Washington Lee High School - Blue and Gray Yearbook (Arlington, VA)

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.'nffef1,io.M-QM Ciifllgend ag jamamaw' ' The Senior Class of 1946 is the first peacetime graduating group at 'XVashington-Lee in 4 years. The greatest and most terrible war in the history of the world has endedl America has lost many of her finest sons in the great struggle, many of them high school youths and high school graduates who had gone forth at the beckoning of their nation. All high schools suffered losses of their students, and Vlfashington-Lee joined the nation in con- tributing her sons to the common defense of her country. These years are over! VVe may hope that never again will the youth and schools of the nation be called on to make such sacrifices. It is up to the new generation to see that those who gave their lives and endured suffering may be rewarded, and that their families and loved ones will never face the trials and conditions which they underwent. Those of us who are going on to college and higher education, as well as those who will enter the War-weary World as men and women, are the new generation. The seniors of today are the citizens of tomorrowl As citizens, we will enjoy many privileges and exercise many rights.. VVe will select the future statesmen, leaders, and workers of tomorrow. VVC will shape policies and plans of na- tions, invent machines and devices for the comfort and advancement of scientific leisure, produce writers and intellectuals, and train doctors and dispensers of medicinal skill. To make a brighter, more luminous world of tomorrow, we must be prepared to undertake these tasks. Our training and attitude toward the principles of peace and its advancement began in our school and met their greatest test in this, our senior year. Seniors have been the leaders and pace setters of the high school. To them has been given much responsibility and on them has depended the future success of the school itself. They have created pride and love for the school and set good examples which underclassmen may follow in years to come. By practicing these principles in daily life, we have prepared for our later lives as useful and democratic American citizens. VVe have been trained in classes to be more useful citizens. VVe were encouraged by the courses in our curriculum to obtain a well-balanced knowledge of many Helds of work and study. Qur future chemists, physicists, artists, writers, diplomats, and other workers all have gained a sample of their future work in seemingly unimportant, but vitally essential, high school classes, for careers are often born after sampling subjects concerning a Held or profession. The senior class of today, however, not only received invaluable training in studies in the cur- riculum, but also has had normal contacts with fellow students and actual participation in activities and events typical of those we shall meet in later life. As seniors we have been able to participate in many decisions and to select many students as our leaders not only in politics, but also in society, scholastfc honor, and other fields of merit. We have sometimes seen political machines of overly ambitious students and could at any time dictate favor to the individual student who worked, or ill-will to the student who neglected his duties. Many social habits were learned, and good speech, good manners, and well grooming were en- couraged and practiced. Here we have learned that honesty plays a major part in the development of young men and women, and diligence and truthfulness add their touch to the creation of the youth. Fair play and the desire for something more than obscurity among fellow students developed, and the initiative which has played such a dominant part in our history and the spirit of competition, the basis and foundation of the American character, both became outstanding traits. Courage and aid to our fellow students, loyalty and strong bonds of friendship were born, and justice andy generosity predominated. This is what has been instilled in and has begun to control the senior of today. God in his wise vision and sacred movements has created in the American mind the will and strength to carry out his policies of justice and punishmentl E The youth of America does not perish in famines, or die from blows of the tyrants, or suffer in want, he is allowed privileges and blessings unheard of in the most civilized of countries. How fortunate is he who has been granted these thingsl 6118?

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YVhat price must he pay for these benefits? VVhat is asked of him? Shall he give money to charity organizations and then sit back in his smug, complacent manner and congratulate himself? Qi must he give up all of his possessions and worldly goods and strive a lifetime to aid the poor? No, the answer does not lie in these extreme solutions. The correct method of fulfillment is to exhibit the traits of Americanism born on the dawning of manhood and womanhood-the senior year. Charity, mercy, diligence, morals, faith in God, truth, cultural and social behavior are all asked of us as citizens of tomorrow. A ravaged, war-torn world has but one country to which it can look for aid and guidance, a wretched, helpless world of sufferers must ask aid of a vigorous, prosperous nation of wealth. T XVi1l we grant this aid? As tomorrow's citizens will we vote to grant a small share of our enor- mous bounty to these people? Gr will we be persuaded by selfish, narrow demagogues to abandon these masses and to cease in the great attempt of the ages-for man to dwell side by side in peace? The answer can lie only with youth, old, twisted minds will not quickly make such decisions. Youth must either go forward and demonstrate to the world its newly born traits of Americanism or join the ranks of past ages of those who had failed as America's young people. H VVe of the Senior Class of 1946 accept the challenge of preserving the peace so dearly won, so eagerly sought throughout the ages and we pledge ourselves to work in the democratic way to pro- tect and insure the world of the blessings of this peace. UI-Iistory of the Classes of 1945, 1946 The history of the class of '46 begins in 1943 when students from Thomas jefferson and Claude Swanson junior High Schools joined the ranks of those long familiar with Vlfashington-Leeis long halls to produce the largest sophomore class in the history of the school. Miss Sally Loving, veteran counselor of many classes, was selected as its sponsor. About 520 crowded the thirteen home rooms alloted to them in the largest school many had ever seen. Their numbers were supplemented, as they would continue to be in years to come, by those from every section of the country, and a few from without. They came to the high school during the midst of the greatest conflict the world had ever experienced, and the effect of banner headlines, patriotic posters, and family anxieties permeated everyone's daily life. Early in September, a Civilian Defense parade was held and an exhibition staged at the school which found many of the class among the participants as cadets, messengers, and scouts. This spirit of patriotic cooperation continued to appear in many ways., particularly as VVar Stamp and Bond sales rose. The class soon adjusted itself to the traffic system, time schedule, and other behavior patterns strange at first, but soon to become routine. The old cliques of friends were stirred up, but this only served to increase new friendships and acquaintances. They joined the sports and organizations of greatest personal interest and laid foundations which would prove to be influential to their entire lives. Many of those already outstanding in various fields implanted themselves Hrmly in those portions of the school life. Varsity football attracted many sophomore athletes, and the glee clubs and cadets gained many members. After heated elections, VValter Vass emerged as president of the class, with Bruce lVlcKay flater a member of the merchant marinej as vice-president and Jeanne Payne carry- ing the secretary-treasurer's position. As the year progressed, the students got down to the primary business of gaining an education, but diversions continued and who can forget the experiences of fellow ugoatsv? On lVlarch 3, the small auditorium was the scene of dancing and varied entertainments as the class held its Hrst party, a great success from every standpoint. Cats and boogie contrasted with chess and fortune telling to satisfy every taste During the assembly on April 27, the one-act play The Black Widow was presented. One of the most successful plays ever produced by a school group, it was presented twice and proved to be a definite credit to the Sophomore class. By june, the class had become Hrmly es- tablished in every respect, and departed for the summer. Late in September, the bells rang again and the Class of '46 returned to the familiar environ- ment to greet old ,friends and new. The war still held everyone's attention, but the news was get- ting better all the time. A change had taken place in every person during the year, a change not to be regretted. They were up a grade not only scholastically, but in every field of endeavor in which they had participated. They were-juniors now, and with that red and tan ribbon came the distinc- -4191