Wapakoneta High School - Retrospect Yearbook (Wapakoneta, OH)

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THE RETROSPECT - Robert Runkle The members of the Senior Class of '24 deeply regret the serious illness which prevented Robert Runkle, a member of our class, from graduating. Bob has always maintained a high scholastic record and he was prominent in all athletic and social activities. He was popular among all the students and his cheerful disposition makes hint a general favorite and a pleasant companion. Here’s to Bob Runkle. We recommend him to the class of ’25 as a rare acquisition. President...... Vice President Horace Fenton Robert Slusher Secretary Treasurer Elizabeth Whiteman .... Marian Fischer Ui SERVICE”. CLASS COLORS Green and White CLASS FLOWER Lily-of-thc-Valley

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- THE RETROSPECT In Memoriam BERNARDINE TOBIAS “For the one face I looked for was not there, The one low voice was mute; Only an unseen presence filled the air. And baffled my pursuit.” “He gazed at the flowers with tearful eyes, He kissed their drooping leaves; It was for the Lord of Paradise He bound them in His sheaves.” WILDA BEERY m

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 --------------—------------------—---------------- THE RETROSPECT ----------- Class History It was on one of those beautiful spring days late in the month of May when the story begins. The setting sun was throwing its crimson rays among the clouds in the dark blue sky and the ermpfires were beginning to glow in a little Indian camp not far from the rippling waters of the Auglaize. All was hustle and bustle in the camp for the youngest son of Chief Waughpaugh was returning home on this day. He was expected to arrive at any moment. Suddenly a rustle was heard like the sound of cracking twigs and a youth appeared among the nearby bushes. He was tall, slender, and handsome, embodying all the grace and beauty for which his Indian forefathers were noted. With stately step he approached his father who, surrounded by the wise men of the tribe, was seated upon a little knoll in the center of the village. After the first greeting (for Chief Waughpaugh had not seen his son for one long year) the youth seated himself at his father’s feet and all became still. Only the 'distant hooting of Bthe owl and the splashing of the waters as they washed upon the rocky shore broke the ; long, dead stillness that followed. Finally, the Indian Chief arose from his seat and. standing erect, like a mighty oak towering above its companions in the forest, he addressed the tribe and then turned to his son with these words: “Well, my son what have you seen and accomplished in this long year that you have been away from us?” “O, kind and generous father”, replied the youth, “I have had untold experience in my new and strange adventures. Many things were shown to me in a new light and the problems of all became my problems; but, dear father, I have much to learn and to accomplish: more knowledge to seek and greater difficulties to surmount before 1 can take my position in life. I beg of thee to allow me to return to that wonderful place where opportunities await me.” After the lad had spoken, his father, again stretching forth his arm, asked of his wise men; “Shall we permit him to return into the forests to brave the hardships and treacherous beasts which may spring upon him at any time and destroy him?” After a long, deep silence the wise men spoke in one voice: “Let him go.” Again the youth returned; then for three more years battled against the difficulties and overcame them. Many were the trials and temptations that were his; many were the dangers and the wild beasts that confronted him on every side. Ilut at the end, he sought his home bringing with him the results of those long years of toil. It so happened that it was on the day of the year in which we have the same Indian camp and scene that we saw three years ago. The lad was larger and stronger now; his mrscles were hard and tense; his whole person made a beautiful picture in the evening twilight, for he was growing into manhood. This time all of the people were gathered around the fires eagerly waiting to hear him speak. Chief Waughpaugh finally broke the silence: ‘“My son, you have been gone three long and weary years. Weary ones they have been for us who here awaited your return. Often have we thought of you during this time and now we wish to hear you speak to us again.” The young man arose to his full height and with a deep, soft voice he spoke: ‘‘O father and wise men of my tribe, I may never be able to repay you for what you have done for me.These years have been hard yet pleasant ones. Untold experience and knowledge have been mine. Whether I have profited by these or not remains to be seen when I go upon that great Journey of Life. I have made many new friends.