University of Illinois High School - U and I Yearbook (Urbana, IL)

Page 25 text:

Farewell 1-. How far away seemed the climactic night of Commencement when we, the class of '45, wandered through the halls of University High School as Freshmen four years ago! Four years in the future was infinity. Nevertheless, the evening- the moment-has arrived. VVe must say goodbye. As a class we are meeting for the last time, and we cannot help but feel a certain sadness at the passing of scenes and actions which have comprised our high school days. lt has been an enjoyable time-this fifth-score of years-and we are reluctant to leave it behind. Only the confidence that we shall take with us, to keep forever, a part of our University High School lightens our separation. Friendships we have made, memories of little things-the ringing of a class bell- the favorite seat in the library-familiar things-these will remain. However, high school is not the end, but only one section of the path which leads to the ultimate goal that each of us has set. Therefore, while the separation from our secure and familiar surroundings will be trying, the dominant note of this evening is not sorrow at farewell, but rather the eager expectancy of the unknown something to come. VVe are determined, each one of us, to look ever forward. Many of us will go on to college or university, some will go into the armed forces, and others will turn immediately to civilian work. All of us will be glad of our high school background and will try to employ it to good advantage in the future. Before bidding farewell, we wish to take the opportunity to thank our under- standing advisers and teachers who imparted to us valuable tools of knowledge and comprehension. Their sacrifice and enduring perseverence through our eight semesters of consistant distraction we shall remember gratefully. The inescapable second is here-goodnight, and goodbye. RICHARD SAN1:oRN THOMAS ,, 4'-. f fr Page Tzvmity-one

Page 24 text:

Welcome 1-1 Forty-two Seniors of University High School welcome you to this commence- ment program. We are assembled here to participate in certain formalities which represent the concluding moments of our high school careers. We have all been looking forward to this occasion. At University High School, we have had unusual opportunities to learn those things which our civilization can teach us. In addition, our teachers have made particular efforts to help us understand and work with each other. During this time, many of our school experiences seemed only difficult-frustrating. As we look back, even those experiences are now part of a happy relationship. This mo- ment has significance for us in that many happy associations are being concluded. A more important significance lies in the fact that immediately before each of us, there are rapidly expanding horizons. However, for each of us, as for each of you, life has been, and will continue to be, a succession of expanding horizons. During the first few years of our lives, almost all of our experiences were within a family group. The horizon extended a little beyond the household. Then came a commencement. VVe started to school. There we found new playmates, teachers, the routines, and formalities of school. VVe made new friendsg some enemies. We learned to work and play together. We increased our understanding of others in these smaller groups. ln junior high school, the horizons again seemed suddenly to expand. ln high school, increased freedom has been mingled with new combinations of duties and responsibilities. ln dealing with these successive expansions of our horizons, we have had help and guidance from our parents, teachers, and friends. VVe have not always been aware of the guidance, and on at least some occasions, we have been un- receptive to help. Your participation in our struggles and your assistance in our needs have made you a part of us. As we make these new beginnings, you will go with us. We are grateful for this comradeship. We welcome you this evening. JANET L. ANDERSON. rf' 2,9 Q o -Sa Page Twenty

Page 26 text:

Hatchet Uration s-s Ladies, Gentlemen, Seniors, Friends, and last and least, Juniors: You have assembled tonight to witness the transference of this little implement from the custody of the exalted and distinguished Senior Class to the hands of the un- worthy juniors. The Seniors know that this polished object of wood and steel is a hatchet, symbol of authority, to the Juniors it is merely an axe. What does this beribboned instrument, steeped in tradition, mean to the Seniors? I shall tell you, partly for your information, but mainly for the belated education of the juniors who have existed in ignorance much too long. H stands for humility, for the freedom from pride and arrogance with which we, the Seniors, have lived and ruled our kingdom, University High School. We have brought honor and distinction to its halls. .el stands for the outstanding athletic ability which has been exhibited by our great class. All of the eleven members of this year's illustrious varsity basketball team are Seniors, three of whom were so outstanding, that they played on last year's county championship team. T is for two, the two years that this prominent class has had possession of this hatchet. In the entire history of University High School, we are the only class which has had this object for more than one year. C is for the courage which the Class of 1945 exhibited in procuring this tool just two years ago tonight. H stands for happiness sfor the happy domain in which we Seniors have lived throughout these last four years. Never has there been a moment of sadness or despair in our happy group. E stands for the efficiency that has been exhibited on many an occasion. During the basketball season, our boys worked as one, and as a result we won the county championship. Our Junior prom and our yearbook with its many problems of selling advertising, taking pictures, and compiling material, are examples of how we all worked together with great results. T stands for tact and toil. We labored diligently in the classroom. achieving successes such as no other class has ever done or ever shall do. Now, we come to the shred of a word, axe. Here, A stands for the absurdity with which these adolescent Juniors have tried to undertake impossible tasks, such as the fusf-Us. X stands for all the missing quantities which the Juniors do not possess but envy in others. E stands for total failure and for the extent to which the Juniors try to exaggerate their emotions. VVe Seniors know that E stands for the end of the Junior Class when they try, mind you I said try, to emulate our accomplishments. It is with commiseration, compassion, and condolence for our beloved Senior Hatchet, that, as the chosen representatives of the honored and esteemed Class of 1945, I now present to you this instrument. Here is your axe, my children. Guard it well. May you sometime prove worthy of it and of your predecessors. JAMES G. CARD Page Twentg two