Tillsonburg District High School - Tatler Yearbook (Tillsonburg, Ontario Canada)

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J 'I . iw A vu., Valediciory CCommencement, December l, 19503 Amelia Gerhardt Mr. Kirkwood, ladies and gentlemen: I have, tonight, the pleasant task of speaking on behalf of the class of '50. As a result of our five years in attendance at this school, there developed a close bond between students and school, that cannot be severed by goodbyes. Coping with Latin, physics, and algebra, leaves us with many fond memories. At times, some of us be- came impatient, bored, and weary with the task of learning. Now, as we look back on those days and I think that I speak for us all, we acknowledge that it was a worth- while process, and the five years are full of many happy memories. Surely, when we think of that bond that grew between us, our minds turn to that very important connecting link which serv- ed to weld that relationship. I am, of course, referring to our teachers. Their personal interest and friendship, as they guided us through the world of learning, shall always be remembered. Often, throughout the five years, you, our teach- ers, must have been discouraged by our blunders and apparent indifference to ab- sorb knowledge. However, when we emerg- ed from our examination rooms last spring, you were there, and it gave us a great feel- ing to hear the expression of your faith in, NVell, did you get a first in that one?,' VVe owe a debt of gratitude also to our school board. Many of us probably have overlooked the fact that there is a group of men who are giving their time, ability, and untiring effort to better the conditions sur- rounding our high school career. For many years, we wanted a new high school. These men did something about it, and this beauti- ful and modern building is proof of their ability, and a monument to their achieve- ment. There are two more people to whom we owe a great deal. Each of us is aware of the tremendous sacrifice on the part of our parents. Mom, and Dad, we know that we can never repay it. Right through our school career, you have guided our foot- steps, borne our burdens, helped make de- cisions, shared our joys, and disappoint- ments-because you are our parents. Many of you gave us opportunities that you never 22 had. You didn't say, At your age I was earning my living, but rather, Continue your education, and perhaps your life won't be as difficult as ours wasf' For all your sacrifice all that you have in return, so far, is the sharing of our pride and satisfaction that comes with achieve- ment. XVith the receiving of our high school graduation certificates, we reach a mile- stone in our lives, marking our academic success. This certificate is important to us all. XVith it as a staunch foundation some of us are already going out into the world -the rest of us are still coping with books and examinations. This diploma also means the end of our high school days-days in which we set the standard for our lives, academically, social- ly, and morally. Our whole lives centred around our school, and our friends. VVe have left the school, and the friends, and probably we shall never be together as a group again. The pursuit of different fields of study and work have scattered us over a broad area. From personal experience, I can say that there is a warmth and a special joy in meet- ing our old friends away from home. VVe will make new friends but the old will never be forgotten. My good-byes have a special significance tonight. Not only do-we, the class of '50, take leave of our old Alma Mater, but all students take leave of its old halls forever. fOurs will be the last graduating class from the old T.D.H.S. on Concession street.j Therefore, we experience mingled feelings of joy and sorrow. Certainly this new school has all the advantages and we shall watch its progress with interest. At times, we may think that we were born five years too soon, but I would not change one part of my high school story. I would like to say to the present students of T.D.H.S. that this phase of your life will THE TATLER R

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THE MAIN FOYER THE LIBRARY THE SCIENCE LABORATORY THE BOARD ROOM THE CAFETERIA A- TYPICAL CLASSROOM

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mean a great deal to you in the future. Everything you do, including both extra- curricular affairs, and academic work, will have a great bearing on your future. You will be responsible not only for the success and the fame of the new high school, but also for upholding the standards and traditions which have made the old school so outstanding in the past. I know that you are capable of the task, so, good-bye, and good luck. i. O,.-.l Alumni A school consists of many elements. Of these elements, the most obvious, perhaps, are the building, the classes, and the func- tions, however, in any organization, the core of importance lies with its members, and in schools, not the least important of the members are the graduates. Ex-students are just as much a part of T.D.H.S. as are all the actual students from grade nine to grade thirteen, for it is on their shoulders that tradition rests. For this reason, we take pleasure in setting down here the paths on which our gradu- ates of recent years have embarked. Many of these young people are still going through the process of formal education, others have already entered upon the event- ful course of life as self-dependent indi- viduals, and we believe and hope, valuable citizens. Change is the logical order of things in this life, and we are proud to look on the rise to responsibility of our gradu- ates, and to realize that we, the present students, belong to the same large family as they, bound together by the ties, both real and sentimental, of our Alma Mater. 1950 Nearly half of last year's grade thirteen found its way to London, with seven at- tending the University of VVestern Ontario, and eight at Normal School. Those who are undergoing their freshman year at VVestern include Shirley Holland, Amelia Gerhardt, and Bill Eichenberg in Science, and Ken Webster and Nick More in Business Ad- ministration. Georgette Demaiter is study- ing Home Economics at Brescia Hall, while Jennie Denys is pursuing Household Science, VVestern-style, with a view to be- coming a dietition. Comprising the Tillsonburg bloc', at London Normal School are John Eppel, THE TATLER Sally McQueen, Vivian Thompson, Charles Ketchabaw, Don Currie, Anne Pauls, George Teall and Margaret Mekker. The noble profession of nursing has at- tracted, of last year's graduating class, Barbara Mason to St. Joseph's Hospital, London, and Ruth Monk and Ruby Makins to Brantford General Hospital. The Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph succeeded in attracting Dick Roke- by to study horticulture there. Xllallace Fletcher has made his habitat the Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto. Don Sykes is taking a year off from edu- cation, and is working at home. Ron Prickett has secured a position with the local branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. Anita Hall is working in her 'father's store at Cultus. Betty XVillia'ms is in Kemptville, where she is taking a commercial course. joseph Longstaff is working in London. Marilyn Stilwell is at home. Six of last year's upper school students returned to T.D.H.S. for the 1950-51 term. Russ Mannell, Dick Gibson, Iack Culp and Don Lee are continuing grade thirteen. Jean Scrimgeour ffortunately for the Tatlerj is back taking Special Commercial. Harvey Smith is taking a combination of fifth and commercial this year. The Commercial class of '50 has, for the most part, remained around home. How- ever, Betty Smith is working in the office of the Oxford County Health Unit at VVood- stock. Mary Sloboda has a position in To- ronto with an advertising firm. Sandra Corbett has returned to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she is attending school and taking a general course. Douglas Buzz Palmer is working with the A. Q P. in Chatham. Those of last year's commercial gradu- ates who are employed locally include Helen Pettifer at Jackson's Bakery, Muriel Deller at Stauffer Motors, and Bob Ravin at Eichenberg Motors. jean Crosby is working for the law firm of Groom and VVeir. Dick Peacock is employed at Livingston lVo0d Products, Limited. Marilyn Wellmaii is currently planted Qpun?j in the office of Livingston's. Mary Demaiter is at home. Lorna Tupper and Lloyd Rodgers are continuing special commercial at T.D.H.S, ' 23