Wapakoneta High School - Retrospect Yearbook (Wapakoneta, OH)

Page 30 text:

A SPECTATOR: EULOGY. o o o By NETTIE TAYLOR. Glowing with joy and verdant with pride the ninth grade, or what is modernly known as the “Freshman” Class, entered the Wapakoneta High School so full of ambition and hope that they determined never to let anything come between them and their studies. Who in that bright Freshman Class c.nnot remember his first trip to the High School room? How he imagined everyone’s eyes were glued upon him. But alas! his imagination proved only false, for who in that conceited Sophomore Class, or in the haughty Juniors, would stoop to such a level as to glance a second time at an insignificant Freshman. But their pride received its greatest shock at the hands of the nighty Carlyles and less important Emersonians at their first election of officers. He even had anticipated so much that the office of president would indeed seem small. Quaking in his seat, he was rehearsing over in his own mind the speech that he w'ould give when declared before all the High School, nay even before the whole World, the president of either of those high and noble societies. But what names are those I hear? Methinks they belong to a haughty Junior, or noble Senior. Can it be true? Probably they think me absent. I will sit up straight and cough to attract their attention. “Sed Ecce” the ballots are closed and my name is not written therein. What is the meaning of all of this? I am more competent than any Senior or Junior, and still they have escaped me. At last I have fathomed it; they have kept me for Secretary, which is just as important as President, or, in' my estimation, even more so. While these thoughts were occupying my mind a voice thun- dered forth in the midst of it all and called forth the officers each in their suc- cessive order, but briefly hesitating before Treasurer as if to prepare the un- fortunate one for the shock. When I came to, my head w'as lying in a basin, with the cool w'ater gently trickling down my neck and some one rubbing l.ty head as if to reduce it’s size, for indeed I must have given it an awful crack when I fell. Such indeed was a Freshman’s own opinion of himself, which in some unaccountable manner, was greatly changed on promotion day.

Page 29 text:

(Photo by Helpling.) THE HEU ME HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING. One of the most prominent features of this year's school work was the completion and occupation of our new “Blume High School ' building. On April 23, 1907, the enterprising citizens of Wapakoneta voted on the issue of bonds for the new building which was needed very greatly. The citizens up- held their past record of being progressive, far-sighted and loyal by passing the question by a comfortable majority. Considerable delay was caused after the voting, by a lack of a good situation. The desirable locations were so high priced that it would have deducted nearly one-fourth of the bonds to pay for it, while the board hesitated in placing it in a location they should afterward regret. In this delemna, Mr. L. N. Blume, the well known supporter of all good and progressive propositions, stepped forward and most generously bestowed the present site on Blackhoof street to the school. In honor of his gift the board of education unanimously decided to call the building the ‘‘Blume High School.” Soon after securing this site work was begun and, with several un- avoidable delays, was rapidly continued until April 27, 08, when the high school students proudly took possession of their new apartments—the gift of L. N. Blume and the loyal and conscientious citizens of Wapakoneta. The building is modern in every respect, no expense being saved to make it most convenient and safe. On the upper floor there is the auditorium to be used for all exercises, programs, etc., of the school. There are a number of recitation rooms all well equiped also. The second floor contains the assembly room, recitation rooms, super- intendent’s office, laboratories, etc. The basement holds the gymnasium, heating system, etc. There are the modern improvements also—fan heating system, electric lights, inter-class telephones, etc. The students feel very grateful to the citizens for their gift and sincere- ly hope that, attracted by the elegant new building, many students will be encouraged to continue their education through high school and thus eventu- ally make the Wapakoneta high school the best in the state of Ohio.

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The Sophomores, who are really the most studious class in the whole High School, are now looming into sight, and are known all over the school for their considerations and kind attentions to the Freshmen. They could not be otherwise, for just one year ago they were Freshmen themselves and knew all the persecutions and thrusts they experienced. The Freshmen, who may be called an abbreviation of the Sophomores, can learn a lesson from them, for if possible they are really more studious this year than they were last and pour over their geometry just as if they really enjoyed it. They are not quite so bashful as last year either, for they even dare to smile at a school- mate in going from morning exercises, and perchance they come across a word that is too much for their gray matter, they muster up enough courage to even walk -to the dictionary, and having gained the information desired, walk straight back to their seats, not venturing a glance either on the right or on the left. Indeed one has to stop and think whether he is at some military academy, or viewing a soldiers parade, for the stride of that ambitious Sopho- more is so straight and firm that we can almost hear the order (Forward! March!) from headquarters. Thus the poor Sophomores are compelled to study so hard that they soon sink into insignificance and are not heard of any more until the fateful day of promotion.