work and done his best.” Glee Club 2. 3, 4; Government Ciub Heme Eccnomics Club 2, 3; Athletic 4; Athletic Associaticn 3. Asscciation 1, 3, 4; Government Club 4. Government Club 4; Athletic Associa- tion 3, 4. | Aass Song Now the time has come to say ““Adieu’’ To Chester High and dear old friends so true; Though the world calls everyone From the joys of work well done: We'll remember every single day That we spent before we went away From the scene of all our fun In old Chester High. Close inside of Chester’s halls so bright, We have met in comradeship tonight; Chester friendships kind and true Guard our golden memories; And now before we close our eyes in sleep, We have pledged each other that we'll keep Chester friendships kind and true Til we meet again. Tune: °Til We Meet Again | Words by Mary Helen Perkinson

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“The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland,” our Junior Play, left us with many beautiful memories. We were enabled, as a result of the play’s suc- cess, to give the Seniors a reception of lasting fame. On Field Day, we were indeed proud at being victors of the day. As a final token of respect for our school, we set aside a fund for movies to stimulate the growth of other young minds. As the last season of our growth was ushered in, wintry winds of increasingly difficult tasks blew away the healthy tan of growing things. In its place came the whiteness of old age. With renewed zeal, we put forth our best efforts in a final spirit of energy. Anxiously we awaited the day of pure, shining whiteness—the final Graduation. On February 14, the student body recognized our seniority as we observed Class Day. Closely following, on February 28, ‘““‘The Patsy” made a very successful appearance as our class play. Amid ever changing conditions, we remained undaunted. In increas- ing fury, the storms of difficult lessons beat upon us; with increasing brilliance, the sun of Hope and Achievement shone down on us, until at last, the day of days dawned—Graduation! By consistent effort and by tedious care, a tiny plant bursts through the earth, which has nurtured it in sunshine and storm alike, to behold all the world spread around it. Only then does the plant begin to grow into usefulness. It becomes quite different from the tiny seed from which it grew. We, the Seniors of 1941, have sprung from a tiny seed. Nurtured in school, by the storms of hard tasks and by sunshine of encouraging spon- sors, we are just beginning to realize the vastness of the realm of Knowl- edge. We are indeed grateful for the storms of the past; for only through overcoming obstacles can we become strong men and women. We are just beginning to grow in the field of Learning. Briefly we pause in our quest, to pay homage to the guiding influences of a past ideal borne into the future. Then, with courage in our hearts and a gleam in our eyes, we leave Chester High School with memories that will never forsake us. MARY HELEN PERKINSON “Whe Reflector. i twenty-six