Versailles High School - Portal Yearbook (Versailles, OH)

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Foreword With Graduation Day rapidly approaching we rea'ize we haven’t accomplished much in this, “Book of Life,” but have written only a small, but vital, first chapter. As in the structure of a book each chapter is built upon the previous one, so the future will depend upon the foundation we have 'aid in cur youth. But what comprises this foundation? What makes up this backlog of experience and education? To be sure, we learn much from books, but this is not the only requirement of education. A great pari of a good education involves a thorough understanding of people. In this first chapter entiled, “Youth”, many people play important roles in the development of our understanding, personality, and character. These people are our parents, teachers, ministers, neighbors, and friends. Evei-ytime we come in contact with them our foundation is either strengthened or weakened. We are either given a boost or pushed back. Intermingled with the building of a firm foundation are the many pleasant memories of school days. Carefree days full of laughter and new experiences. These are the good times we take for granted now. But as these p’easures are taken from us as we grow older we will have a deeper appreciation of these happy times. As the winds of time scatter this graduating class, they will occasionally finger through the pages of their Annual to keep fresh in their minds these pleasant associations of high school. But these good times would not be possible if we did not live in a country governed by the people. Without this type of government we would be as so many slaves working for the few masters who control the government. We are a’l well aware of the sad fact that a great portion of the world today is under that type of government. America provides unlimited opportunities in every field of endeavor for anyone, rich or poor, white or black, who will but prove their mastery of that field. The only requirement to success is to be able to produce. The world pays tribute to success, not excuses. Our ability, determination and capacity for work are the true index of our possibilities in our free America. We are writing the finale to this chapter of “Youth”. We are crossing the threshold into our future, but before we do, we pause a moment to think of those who have helped to make us what we are. We recall the pleasant memories and blessings of our youth. We realize how fortunate we are to live in the “land of the free.” As we take a last glimpse of these gifts of a generous Creator we can only murmur a heartfelt, “Thank God,” and take a confident step into the future hoping, praying, and determined to make this a better world in which to live. ( 2 ) The Editor, Jack Barga.