Vergennes Union High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Vergennes, VT)

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BLUE AND WHITE 13 BUSINESS DEPRESSION Probably the most common topic in the country today is the general depression which is widespread, and wlpch is not confined to our country alone, but extends also over practically the whole world. It has been the cause of revolutions and attempted rebellions in many countries on nearly every continent. We Americans, who are accustomed to thinking that our scale of living is the most stable and secure one, are finding that we are not immune to hard times, and that we cannot be entirely independent of the rest of the world. Indeed that is probably one of the most serious problems the United States has to face, the feeling of over-confidence. It has been said by many economical experts that our scale of living is far too high to be maintained, and that our high tariff remedy cannot be carried on ad infinitum, and there is probably a measure of truth in this opinion, but nearer the truth is the fact that our progress is too rapid and that we are too much in advance of other nations. It is for us to remember that a chain is no stronger than its weakest link, and that to be permanent any progress must not be made independently of the rest of the world, but rather in conjunction with the other nations. In this issue of the “Blue and White” we have departed from the precedent of not using advertising solicited from the various merchants and have introduced this to a certain extent. This step has been taken in order to make us financially able to edit a better paper and more issues, and in spite of the doubtful value of advertising in school papers, the local merchants have co-operated with us to a gratifying extent, and we wish to thank them and to ask our readers to patronize our advertisers. ART DEPARTMENT We are continuing the scheme applied last year in using full page linoleum blocks. The cover design was suggested by Robert Harrow; the Alumni page was contributed by Vonda Hallock, ’30. The Literary, Athletic and Grinnery pages were designed and cut by the Art Editor. R. O. Griffin, ’31

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12 YERGENNES HIGH SCHOOL iEiiitorwls THE STUDENT COUNCIL In late years the Student Council in our school has been of little importance. and this is a circumstance which we deeply regret, for we feel that a measure of self-government is one of. the best influences on any body, the student body not excepted. This inactivity was not the fault of the school authorities, but rather that of the Council itself. In other schools this group, or one similar to it. holds regular sessions and passes judgments, some binding and some advisory. But “here there is usually little or no activity at all. The office seems to be regarded in class elections as unimportant. It is for the regularly elected members and the class presidents, who are also members, to follow up the line of activity they have begun by-supervising the mock election, to make their influence felt in the school and to take a hand in the many subjects which are suitable for their consideration. The readers of the Blue and White have no doubt noted several changes in the style of printing, cover design, size, and in other respects. The Editorial Staff instituted these revisions as a result of the Conference at the University of Vermont, and we feel much indebted to the University and to our fellow editors for the helpful information we received there. Editorials have been written on various subjects, ranging from the paper of some political party, which may wax eloquent in the appeal for the modification of such and such a law. to the appeal of the high school student who desires a larger attendance at athletic contests. My appeal, however, comes not from the standpoint of the political party nor from that of the sports enthusiast, but from one who wishes more editorials for the “Blue and White.” There are so many subjects which have not been discussed in the “Blue and White.” and which are of interest to the student body: Dancing at V. H S. Do you think it advisable that there should be high school dances? Perhaps some think that the Freshman initiation is open to controversy. There are many arguments both for and against this custom. Concerning football—Vergennes has had no team for the last two or three years. Is it because of lack of spirit, lack of material, or lack of student support? The range of subjects of interest for editorials is large, and yet this department of our high school paper has fewer contributions and less support than any other. Why should the student body leave the writing of editorials to the staff, when it offers a wonderful opportunity for the students to express their stand on various subjects of school interest? The next issue of the “Blue and White” will follow this one by but a short period of time. Let’s express our feelings and the foundation for them in the coming issue, on subjects interesting to us. Charles Wilson, Jr., '31

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14 YERGENXES HIGH SCHOOL irljnnl Artitritka Mary Bourget. ’33, Editor FRESHMAN RECEPTION Ah! The night of nights! It was Friday, the 12th of September. The Seniors were having the honor of receiving the class of ’34. Due to many sacrifices and hard planning the Freshmen attended in a large number. One by one they were put through their paces. The faculty was received in the same manner. The plans of the seniors were to put the freshies in the best condition for the refreshments. This scheme to rouse the appetite certainly proved a success. Some people say electric shocks are good for nervousness. The seniors thought so too. Our hosts wanted to bring the temperatures of the freshies to normal, and consequently put them through an informal exercise. using a cake of ice or a paddle! We freshies want to thank the seniors for the good time, and “34's” certainly know good punch when they see it. David Ryan, '34 THE PIRATE PARTY. Saturday, September 20. the Red and Black Pirate Party was given the victorious Reds by the defeated Blacks. Under the commendable leadership of Owen Griffin, who, by the way, had only one afternoon to provide for the whole party, everyone celebrated the ■downfall of the Blacks—except the Blacks, who rejoiced in the knowledge that, while they did not win the treasure. they sold more subscriptions than the Reds. Pirate costumes had been requested, and a great deal of variety was seen, some considering bloomers very seaman-like, and others complete to the wide-top boots often used by pirates as a handy place to hide pistols, knives and spare bottles of rum. A momentous event in the party was the entrance of our French teacher, who was the only teacher with courage enough to wear a costume. Only punch and cookies were served, as ye Black Pirates were a hit inclined to be “broke.” They not only lost the treasure on the island, but there was a good talkie in town the night before. Even the clean-up squad had a fine time, as they had, with great presence of mind, put a half gallon of punch in a dark corner to keep up their poor spirits the next day when they picked up the scattered paper cups and peanuts from the relay race. Roger Wendell, ’31 EIGHTS THROW A HALLOWE'EN PARTY. On the memorable night of October 24, 1930 A. D., in the twentieth century, the gym shook to its very foundations from the “goings on” of the class of ’35. The hard pressed chaperons had to answer all kinds of questions and join in all kinds of games. It happens that these chaperons were Mr. Carter, Miss McGovern and Miss Delaney, in order of height. Ah! The party starts! Whoopee! Robert Smith won the apple bobbing contest, but that was because of his natural ability. A very enjoyable game was “Reuben and Rachel.” All hands joined in and had a good time. Games came and games went with a great