Tomah High School - Hamot Yearbook (Tomah, WI)

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jjuninr Qllasz Qistnrg While duly recorded as a Freshman class of T. H. S., entering Sept. 7, '12, we never really entered H. S. We were deprived of that moist and delicate initiation into the Csupposedly heavenly Dsphere of High School life, a ducking in the time honored ducking hole. We, as a Fresh- man, had every right to expect that baptism, and looked forward with fearful expectation to the day when we should be subjected to that painful pleasure and finally be welcomed half-drowned and wholly unlovely, into the midst of our immediate predecessors. Gadzooks and egad! Who suspected that they were such a lot of hypocrites, accepting us-though as it was, Without a duckingewith words of hon- eyed sweetness, that, once within their toils, we should furnish, through our own errors, sorrows, and misfortunes, refreshing entertainment to them. Though denied our rightful heritage the Hduckingn- presumably considered the froshs first draught at the fountain of learning-we soon realized that we were Freshmen according to all the rules and regulations, for the Sophs, in keen remembrance of the indignities thrust upon them, tried to wash away all remembrance of those under-dog days in our innocent blood. With faces sober and voices earnest they directed us to English, 2-3-4, to Physics, Geom., and Political Economy, and with apparently all good intentions, assisted us to rise when Mr. Bray asked, How many are going to take solid Geometry, or advanced Algebra? Being of more than average intellect however, it is certain that no Freshman was the goat more than once, despite other classes assertions to the contrary. By reason of this superior intellect we became accustomed to the daily routine in a space of time for shortness unparalled. A desire then filled us for new things, and the third week we held a class meeting-- conspicuous for the order maintained and the parliamentary manner of procedure-and selected class officers. Naturally sober-minded, it was not until October 27 that we held a meeting to discuss the giving of a dancing party. The class was practically unanimous in favor of giving such a party. Delayed by Mr. Bray until after exams, the dance was finally held on the 15th of December. As a failure it wasa glorious success. About a dozen Freshmen were on hand, and perhaps six or eight guests? tWe begged fellows, with tears in our eyes, to do their duty toward keeping us out of debt.j The class went in debt about four dollars, which debt was paid March 28, 1913. What would you say, Some Class Spirit! ? Our social activities for the year were ended. For the remainder of the year we did naught but study? study? study.? Thus passed the Freshman class of 1912-13, a class of seventy-five, adored by teachers and cherished in the memories of the other classes, a class of unlimited possibilities, which, alas! were to remain undeveloped. When we entered High School as Sophomores, somewhat lessened in numbers, we determined to make it a lively year. The trimming which

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SS IUNIOR CLA

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28 THE TOMAH HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL the Sophomore football team gave the all stars , was an excellent start. Thru very bad luck, we lost our lead in the class race for the basketball championship, and were relegated to second place. Not a mention of a party was made until sometime late in April, or May. Then plans were made for a picnic. Everything went lovely until the day before the spree, when by ones, twos and threes, girls and fellows, Cmostly girlsj withdrew their support, until the picnic, for want of grub and silver contributions, languished and passed away. 'Twas doubtless discovered that the picnic would interfere with the perfect preparation of studies for the following Monday. In a few days summer vacation began, for which we were all duly thankful, being on the verge of nervous prostration, as a result of our year of almost unceasing dissipation. Entering as Juniors in the fall of 1914, no plans were made to set the world on fire. Every one was preoccupied with thoughts of arran- ging the program satisfactorily, of taking as many subjects as possible, and of the possibilities of getting thru German, Geometry and Cicero. It seems certain that the only party which will be given this year is the Prom. Despite the economy which we are informed we must practice, the Prom is bound to be a great success. Elaborate and uni- que plans have been formed for the decorating of the hall. Although our economy basis forces us to give up the larger hall which has generally heretofore been used for the Prom, we believe that this years Prom will come up to, if not surpass, the standard set by previous Junior Promenadesf' For the first time it is believed, in the history of the Prom in the Tomah High School, a vote has been taken on whether or not to abolish dancing from the program. The anti-dancing movement was defeated 36 to 12. ' Surviving this danger it is certain that when this Annual comes out, the Prom will have been the success it always is. No struggle was made this fall for the class football championship, which, of course the Juniors would have won, hands down. But they did walk off with the class championship basketball honors. Doubtless the baseball championship is likewise ours. This year will witness a new economy plan carried forth in con- nection with the Prom. Definite limits have been set for us as to the expense to be incurred. Until we complete our history in a Who's Who of our own, our history remains partially yours f the class of '16. HGINH