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

Page 17 text:

William E. McVey, B.S., A.M., Ph.D. Ohio University, University of Chicago. Superintendent of Thorn- ton Township High School and Junior College. Je-U £ a»% 7 Let ' s talk it over, a simple statement accom- panied by a kind smile, but to an eager group of young people, much more has been conveyed, assur- ance of understanding, co-operation, and wise judg- ment, for Dr. McVey has just spoken. Dr. William Estus McVey, superintendent of Thornton Township High School, is the experienced director who, through twenty-six years of war and peace, has directed the drama of life enacted in the halls and classrooms of Thornton. Just as the success or failure of a great production depends on its director, so does Thornton ' s progress reflect the wisdom and vision of her producer. Dur- ing this past year the play entitled, Thornton, 1944-45, has been beset by many difficulties, but Dr. McVey has aided the faculty and student body in resolving these war-borne problems with charac- teristic foresight. A friendly smile, an extra word, a sympathetic ear — what immeasurable good they can do a bewildered junior, a harassed newcomer. The fact that Dr. Mc- Vey is not only Dr. William E. McVey, Superintend- ent, to this school, but also a kindly friend and adviser, is one reason that all its members are his admirers. A rock — that vital something to hang onto that students forced by the war into a suddenly hastened growing up can look to — is the man in charge of that theater called Thornton. Dr. McVey is many things to many people; a sophomore might say, in highest tribute, He ' s a good Joe ; a faculty member, Our superintendent, a leader of men ; and the ghosts that linger in the halls and whisper in the elm leaves might breathe, Simply Thornton. Page »

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As students look ahead to the struggle, a struggle to maintain democracy, they realize that it takes more than air, naval, or military strength. The lights of education, religion, music, and art must forever burn in our nation. The Board of Education of Thornton, with its wise leadership and constant vigilance, is a vital factor in keeping these lights burning. If it were not for five capable and understanding men, Thornton could not have attained the position it holds today. Mr. G. H. Gibson, President of the Board, was president of the Chicago Steel Car Company before retirement. His undaunting service of thirty-three years to the school is truly one of the factors that make Thornton what it is. Mr. A. H. McDougall, consulting adviser in the Chicago office of Manning, Mawell, and Moore, New York engineering firm, has a record of thirty-two years of service to Thornton in its Board of Education. Mr. Walter Haines, Thornton Township Collector, Mr. Frank P. Cowing, Homewood attorney-at-law, and Mr. Edwin R. Waterman, farmer and banker of South Holland, are sharing with the others the many responsibilities of the Board. Employing faculty members and determining their salaries, determin- ing policies, budgets, and expenditures of the school are the principal duties of the Board. The Board meets the third Friday of each month to discuss the various problems of the school. Mr. Burton Evans, Mr. A. F. Waldschmidt, and Mr. Clarence W. Waaso, assist the members in carrying out their duties. Mr. Evans and Mr. Waaso, secretary and attorney of the Board, respectively, are elected by the group ; Mr. Wald- schmidt, school treasurer, is elected by the three trustees of Thornton Township. The members of the Board of Education are elected by ballot by the voters of the township to a term of three years. Voluntarily and without remuneration these men give their time to make Thornton the school it is today. Page «

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flssiSTflm Memories, ah memories ! Among the fondest remembrances a departing senior takes with him are those connected with a special faculty member. Every student has a par- ticular friend among the teachers, and from this association he derives more than he realizes of culture, wisdom, of Thornton. The deans in particular are close to many students, knowing many of them personally. They act as personal advisers, solving tactfully and well the private problems brought to them. Miss Helene Wilson, Dean of Girls, Miss Vera Crites, assistant to Miss Wilson, and Mr. O. F. Umbaugh, Dean of Boys, also serve as sponsors of the Girls ' and Boys ' Clubs, respectively. Four other faculty members close to the student ' s heart are the class principals. To these men falls the task of being personal consultant to each student throughout his high school career. By a rotating system, Mr. J. D. Mees, Mr. J. B. Stephens, and Mr. J. F. Zimmerman each usher a class from its sophomore year through the night of graduation. Dr. C. R. Maddox, Freshman Class Principal, acquaints the incoming student with Thornton traditions, orientating them for their new life here. The reports kept by these men covering the students ' work, play, and conduct, are detailed and prove valuable to a would-be employer, for they provide an understanding of the student ' s personality and ability. As the senior sits waiting for his diploma on that June night, like the walrus, he thinks of many things; and one of them is the heartwarming kindness, interest, and understanding of his faculty friends. I ■ ' Helene E. Wilson, B.A., M.A. University of Wiscon- sin, Northwestern University. Oxford University. English. Dean of Girls. O. Fred Umbaugh, A.B., A.M. Wittenberg College, University of Chicago. Head of English Department. Dean of Boys. Page lO