Utica Free Academy - Academician Yearbook (Utica, NY)

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The 1949 Academician symbolizes our four year journey through the Utica Free Academy. Now the long voyage is over and debarkation awaits us. We step to the land-the nebulous future. For many of us it is the termination of our education, for others it is a stepping stone to college, graduate study, or pro- fessional training. The adult world seems a bit frightening, it beckons, yet repels. We are hesitant about leaving our ship where we have been protected and happy. Now we must cope with reality. No one like our teachers in high school will stand beside us to advise and guide us. Individual decisions must be made, but their influence will spread beyond a sphere to become part of our country and even of the whole world. In one sense, we, the graduates of the Class of 1949, are pioneers as were the prospectors one hundred years ago. They sought material wealth, gold, whereas we seek mental and spiritual goods, scientific discoveries for the cure of cancer, infantile paralysis, protection from the atom bomb. May we succeed in our de- sires as did the 49ersl Graduation day is also one of remeniscence. We approach a pinnacle and look back with regret and ahead with eagerness. We shall recall our triumphs as fresh- men. We found our way with difiiculty about the building and were confused by the Academy's individual system of numbering rooms, we struggled to get the many cards signed. We remember not only the hard work we encountered but also the fun that went along with it. Those geometry problems took hours to

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IIYI-USE understand but then it was hard to stop doing themg the chemistry laboratory seemed nothing but racks of bottles and glassware but it was intriguing to be able to explain a chemical reactiong the English themes were certainly tough but we learned the power of expression. We shall never forget the football games- getting hoarse from cheering the team ong the class elections-bright campaign posters decorating the corridorsg meeting deadlines for the yearbook-the frantic rush for special assignments and photographers snapping picturesg the dedication of the new gymnasium-after many years of planning and building. Although we regret that the gymnasium was available to us seniors for one term, its dedication will ever remain vivid and impressive in our memories. For the first time in more than thirty years the entire student body of Utica Free Academy was gathered together under one roof. The stirring music of the band, the A Cappella Choir standing beneath the rippling folds of Old Glory, the poignant rendition of America the Beautiful are indelibly stamped on our minds. This is not only a building for participation of sports but an institution dedicated to the development of good sportsmanship and fair play. Now we are entering the harbor, soon to debark and begin another voyage, adult participation in this great universe. We are humbly grateful to teachers and advisors who have anticipated our needs and assisted us in preparing for this great task which lies before us. We shall encounter many trials and tribulations in our quest for success and happiness. May each and every senior find lasting satisfaction and contentment on this next voyage!