West Allis High School - Wamago Yearbook (West Allis, WI)

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wmmmmsmmmmmmmm wmmmmm « ' w. r ,- j»? JF ;•■ ' Zr ' v; » ' ■ ■ « Wiii EDITH BOYCE ALICE DeBRUIX CHARLOTTE HOFFMAN PETER WERNER Foreign Language Department FOR all those who are interested in people, especially in people of other times and other countries than our own, the study of for- eign languages is of great interest. Then one must also learn another language to know our own. Many of our words are de- rived from some foreign language. One of the foreign languages that is taught in our school is Latin. The study of Latin may be begun in the last semester of the eighth grade. Latin continues through the four year course in high school and is an elective subject. Latin helps the pupil to learn something of language struc- ture, words, and grammar. He also learns to appreciate literature and histor - through his contact with Roman people. Spanish is another foreign language one is able to take in our high school. The study of language structure is given in the first year, while the literature predominates in the second year with the grammar as a handmaid. In the last semester the pupil discusses the happenings of the da in Spanish. German is also taught in the West Allis high school, giving to the students both German grammar and literature. The West Allis Foreign Language department is one of superior quality. In all phases of lan- guages, there is much interest from the pupils. In all courses of languages much outside reading is done, and the school library has many books on languages. Interesting clippings and scrap books are made by pupils, and this type of work is very interest- ing. Clubs are also formed, one for each lan- guage. Here too, there are plays, stories, and customs of the peoples where the foreign lan- guages have come from. Since foreign languages is an asset to one upon entering college, many pupils are taking one or more languages. 24

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CHARLES NELSON GRACE HUGGINS J. E. GLASSPOOLE feudalism, the Crusades, and the beginnings of European nations. In the eleventh grade one studies the Rise of Democracy in Europe which gives us a better background for understanding the history of our own country. In the twelfth grade one studies the history which is the basis of our American institutions, such as the evolution of self-government, the growth of industrial and commercial power, and the development of American culture. One is also able to take Social Problems which helps a student in many ways. A student who takes this course will be able to work more in- telligently and sympathetically if he has an un- derstanding of the political, social, and economic institutions. History is the tale, which shows us both past and present, and acquaints us with the progress of man and nations. History paints pictures of the past, showing the turmoil and destruction of wars, peace time progress, and shows how by mistakes men and countries liave fallen. We learn of the great past to help plan the future so as to live more happily. History and its accounts aid us in looking back on the progress which our forefathers laid down for us to build from. History shows the mechanical, commercial, and governmental achievements, and to know your history is to know vour countrv. 23

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.A - ERXEST FAHXESTOCK LOLA COX DAMOX SIIUOK A. I ' . BLETTXER Music Department THE Music Department offers a very inter- esting course to those interested in voice, in- struniL ' iital, or any phase of music. here are variou s divisions in this department from which a student may select the ones he is par- ticuhirl interested in. Ihese are as follows: voice, piano, harmony, history of music, music appreciation, and various instruments of the band and orchestra. In these classes, the stu- dent becomes acquainted with the best musical literature and composers; learns how to compose and harmonize melodies; train his voice; how to play an instrument ; and how to appreciate good music. For the more advanced voice and instrumental students there are various organizations to which one can belong, such as the Senior Boys ' Glee Club, Senior (jirls ' Club, Junior Boys ' (jlee Club, Junior Girls ' Glee Club, Senior Mixed Chorus, Senior Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, Roys ' Band, Girls ' Band, and Adelphi Orchestra. During the year, the most talented students are selected to represent the school in the annual suburban contests. These contests are very entertaining as well as furnishing competition for the participants. Every student in the high school is given an opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. If the student does not wish to buy an instru- ment, he is loaned one by the school. The only requirements one must ha e are a serious mind, natural ability or talent, and the ambition to study and accomplish success. Concerts are given by the band and orchestra thus giving the parents and city people an oppor- tunity to listen to some of the things that are being accomplished in the school. During the past year, the Boys ' and Girls ' Glee Clubs pre- sented an operetta, which proved to be a very big success. The orchestra is always willing to play at the arious school entertainments, and should be com- plimented on its finp attitude. 25