Torrance High School - Torch Yearbook (Torrance, CA)

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THE TORCH, NINETEEN THIRTY-TWO 'Mrr2rr!++2++I-'I'tieittietleieielfIeieZeI+-I+Z+!+!rIrXfffft!eIr!e5ttZreZe!eEetitritieieleIeinIrie-Inie!r!rZeI+!+!eIe!eZ+Ie!m!eZeEeittietie-Z' History Department The History department finds itself busy with large classes, full outlines, and interesting work. Earnest students realize that history is not only a cultural subject that will assist them in their understanding of literature, music, and present day problems, but that, rightly studied, history will help them in their own life problems. History repeats itself, and the problems of individuals and nations are much alike. Therefore lessons may be learned from the mistakes, the accomplish - ments and the triumphs of past people and peoples of history. Instructors, Miss Mabee, Miss E. Jones, Mrs. Young. Home Economics Department The Home Economics department offers courses in clothing, food, nutrition, and home management, the aim being to train the pupil in the art of home making. There are about one hundred and fifty pupils enrolled in the department. A weekly display of garments made in the clothing department, besides many unusual exhibits, has been arranged by a student committee from the clothing de- partment. The committee for the first semester consisted of Olga Jaunsem, Katherine McNeil, Isabelle Burdick, for the second semester, Pal Marie Henry, Ethel Ward, and Alice Gall. To those earning scholarship in the nutrition class is given the Red Cross Nutrition Certificate. This year twelve certificates were given. The instructors are Miss Willson and Miss Coller. Language Department Latin Ad astra per aspera, to the stars through difiiculitiesj' might be written as a brief and complete story of Latin in Torrance High. And we do not claim to have reached the stars even now, though our aims and hopes are high. The study of Latin was begun seven vears ago as a sort of extra-curricular activity for three ambitious students during the noon period. From that small beginning a department has grown, more and more joined the ranks, enlisted even in Caesar's legions, and fought his wars. Now there are three or four classes every semester, averaging from fifteen to twenty students. Very few plan to take more than two years of the subject. The aim is to give as wide an acquaintance as time permits with the language, customs, daily life, background, and history of Rome, a Working knowledge of derivatives and a greater understanding of English grammer and language. Teacher, Mrs.Morse. Spanish The direct method that was started two years ago as an experiment is now adopted throughout the school system. No book is needed. The method is entirely conversational. The results have been seen in increased vocabularies and greater facil- ity in the use of the language. The teachers are: Mrs. Boynton and Mr. Wright. Page Seventeen

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TORRANCE HIGH SCHOOL indicates games, one could say recreation occupies the larger percent of the program- which is very essential in the high school routine. Torrance is fortunate in having a large and well ventilated gym with adequate facilities, all the modern equipment is on hand including apparatus, balcony bleachers, equipment and apparatus rooms, basketball courts, handball courts, and volleyball courts. The out-door facilities are equally as appropiate. This includes a marvelous playing field surrounded by a Well graded track and having high-jumping, broad- jumping, and pole-vaulting pits within its outer border. There are also out-door handball, basketball and volleyball courts. Torrance High has been often congratulated upon its excellent phvsical education and athletic equipment, facil- ities, and environment. Business Department Whether it is because of that much repeated word, depression, or because of something else, the business subjects were very popular this last term. Be that as it may, more students were taking a business course this last semester than ever before. The heads of each department are: Business Training, Miss M. Jones, Typing, Miss Vaubel and Miss Weaver, Bookeeping, Miss Weaver, Shorthand, Miss jones and Miss Weaver, Comptometer, Monroe, and Bookkeeping machine, Miss Weaver, Business English, Miss Mills, Stu- dent Store, Miss Jones, Business Office, Miss Weaver. Not only are there positions open for girls, but many oflices call for boys who have had business training. No matter if one is going to college or to work, a knowledge of some business methods is essential to making a living. English Department The students of the English Department in Torrance High School this year have been engaged in four activities. 1. Manipulating the rules of grammar and composition to improve their style of speaking and writing. 2. Venturing timidly into the realms of new words to enlarge their vo- Cabularies. 3. Adventuring joyfully with the delightful characters of fiction to increase their understanding of life. 4. Evidencing joy in pioneering undauntedly into the elective course of Senior English to appreciate more deeply their great heritage of English literature. The instructors are: Miss Mills, Miss Burnham, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Engel and Mrs. Morse. Girls' Physical Education Through physical training the Girls' Physical Education department aims to develop a sound nervous system, to give social development, character training, and a desire for health. Miss Klein and Mrs. Morse are the instructors. Page Sixteen

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TORRAN CE H IGH SCHOOL f5+eI+Ief!1+!v!fi++I++ifeI ! Z Z' fieierieEe!H2 Z++Z+!e!+I++Z++2++I+E+-IrieZeeleeielvirieeifele'ie'iedflvivleieleie2eIf+Ze'v'e'+'mIe2e2fe3f4+4fr'ert Torrance High School Library Lord Macaulay has said, I would rather be a poor man in a garret with plenty of books than a king who did not love reading . Those students who have formed the library habit during their high school years have gained a treasure which can never be taken from them. Our library contains a well rounded collection of over four thousand books. We subscribe for fifty magazines, many of which are later bound for the reference shelves. Library instruction is given to all students, so that they may learn to use books and other reference aids intelligently. A vocational course in library science is given for credit. This course is valu- able not only for those who think they would like to be librarians, but also for any one who is preparing for college. The following students have taken the course this year: Bertha Hinman, Dorothy Gramling, Catherine Mitchell, Vivian Carroll and Ruth Granger. The library is also grateful to those who have worked in the library without receiving credit. Several girls have stayed voluntarily after school because they wanted to help. Mathematics Department The Mathematics department offers a year of advanced algebra beyond the first year. It likewise gives plain geometry, and for advanced students a half year each of solid geometry and trigonometry. For those students not caring to take the regular two years of algebra cr geometry a year's course in general mathematics is given. A year of mechanical drawing may count towards a mathematics major. Instructors: Miss Mabee, Mrs. Granger, Mr. Waddingham, Miss Millerd. Music Department This year Torrance has a very successful mixed chorus singing a cappella fwithout accompanimentj and perpetuating the name Madrigal Singers . The orchestra, though small, has been devoted to the highest ideals of ensemble playing. General music in junior high school has included sight reading and theory, the study of great musicians and their music, and also of the music of nations. Other music opportunities include glee clubs for junior high students and a course in music appreciation for students of tenth grade or above. Wood Shop Enrollment in high school wood shop classes has been larger than any pre- vious year. This course has probably been affected by the depression more than any other because students have to buy all the lumber they use. However, some very outstanding furniture projects have been worked out by students. Page Eighteen