Watervliet High School - Spectator Yearbook (Watervliet, NY)

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HISTORY OF THE FRESHMAN YEAR On one fine day in September, 1944, a large number of unsuspecting and innocent freshmen made their way into the auditorium of good old W.H.S. We sat there, very much interested in the fine speech being delivered by Leo O'Brien, president of the Student Council. Soon we were being put into separate groups according to the course we were taking. Finally, after we had found our way to our homerooms, we were dismissed. I know most of us could hardly sleep that night, thinking of the wonderful days to come. After getting settled in school, we elected class oflicers. They were as follows: president, William Beaudoing vice-president, David Shentong sec- retary, Zeena Dennis 5 treasurer, Franklin Robetorg reporter, Gertrude Moore. When basketball season rolled around, Mr. Bennett found many promis- ing young men among us. Since that time, they have proven he was not mistaken. Then came the big event of our :first year. One of the seniors, namely H. G., suddenly produced the very intelligent idea of having all freshmen wear green hats. Although most of us complained wholeheartedly, it was decided that we should be put through this torture. We were informed that all the college students wore hats like these, but we found very little, if any, consolation in the fact. Before we knew it, Moving-up Day had arrived, and we were no longer poor little freshmen. It was shortly after this that school closed for the well-deserved summer vacation. SOPHOMORE YEAR One bright day, again in September, we suddenly realized that this was the day school reopened. We were all overjoyed at this prospect, because all summer long we had grown very impatient for the arrival of this moment. The Hrst few weeks were just as confused as they had been the year before, but soon the days started to fly by. We elected Mr. D-avid Sauter our class adviser. His help and advice have proven to us that we made a very wise choice. Under his supervision we elected the following officers: president, George Williams: vice-president, Basil Wasilenko, secretary, Zeena Dennis: treasurer, David Meyer g re- porter, Marilyn Kline. We were well represented when basketball season rolled around. Lou Ciofli, Basil Wasilenko, Bill Behuniak and many more kept up the hopes of the coach. Baseball seemed to be in our line, too. Lou Cioffi, Bruce Cardell, Mario Romano, and Bob Rubino, already stars in other sports, helped make our team come through first in the Principals League. Our biggest activity of the year, namely the Sophomore-Senior party, was looked forward to by everyone. When the time came, elaborate plans were made and our first social event was a great success. Once again summer vacation arrived and most of us made the most of it. JUNIOR YEAR By all means, the junior year was to be the most enjoyable year of our high school career so far. To start things going, we elected class ofiicers. They were as follows: president, Robert Ru-binog vice-president, David Shentong secretary, Zeena Dennis, treasurer, Richard Pike, reporter, Mary Felack. ,

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IWW' 'H ' an- SENICDR PLAY Cast Melody Lane .......... CHARLOTTE GAUAMIS Lucius Goodenough ....,.,,...... DAVID MEYER Windermere Hightower, NELSON CARPENTER Hiram Abernathy ........ WILLIAM PERKINS Sarah Abernathy ............ DOROTHY SOLTIS Aurelia Abernathy ......,,,,,,,, JOAN BULLOCK Red Wing ........ MARY ELLEN GAUVREAU Battle Axe Annie .......,.,.,,. ROSE TOROSIAN Nellie Blythe .................. HELEN ALBRIGHT Muriel Atkins .............. GERTRUDE MOORE Abwmw ................ 'WARREN MCANDREWB The senior play, The Curse of an Aching Heart, was enjoyed by a capacity crowd when the class presented it during the latter part of May. The play was a modern treat- ment of an old melodrama and it proved to be an outstanding hit. Until the final curtain fell, the audience was convulsed with glee. The sweet and virtuous young heroine, Melody Lane, seemed to be the victim of cir- cumstances. She was married to Windermere Hightower, a scoundrel who would stop at nothing to accomplish his foul ends. Melody staged a revolt and fled from her husband only to be pursued throughout the play. When Lucius Goodenough, the stalwart young hero, appeared, he saved Melody from her pursuer and also won her heart. The play was under the direction of Miss Jane Gabriels and stage manager was David Shenton. I23l

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E IOR C ASS For the first time in a great many years, it was announced that W.H.S. would have a football team. Through the efforts of Mario Romano, Sal Tedesco, Andy Beeble, Carl Lockwood, Bill Hunt, Bruce Cardell, and Ken Johnson, the Junior Class made a name for itself. As Christmas approached, the juniors were called upon to present the annual junior play. Much to the surprise of most of the school, we did have a few actors among us. With the co-operation of everyone concerned, The Second Marriage of Santa Claus went over very smoothly under the direc- tion of Miss Gabriels. Then we made plans for the selection of our class rings. After they had been displayed during the first week in February, we made our choice. They were distributed to us near the end of May. The Student Council presidency, an ofiice to be proud of, was the next big objective. The two candidates chosen to run were Dave Shenton and Ken Johnson. Fred Gloeckner was David's manager and Joseph Bagnardi was Ken's. After a close vote, Ken was elected. The last social event of the year, the Junior Prom, was planned. The dance, which proved to be a great success, was held in the Ten Eyck Hot-el. Eleanor Paley was chosen queen, and was crowned by Shirley J allon. SENIOR YEAR At last we were seniors! Of course, we were very proud of the title. Along with the title goes a feeling of superiority, which I am sure most seniors have experienced. Realizing the necessity of having our class managed by very able mem- bers, we elected the following officers: president, Basil Wasilenkog vice- president, John Flubackerg secretary, Marilyn Kline, treasurer, Bill Behuniakg reporter, Bernice Paluck. After a few short weeks of school, the Watervliet High boys were ready for the second year of football. As usual, the seniors found their places on the squad. When basketball season arrived, the class of 1948 again con- tributed valuable players to the team. As the time flew by, we decided it was time to elect the editor-in-chief of the Spectator. I am sure many in the school did not realize what a job this was. Since most of the students in our class have a keen interest in school affairs, and because there were so many competent young men to fill the position, we ran into a number of difficulties. After overcoming them all, we selected Richard Pike for editor and David Shenton for assistant editor. Judging by the untiring efforts of these two members of the staff, we expect this year's book to be a great success. In the spring the Senior Ball, which was attended by the socially minded members of the school and their guests, proved to be the most brilliant event of our high school days. The senior play, presenting the many talented actors and actresses in this extraordinary class of ours, was given late in the year and provided a very enjoyable evening's entertainment. Now, as commencement approaches, we realize the parting of friends is going to be a sad one, but we have many happy memories. We, the Senior Class, wish to express our sincere gratitude for the help and understanding of our principal, Mr. Sanders, our patient teachers, and our adviser, Mr. Sauter. DOROTHY SOLTIS