Thornton Township High School - Thorntonite Yearbook (Harvey, IL)

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Because the study of languages gives insight Into a nation ' s cultural characteristics, the pres- ent conflict has made that study more important than ever. To understand how other nations think and act, one must have a knowledge of their language. The four foreign languages taught at Thorn- ton are French, German, Latin, and Spanish ; Miss Mildred Anderson heads the department. Sine some of the most hallowed customs of our land are of foreign origin, the study of the languages of other lands helps us to under- stand better a number of the customs of our own country. French is the key which opens fascinating doors to quaint customs, graceful architecture, and once placid countrysides. German offers the student a knowledge of a substantial people who early developed great talent in medicine, mathematics, and the physi- cal sciences. No, Rome was not built in a day, nor are the language, customs, and civilization of the Romans learned in that short a time. Only long hours of study reveal the characteristics of those people who codified laws and built empires. Manana tells the story of our neighbors to the south. Realizing the increasing im- portance of our southern neighbors. Spanish classes at Thornton are growing. The present world crisis has brought about closer relation- ships between Latin and North America.

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K nce a Ujt ear ' To record in the spirit of Thornton the major events and changes that a year brings is the aim of the Thorntonite yearbook. This record of Thornton, begun in 1914 under the leadership of Mr. O. F. Umbaugh, has been continuous year by year to the present time. Have you ever wondered what that man with the camera and lights was doing talcing pictures in classes and even in the halls. ' He was the photographer for the yearbook. Planning and taking pictures of representative work at Thorn- ton is only one of the major jobs of the year- book staff. Staff members are kept busy through the year by such duties as planning layouts, writ- ing, editing, typing copy, and securing adver- tisements. Hundreds of hours are spent on that necessary, but lacking in glamour, task of checking — pictures, senior lists, identifications, subscriptions, write-ups, advertisements. And thus is recorded the story of another year at Thornton. Editor-in-chief, Pat Rowlette Assistants. Lois Anderson, Kathryn Clark, La Vine Fischer, Marion Thomas Faculty. Catherine Kendall, Francell Kennedy Classes. Richard Anderson, Doris Becker, Norbert Giese, Helen Kuczay, Bernice Weaver Activities. Margie Cover, Helen Jacobs, Flor- ence Johnson, Dolores Kavis, Marcella Mullens Alt. Betty McFarland, Jack Swing Features. Kathryn Lipe, Patricia Thomas Athletics, Betty Jane Krusche, Jack Lipe Photography. Bob Alverson, Donald Clark, Myron Jebens, Bob Jennings, Leo Noble, Walter Ortel Advertising. Betty Jean Wilkes, Dick Brund, Bob Jennings, Otho Kile, Allan Kukral, Joan Van Laningham, Robert MacCaa, Walter Ortel, Frank Rasmussen, Elizabeth Sausaman Advisers EJitorial, Miss Alta Stauffer Art. Miss Dorothea Thiel Business, Mr. O. F. Umbaugh ■27

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I V [un and . J Ia O nvironmenl To understand present day life one must know the story of the human race from the beginning of history to the present day. As one traces hfe down through the ages, he finds that men have continually fought to preserve their rights and their liberty. Today we are continu- ing the long, hard struggle that began thousands of years ago. To understand the history of the world, to k now our country better, and to practice good conduct are the purposes of the Social Science department. Through a study of civics, students learn the rights and duties of good citizens in a democ- racy, as well as the structure of the government. Law teaches them rules for correct conduct in social and business relations, and gives the students opportunities to practice what they know by finding the solutions to hypothetical problems similar to those by which they will be confronted when they leave school. The world with its mountains and deserts, its races of all colors, its products of torrid and frigid zones, its man made boundaries, these are the subjects for study in geography. Sociology, the science of the forms, institu- tions, and functions of human groups, and eco- nomics, the science that deals with the produc- tion, distribution, and consumption of wealth, complete the work of the Social Science depart- ment under the direction of Mr. J. F. Zimmer- man. Mr. Clarence Stegmeir directs the work of those studying history. In order to understand present world relations and actions and to tell what may possibly be the results of the present world-wide conflict, man must understand what has gone before. European history tells the story from the time of the cave man to the French Revolution ; modern history, a continua- tion of European history, reveals the story of Europe from the time of the French Revolution to the present. The history of our own country teaches its students to appreciate the freedom and democracy which they so unconsciously enjoy. Students learn about men and women who have struggled to make this country the promised land and learn to appreciate the meaning of the words of the people, by the people, and for the people. ■29