Townsend Harris High School - Crimson Gold Yearbook (Flushing, NY)

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CRIMSON AND GOLD and Without difficulty. The student had a chance to compose himself and sensibly decide upon the candidates of his choice. The question of thrift was also con- sidered this term. This resulted in the in- auguration of a school bank system. Mr. Schaaf was delegated to institute a suit- able system of pecuniary saving. Al- though this innovation came on like a flash, the true spirit of the affair was soon inspired in every student. ln each section meeting at the bank- ing hour, a student cashier was appointed to collect the deposits of the students. This term, Tuesday, first hour, has been chosen as the official banking time. After the deposits have been made and re- corded, they are submitted to the student directors of the bank who make their assigned rounds. So well was this plan received by the student body that four hundred dollars was realized the very first day. Time and again Harrisites have been advised of the benefits of money when used properly. Thrift is the keynote of success through- out one's life. By creating the habit of saving in high school, the student will continue in later life to build up the back bone of his career. A most beneficial discussion on thrift was delivered by Mr. john W. Stout, an active representative of the Educational Thrift Society and a very experienced man, at one of our assemblies. This brings us to the fourth phase of Harris' activity this term. Introduced last term, the assemblies have been the most profitable element of Harris enterprise. At our gatherings, a remarkable school spirit prevails, Stud- ents unite in a friendly body to pro- mote spirit and to advance culture in music and literature. Learning the school song has been one of the main pastimes at these assemblies. Led by Dr. Richter and accompanied by a trio composed of students, the student body has finally acquired a knowledge of this song, the music of which has been composed by Mr. Gill, and the words by Louis Volansky. Another feature of the assemblies has been the presentation of music selections. This has promoted the musical apprecia- tion of the students and given many the opportunity to display their talent. Student participation was greatly advo- cated by the supervisor of these assem- blies, Mr. james E. Flynn. Occasionally he arranged for a student chairman to take complete charge of the meeting. The Law and Debating Society offered a mock trial to further this project. Perhaps the principal purpose of this enterprise is to accustom the student body to appear in public and make a lasting impression as a body on any outsider who should be present. At first, there was some difficulty in establishing uncom- pelled discipline at the lower school as- semblies. However, before long, this was remedied, displaying the advantages of these gatherings. The last of these events is one that has appealed to the entire student body. As soon as the G. O. Council started to function this term, a plan advocated by the Stadium was acted upon, namely, the Interclass Swimming Tournament. Competition, in a friendly way, ex- ists primarily among the various classes. With the aid of Mr. Heynich, the tourna- ment was run off as successfully as might be expected. Never before have Harrisites shown such enthusiasm, such ardor for school activity. This was well attended and entered by many of our champion swim- mers. The accomplishment of this is a tribute to the G. O. Council. Although they are not as important as the aforementioned, other events of in- terest have occurred. Our ofiice also has issued some reforms of a very cred- Pagt' Sz'.i'fy-fI11'c'e

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CRIMSON AND GOLD RESUME HE past term has been one of such success, of so many inno- vations, of such school spirit, I that it may be truly considered the most auspicious semester for i many years. At least five enter- prises stand out above the others for their originality, success, and intrinsic value. For this reason, the Crimrmz and Gold of jwze, 1928, has deemed it ap- propriate to present a resume such as this of the foremost events of the term. J. x I .4 More momentous than the rest is the plan advocated by last term's Stadium providing for a combination of the G. O. ticket and a full subscription to the Stadium at the price of one dollar to be paid either at once or in installments. The Faculty efficiently improved upon this by bringing about a one hundred per cent sale. Never before has any- thing of this type been accomplished. The credit for the fulfillment of this deed is entirely due to our Faculty, above all Messrs. Troy and Flynn who have successfully supervised the sales. With- out the least hesitation, the gratitude of the entire student body should be granted these protectors of our welfare. This enactment has a most beneficial significance. In the first place, every student of Harris considers himself a supporter of all Varsity activity and a participator in school affairs. He is a member of that great government ma- chine, the General Organization. Every club, every squad, every team is open to him and extends its welcome. No longer must clubs and teams ascertain whether the applicant for membership belongs to the G. O. On the contrary, everyone is welcome to join. Furthermore, every student is in- formed weekly of the outstanding events of his Alma Mater. The Stadium, one Page Sixty-ftt'0 of the chief organs of Harris, no longer need fear unsuccessful sales, for, every week, there is a one hundred per cent circulation. What is more, if either the G. O. or the Stadium should declare a loss, the more fortunate organization will remedy this. Their financial interests are now joined into one. Another improvement effected by this act is the intensified manner of circulat- ing the Stadium. Formerly, two students, excused from their classes, would occupy at least five minutes in each section, en- deavoring, sometimes laboriously, to sell the school publication. Not only did this disturb the order of the class, but it also necessitated that over twenty-five students be excused from class for the sales. Now a very simple but effective method is em- ployed. At the beginning of each hour, Stadium agents, one on each floor, leave with each instructor enough Stadiums for his class. The latter may distribute them at his own convenience. A direct result of this, the second in- novation is not to be left unnoticed. ln- asmuch as every student is a member of the G. O., there has been no necessity for recognition cards. Moreoyer, by virtue of this, the entire student body has the right to vote. This led to a total num- ber of voters thrice the size of former terms. A large contrast to the three or four hundred votes of the past, eleven hundred and one votes were cast. It is hoped that the same will be possible in future terms. The outstanding advantage of this is apparent in that the officers elected are representatives of the entire student body. From Freshman to Senior, every student displays a personal concern in the results of the elections. Ballots were distributed in the class rooms. Thus voting was done speedily

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CRIMSON AND GOLD itable nature. One of these affects per- sonally, the curriculum of every Harrisite. Despite the opposition of the student body, Dr. Canfield suggested a plan con- cerning our system of registration. Con- sidering the many difhculties encountered by the students in making up their own programs ,especially in regard to closed sections, it was thought suitable to origin- ate a method whereby the office would make out the programs. Such a system would bring about many reforms. In the first place, all sections would be practically the same size. More diagon-als could be installed. Lastly, the laborious registration day will be entirely eliminated. As an amendment to this plan, Dr. Bell quieted opposition by suggesting the possibility of allowing a student to file his preferences in the office. These will be recognized if the excuse is plausible. Another office reform is that in regard to summer school fees. To the delight of many Harrisites, summer school courses will be free of charge. This is quite a change considering the former charge or twelve dollars and fifty cents for each course. To further musical ability in Harris, a Glee Club has been formed. For many years, Harris has been without such an organization which is a part of every high school. Not until last term was any- thing done for the foundation of such a factor. Dr. Richter, the organizer of the club, was chosen leader. However, Dr. Richter gave the per- sonal supervision of the singing to Mr. Rich of City College. Aided by a large membership and the cooperation of these two men, the Glee Club has successfully fared throughout the term and is still functioning very well. These and many others are the out- standing events of this, the Spring term of 1928. For those who are graduating, let this be a reminder of a milestone of their Harris career. For those who are remaining in Harris, let this be a monu- ment to the inauguration of many pro- jects. Compare future terms with this and mark if theyare anymore momentous. Qyme e JJ, T. 2.-w i f7i4,QFf55,..i, . 1 .um Q 5' H E .1iil.'Ulll1l1-3:.i - Fl. l ai' ' H .5 it il' ultQiN!'al'12l'M.Tffl 3 ugxffgikgfl . fs T ...g at-Jae-J-4-sq. fltlflt' .Nil-.l'fj'-TOII7'