Wells River High School - Chatterbox Yearbook (Wells River, VT)

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in a consolidated school, there are enough people to fill each place and everyone is still left with time for his own pleasure. On the whole, a consolidated school can give a student a broader knowledge of every phase of school life and better prepare him for the next step in his career. BARBARA BAILEY, ’51 -----WRHS------- SCHOOL NEWS The Freshman Reception was held September 22, at the school gym. The Sophomore class put the freshmen through many humorous stunts and tricks. Dancing and refreshments followed the initiation. Many parents and friends were welcomed and enjoyed the first social event of the year. For the first time in the history of Wells River High School, a soccer team has been organized. It is hoped that in the future it may become a major school sport. On October 17, the pupils of Mrs. Rowell’s Home Economics classes sponsored a fashion show. Clothes borrowed from many local stores were modeled. Mrs. Rowell did a fine job in directing the show. A very successful magazine drive was held in October to raise money for the athletic fund. On November 3, the Senior class, coached by Mrs. Spear, pre- sented a three-act play entitled, Bolts and Nuts.” A number of parties were held in the high school last fall which were sponsored by the Juniors. On December 14, the Home Economics classes held an exhibition of the work which they had done in the first weeks of the school year. Many parents and friends enjoyed the fine showing. On December 15, the Junior class sponsored a Christmas party in the high school. Presents were given out, and refreshments were served. Dancing was enjoyed for the remainder of the evening. Barbara Bailey, Ann Demeritt, Frances Bailey and David Bidwell represented W. R. H. S. at the annual Vermont Music Festival held in Burlington May 10, 11, and 12. — Six —

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CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS The world is moving fast. In order to keep up with the times we must move fast also. Boys and girls must have a good education to get anywhere today. Do we get a broad enough education in the small schools which we attend? Courses given in a small school are few in number com- pared to those given in a consolidated school. About five or six teachers are needed for each school. If the schools could be combined into one large school, fewer teachers would be needed. Often teachers that go into a small school have to teach more subjects than they are trained for. It is hard on a teacher to be burdened with courses of different types. Teachers in a large school would specialize in one field. Students find that college work is much different from that of high school. We do not learn how to really study as you have to in college. One thing that would help to form proper study habits is a proper library. We ought to have a library with a large assortment of all kinds of books. A quiet place where you can really hunt for material is a great advantage. This asset is rarely found in small schools but is found in the large ones. Athletics can play a large part in a student’s life. In a consoli- dated school a student is given a choice of many sports that would be impossible in a small one. When a school has a limited number of pupils, many have to participate in every activity in order to keep the activities going. A person does not have time for everything. Thus, — Five —

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This year a new activity was undertaken by the Freshmen and Sophomore classes. They, and their advisor, Mrs. Gibson, are to be congratulated for the fine work they did in publishing a monthly news- paper entitled, The Partyline.” A few students participated in the operetta The Pirates of Pen- zance,” which was presented at the Village Hall March 7 and 8. The students of W. R. H. S. have enjoyed the new paint job on the interior of the school which was finished during the spring vacation. Many thanks were given to David Gonyer for the time he spent in making the new shower benches. Thanks also to the school board for the excellent paint job which has added much to the new showers. A girls’ softball team was organized in April and several games were scheduled. Mr. Cornthwaite served as an able coach for both the Junior High and Senior High squads. Several students attended the annual Patrol Field Day held at the Champlain Valley Fair Grounds in Essex Junction on May 19. REYNOLD BOYCE, ’51 -----WRHS------- HILLDALE LEAGUE NEWS This year, the Hilldale League swung into action with the basket- ball season. From December to February each participating school had a full schedule of games. On March 9, 1951 an informal dance was held at Monroe. At this time cups were presented to the teams who held first place. They were Mclndoes girls, and Groton boys. Each senior that played basket- ball was awarded a gold basketball. Those from our school receiving them were: Barbara Bailey, Ann Demeritt, David Egner, David Gon- yer and Horace Symes. This year the Music Festival was continued. The Festival was held at Peacham. In the afternooo there was a practice session for everyone. An orchestra was formed this year under the direction of Mr. Rising of Groton. In the evening each glee club from the indi- vidual schools gave their selections. A program was given also by the orchestra and mass chorus. The chorus was directed by Dr. Robert Yingling from the University of Conn. — Seven —