Watervliet High School - Spectator Yearbook (Watervliet, NY)

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VETEBAN S AS STUDENTS The experience of the colleges with ex-service men in the term ending in january makes good news. Considering the large number that were enrolled, not many of the veterans were in serious academic difhculty at this point. Despite the fact that most of these men had not attended school for three or four years, and that half of them had had no previous college work, these veterans are surpassing their nonveteran classmates. On the average, the veterans who had been students in College before entering service are doing a better job in the classroom now than they did before entering the service. Most of the professors of the colleges attribute the veteran's good record to the acquiring habits of being able to tackle a job correctly, and of staying with it until it is completed. Complete seriousness, having a definite purpose, and knowing the value of such an education are important factors in the establishment of such fine records. The government, through the G.l. Bill of Rights, gives an opportunity for all the veterans to attend school at its expense. Most of these veterans are taking advantage of this wonderful chance to acquire a college education. Some schools offer fine opportunities to the married veterans with families. Housing facilities are provided for them and courses are open to both the veteran and his wife. To those who find it necessary to work while attending school, evening classes are available. Many of the colleges are becoming overcrowded with the large number of veterans added to the regular college students. Such nearby colleges as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Union, Siena, and Columbia offer great opportunities in various courses to the veterans of this area. We hope that the veterans of our school will take advantage of this plan and will succeed in accomplishing their aims in a world which is again peaceful. HARLAN LAPE IN APPBECIATITIN It seems just a short time ago that we entered this high school as naive, somewhat shy little freshmen, doubtful of everything, knowing very little. Even though our surroundings were new and different, we overcame our shyness soon enough. It did not take us very long to adjust ourselves to the various routines connected with high school. To be sure, we might have difficulty running from the first Hoor to the third floor in two minutes straight: and oftentimes we fell victims to the jokes of the upperclassmen. as in the case of their overwhelming kindness in directing us to the fourth floor, which we discovered, after much confusion and surprise, never existed. All in all, we readily forgave these pranks, took them in our stride, and became immune to them. However, all good things must come to an end, and here we are on the doorstep of our graduation day. The four years have sped by with the velocity of a high wind, and as we glance through our past years of high school, we discover that the most influential factors governing our chances for graduation were the efforts of our principal and teachers. ls it not often true that one begins to appreciate the efforts of his benefactors long after aid has been given? This, however, is not going to be our mistake, for we are making certain that our appreciation shall be expressed in time. We want to make known the fact that every senior is grateful for the time, energy and effort given by his teachers from our freshman year through to the senior year. Of course, at one time or another, we had our differences, but what human being never experienced them? It is in our power now to understand the faculty purposes and methods and to realize that, whatever the outcome, the decisions were made to benefit us, even though they did not always seem in our favor at the time. Although we have been looking forward to our graduation day, a feeling of melancholy emptiness fills our hearts when we think of departing from our beloved school, teachers and fellow students. Yet we realize that we must go forth into the world to put to good use that which we have learned. In our hearts will always be the constant remembrance that it was our teachers who aided us in gaining success. . NIATUON KANIA Page Eight

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A NEW AMERICA It was August, of the summer of 1945, in which I found myself in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. I was visiting my relatives and was enjoying a wonderful vacation. One evening, August the fourteenth, the radio flashed a bulletin which the entire world had been anticipating. Peace! Peace to the peoples of the entire world had come at last. After hearing that news broadcast, I became concerned about the years ahead. In a few minutes, I found myself walking the streets of Washington, going toward the Lincoln Memorial. Soon I was sitting on a granite bench a few hundred feet from the Lincoln Memorial. The sun, slowly sinking in the West, shed its crimson rays over the stars and stripes of Old Glory, but only for a moment, for then, the tiag too sank, as it was gently lowered from the mast. This bench had been frequented by me before in the last few days, and it had heard many of my difficulties and thoughts. On that night, I had many problems confronting me and did not notice a ghostly figure approaching me. Suddenly I raised my head and saw a tall, slender man who seemed to be nearing his late forties. His hair was tinted with gray and his eyes showed him to be in constant thought. Wrinkles lined his kindly face. He looked at me closely and asked, Why are you sitting here alone? Oh, I was thinking about some of my problems, and also about the issues which America faces now that peace has come, I answered. It seemed as if I had met this man before, but I could not place him. While I was lost in thought, he answered, I was interested in America once and still am. I worked for her good for many years. I was confronted with many difficulties but I never deserted her. I am wondering what the present day problems of America are. Perhaps you can tell me about some of themfl Yes, I should like to, I answered. And that is how our interesting conversation began. America has many problems confronting her still but the war was the most important one. On December 8, 1941, the government of the United States of America found itself at war against the Axis powers. America rallied quickly in order to bring the war to an end in the shortest possible .time. Her war industries were expanded and worked at the utmost speed in order to rush supplies to the battlefronts of the world. Wake Island was the beginning. It was a small, lonely island in the middle of the North Pacific, but it was big enough for battle and within two weeks, it fell into Japanese hands. Then the battle of Guadalcanal occurred, which was one of the first American offensives of the war. Slowly but surely, island after island fell into American hands and Jap admirals and army officials were in a frenzy. The aim of the American armed forces was to hit Japan and to hit it hard. Finally it did, with the atomic bomb. Japan, realizing her situation as critical, surrendered to the Allies. The principles of American democracy had once again been victorious against aggression. The position of America as the purest and truest democracy on earth was again reassured. She had developed a system of government which was, and still is, superior to those formed by nations that are centuries older than she. Because of this and also for her integrity and for her great developments, she has been respected by all nations. In order to preserve this democracy, millions of young American youths have risked their lives to serve our country. One of the most essential factors in the building of a government that will function on a smooth basis is thrift. Peoples throughout the world consider America a very wealthy nation. This conclusion is based on our high standard of living. We must in the future be conservative in using our natural resources and must make sure that we expend our money wisely and well. The continuation of a high standard of education must be insured to America. We must not only produce the finest professional men and women, but we must spread to the corners of the world the value of brotherliness and fellowship. I paused and looked at the shadowy figure to whom I spoke. What do you think we can do about these things? I asked him. American youth must face these problems and solve them. In other words, America must place her faith in her young people. Through democracy, her youth will learn the value of thrift, honesty, brotherhood and everlasting peace. The future citizens are America. As he ceased speaking, I sought to question him further, but he faded from my sight and vanished. The urgency with which I had cried out brought me back to reality. It was then that I knew that the man in my dream was Abraham Lincoln. - VAnxAs Mmoocmn Page Seven

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MISS LETTIS This year, the students and faculty of Watervliet High School are losing an old friend. Miss Lettis, our beloved librarian, is retiring after many years of tireless service to this school. During our stay here, we have become thoroughly familiar with her pleasant smile and pleasing personality, that give you a little lift when you are depressed. She has been ever ready to assist the students in their work and to advise them in their personal problems. Naturally, there are many things about Watervliet High School which we shall fail to remember in years to come, but I dare say we shall never forget the happy hours spent in the library. Knowing how difficult it is to leave the Alma Mater after four years, we have only a slight idea of how it feels for someone who has been here much longer. I know I speak for the Senior Class, the entire student body, and the faculty when I wish Miss Lettis good luck and all the happiness she so rightfully EARL SILER I deserves . Page Nine