Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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22 We all hated to lose Prof. Albert Wedeking, at present an instruct- or in our State University, but were lucky in securing a worthy suc- cessor in Miss Mable Beck. Miss Beck teaches the reviews, and intel- lectual arithmetic. She has won a place in the hearts of her pupils by her willing, painstaking and persistent work. She does not let her politics interfere with her teaching. Miss Beck is a scholar, and a very capable woman. These three instructors constitute a staff that is remarkable not only for its ability to teach mathematics, but to give to our colleges and to mankind young men and women with greater ambitions and with higher aims in life, as Longfellow has written: The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night. WADE E. CRUMP ACKER. BENEFIT OF LATIN IN THE HIGH SCHOOL. ■ SSjMONG the many “don’ts” given to the Freshmen upon their |pl entrance into high school by the other members of the assem- bly is “don’t take Latin!” This wrong opinion of Latin is iSy the one generally held by most of the high school students. Many high school pupils do not take Latin, because their parents advise them not to. Some call Latin a “dead language” and merely a waste of time. This short article, I hope, will change the opinions of some who have not enjoyed Latin. In the high school there are three years of required Latin and the four year is spent, by those who like Latin, in studying Virgil’s “Aeneid,” the monument of early Latin literature. The first year is spent in studying the structure of the language, which enables the stu- dent to more clearly understand the harder selections which come later in the course. In the second year, Caesar’s “Gallic Wars” is read. The constructions and structure of these selections better prepare the student in writing themes and essays in English work. Cicero’s “Ora- tions” are read the third year and these are probably the most enjoy- able to read. The development of science, the truths of Christianity and the mar- vels of invention have made the literature of the ancient Romans more enjoyable. The literary treasures — the works of Cicero, of Horace, of Virgil and of Ovid can be read with the same satisfaction we enjoy when reading the songs of David, or the records of Moses. The know!-

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DEPARTMENTS THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. HE English Department of the high school is the most com- plete and systematic department in the school. Eight terms, or four years’ satisfactory work are required for graduation. The early work in this department is entrusted to Miss Young and Miss Beck. Miss Benney has charge of the work from the fourth to eighth terms. The first four terms are spent largely with prose composition, and when this is finished, the pupils should be able to write a good original production. English V, VI and VII take up the History of English Literature; and English VI 11 is given over to American Literature. Two hook reviews on good hooks are required each term, and one classic is read and studied. A new feature of the English work was begun last year, and now every member of the school must make a public appear- ance in a program given by his class. Much credit is due to the teachers of this department for the work they are doing. The good quality of all the orations which were writ- ten by the Seniors show that their work is not in vain. Too much praise cannot be given to Miss Benney for her splendid work in organizing and drilling the pupils for the programs. This is a very important part of the work, and has possibilities for especial talent which she is most capable of developing. WAYNE A. McDANIEL. MATHEMATICS. UR high school possesses a staff of mathematic teachers that any high school could well be proud of. Supt. Eugene Skinkle at the head of this department, lj teaches all the geometry, including first and second plane and solid, and trigonometry, and analytical geometry. Prof. Skinkle is a polished instructor, a man of many years’ experi- ence. He presents the subject in a manner that is clear and interesting. He understands his pupils well, and has them working enthusiastically. Prof. Skinkle never fails in obtaining good results. Our high school made a “ten strike” when it secured the services of Homer M. Jessee, Principal. Prof, .lessee has charge of the algebra classes, first, second and third elgebra, through ratio and proportion. Mr. Jessee is an ambitious, energetic type of man, being very enthu- siastic. He is forceful and clear, holding the classes’ attention at all times, besides securing a large amount of work from his pupils.

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23 tulge gained from these ancient authors is of great benefit to the modern world. The study of Latin enables one to become a more fluent talker and writer, and it also increases one’s vocabulary to a great extent. Latin also makes the study of modern languages much easier — for Latin is the foundation to the French, Italian, Portugese and Spanish languages. But still you may call Latin a “dead language.” Even if it is dead, Latin still leaves a memory and influence behind it, just as the memory of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln remains in the hearts of the American people. MAURICE ELLIS, ’13. THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT. HE remark is often made, especially by the members of the lower classes in the high school that, “if you want a snap take the scientific course.” A snap is generally considered as something which can be easily mastered, and therefore not beneficial. But it is not so, science is not a snap, as the mean- ing of the word is frequently understood. It requires harder applica- tion and develops the reasoning powers as very few other subjects do, and in doing this it also helps us in our other branches of work. As the scientific department is established in our high school, the first year’s course consists of one term’s work of physical geography and in the second term two periods each day of either Domestic Art or Domestic Science for the girls and Manual Training for the boys. In the second year, Biology is studied. It consists of short studies in Zoology, Physiology and Botany. This study brings us close to nature and has a practical application in everyday life. Chemistry, which consists of three recitation and four laboratory periods a week, is studied in the third year. The laboratory experi- ments are especially interesting. They develop the powers of observa- tion and tend to produce an accuracy on the part of the student. In the fourth year the first principles of Physics are studied. The study of mechanics and electricity, both theoretical and practical, are interest- ing and beneficial. This study does the most to develop the reasoning powers and it will be found to be beneficial whether we continue our studies in one of the higher institutions or step immediately out into the world. The scientific course has flourished this year under the efficient management of Mr. Blue, and I am sure that all the graduates who are finishing the course under him feel that his help and influence will not soon be forgotten. BESSIE BUSHORE.