Vermilion School of Agriculture - Yearbook (Vermilion, Alberta Canada)

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Kathleen Young Ramon Filipkowski Beth Henderson KATHLEEN YOUNG Lloydminster: Short and sweet and full of fun, Liked? you bet, by every one. Basketball and social too, She ' s right there to see us through. Ambition: To be a nurse. Then watch the boys get sick. Favorite Saying: I can’t miss a free night. RAMON FILIPKOWSKI Vermilion: This dark and handsome young man claims Vermilion as his home town for the time being, but we prophesy that he will move on soon, having a strong gypsy complex. Ramon is full of bright ideas, sometimes practical, and this gives him a good line. A good student, and vigorous basketball player, his violin selections will long be remembered by his friends at the V.S.A. Ramon will be heard from. BETH HENDERSON Mannville: Few have contributed more this year for the benefit of the students than Beth. Having already three years teaching experience, she has obtained a steady first class in all her work and, at the same time, has been the main prop of the orchestra and a regular ac¬ companist at the chapel service and Glee Club. We are all proud to have known you, Beth, and value your friendship. Mathew C. Brimacombe Anna Marie Pokraka J. Stewart Brimacombe MATTHEW C. BRIMACOMBE Vermilion: Matt has punned his way about Vermilion since 1913. Grad¬ uating from the Edmonton Normal School, he succumbed to the manifold attractions of the V.S.A., and the sight of Matt and his Jessie walking up and down the paths and sometimes into the snow drifts, has been an inspiration to us all. His favorite tree is the Hazel, and his famous huddlebuggy has been a welcome re¬ sort, sometimes for two, sometimes a crowd. A musician of parts, Matt has made himself a popular member of our lively two-in-ones. ANNA MARIE POKRAKA Holden: Anna is a capable waitress and at the same time she has managed to keep a good class standing. With a leaning towards farm life, she will be a real home maker. We can picture Anna in her gingham dress feeding the chickens, and nursing the young lambs, on her own place. Good luck, Anna Marie! J. STEWART BRIMACOMBE Vermilion: Stew is a laddie with a keen sense of humour, and an unselfish enthusiasm for every worth while project at the V.S.A. No lover of the spotlight, his loyal support of the orchestra, at dances and chapel, his dramatic and debating talents, his basketball and gym. work, his conduct as President of the Versatile Club and Editor-in-chief of this Year Book, indicate the tremendous con¬ tribution he has made for our general welfare. At the same time he is always at or near the head of the class. Whether Stew continues teaching or not, our very best wishes go with him, and we count it a privilege to have his friendship. ( Page fifteen ]

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Bernice Brewer Tom Boyer Ethel Sloan C. Henry Anderson Mary Kinasewich W. Graham McFarlane BERNICE BREW ER Elmworth : Born in 1913 in Lethbridge and began her travels at an early age, moving to Bon City, thence to Elmworth. Received most of her education at Grande Prairie where she finally finished her Grade XII, and is now absorbing a two-in-one course at the V.S.A. Bernice is a good athlete, taking part in all sports and being the winner of the high jump at the annual Field Day. Her chief ambition is to become a nurse and we know that she will make a good one. Good luck, Bernice! TOM BOXER Vermilion: Tom is like one of these old fashioned extreme bacon types, always poking around, and always ready to eat. That he has done this to some purpose is indicated by the fact that he is head and shoulders above us all. From this lofty aspect, he good-naturedly surveys his world, and finds that some of these little dears are rather sweet. Like his friend, Matt, he is a wise-cracker, though some of his jibes are maybe over our heads. Tom’s future is un¬ certain, but we know it will be bright—his work as convener of the Social Committee shows that. ETHEL SLOAN Mannville: This dark-eyed beauty is troubled with a conscience. When not looking after Eddie, she is busy keeping up with Beth or chaperon¬ ing her. A real Irish colleen with that fascinating touch of brogue and a smoky eye, her work has been outstanding, and her friend¬ ship worth gaining. C. HENRY ANDERSON Fairview: ' ‘Hank brought his little brother down to the V.S.A. to further his agricultural education and stayed with him right through the the measels. These two are a real pair of brothers, and have teamed up on many a jolly occasion to entertain the gang. Hank has a way with animals, and is no slouch with a hockey stick or baseball bat. In his modest way, Hank has caused a flutter in more than one feminine heart, though it is hard to say just where his own interests lie. MARY KINASEWICH Smoky Lake: Mary smashed her first milk bottle in Northern Valley, Alberta, later moving to Smoky Lake where she received her education. Mary is one of our ablest basketball players and she takes an active part in all sports. Ambition: To be a singer. Weakness: A certain First Year. Saying: Hey! How do you like this?” W. GRAHAM McFA RLAN E Gra nde Prairie : W. Graham McFarlane started the ball rolling at Buffalo Lakes, near Sexsmith, one bleak February morn in 1913. After capti¬ vating the feminine population of Grande Prairie and Sexsmith he decided to try Vermilion. Here we enjoy his sincere and hearty friendship. He is popular with staff and students alike, and though quiet, he is always welcomed as one of the crowd. Ambition: To see the world. Weakness: Someone in Edmonton or Grande Prairie. Favorite Saying: Sh. . . ! The staff’s looking. [ Page fourteen ]

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Mrs. Esswein Leslie Geake MRS. ESSWEIN This friend of ours came to V.S.A. from the wilds of the far away Peace. There she and her husband live ten miles from their nearest neighbor and thirty miles from the nearest post office. Thus the life they lead is very different from ours. In this far away district Mrs. Esswein’s cheery disposition, absolute unselfishness and willingness to help others has made her a host of friends. Nor are her friends confined to her district alone, for Mrs. Esswein has been both a popular and influential member of our two-in-one class. She left a month before the end of term to fly home by air, an enthusiastic “booster” for the V.S.A. In her we feel a real link with the north country. LESLIE GEAKE Riverton: Every year sees the arrival of one or two outstanding individuals at our school; these young men or women contribute something out of their personalities to the well-being of their fellow students. The V.S.A. owes much to such as Leslie Geake, and though un¬ able to point proudly to him as one of their illustrious graduates, owing to his leaving to accept a teaching appointment before the end of the session, regard him with affectionate regard as an ex¬ student, who will always prove to be a credit to himself and his Alma Mater. Burton: “I ' ve worked out this question six times.” Mr. Malaher: That’s fine.” Burton: “And here are my six answers.” Herbert: “I asked her if I could see her home.” Gordon: What happened?” Herbert: She said she would send me a picture of it.” Student: “Hello, Percy! What’s this you are making? Percy: “Cottage Pie. Same Student (after supper): “I guess you were right, Percy, I found the foundation stone.” [ Page sixteen] The V.S.A. Alumni Association A S YOU review, in this book, the memorable days you spent at the V.S.A. we hope you will pause for a moment to think of The Alumni Association which continues where the Year Book ends. In making this small contribution to the Year Book we realize the ex¬ cellent opportunity afforded to review the past history of this organization,- to outline its aims and objects, and to extend a sincere and hearty invitation to all students to join with us. In 1915 the foundations for the present association were laid by the first graduating class whose members drafted the con stitution and set out its aims and objects. That the constitution and the aims of the association should remain practically the same throughout the past twenty years is a splendid tribute to the spirit and the earnestness with which the first group carried on their work. It was the hope of that early organization to unite all students and ex¬ students for social purposes,- to promote annual reunions,- to keep ex-students in touch with activities of the Agricultural School,- to advance the cause of Agricultural education, and the development of rural home life within the province, and to urge the graduates to continue the study of Agriculture along the lines laid down at the school. In many ways their hopes have been realized. Today we find our ex¬ students in all walks of life. Some are making their contribution as practical farmers and taking an active part in community life, others as professional agriculturalists are doing their part in research and extension work. Today, our hopes, our aims and objects with certain modifications are the same as in 1915. It is true that agriculture has advanced rapidly in the past twenty years. We may not face some of the problems that confronted the students twenty years ago—new ones may have taken their place— but it is still our duty to solve them. We are planning to carry on our work with the Radio,- to consider seed distribution and seed fair activities,- to continue to distribute fruit and other tree cuttings, and to organize an annual reunion. A Summer Reunion will probably be dispensed with, for the coming season, if our plans for a birth¬ day celebration next November are successful. In November, 1934, the Olds School of Agriculture held its coming of age celebration and reunion. With the approval of the Department of Agriculture, the assistance of the Vermilion School staff, and the co¬ operation of the Alumni Association, it is hoped that a similar celebration can be arranged for Vermilion. The actual date for this gathering will be set later. However, plans are being laid and arrangements made for the occasion. The Alumni Association performs a very real service in keeping alive the spirit of enthusiasm for the V.S.A. and its work. It can be of greater assistance to the school if its members encourage new students to attend. Remember, this is YOUR organization. Its success will depend upon your cooperation, and your efforts to give material assistance. Membership fees are necessary for the association to carry on its work. We are looking forward with pleasure to have you join with us in building up the Alumni. PETER WYLLIE, President.