West End High School - Zephyr Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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HISTCRY GF THE SENICR CLASS Records tend to tnake history, and, thus, the Class of '41 seeks renown and immortality in so much as it is the first class at XVest Ifnd to begin at first year of actual high school and to proceed through four tedious, educational, felicitous years of intellectual training. This fact is insignificant in this world of inestimable, mo- notonous facts, and would, doubtlessly, permit us to seep into the infinity of the past if our laurels rested solely upon this meager statement. Our class, symbolical of all America, is a mixture of unlike elements compounded into a well-balanced, ra- tional group. It has, hidden deep in its realm, splotches of beauty, genious, and originality. A review of this group, that might aid in preventing memories of it from being washed into the Lethian River, would be over-taxing, due to its lengthg there- fore, a more concise summary must be presented. As freshmen we fervidly went forth to obtain a combination of amusement and education, with the former receiving the more attention, Our environment consisted of a new school only in the sense of its rela- tive age, for, materially, it was only the skeleton of a high school. Morally or spiritually it could be ranked as follows: heritage-none, precedent-none, reputa- tion-none, and so, the task of molding its characteris- tics lay partially in our young, inexperienced, but dex- terous hands. The physical job was merely a financial one, for, through innumerable drives, we cooperated in equipping the building with those objects omitted in its incarnation. The drives varied from athletics to ones designed at enlarging the library so that the school could be officially deemed accredited. In our first test we proved to be unselfish, sacrificing, and trust- worthy, and we demonstrated that our efforts grew pro- portionally to the obstacles encountered. Vile can proud- ly proclaim that we were never down-hearted at some slight recession in the advancement of the school, but that we were clairvoyant enough to comprehend that, after each relapse, a period of higher progress immedi- ately followed, Hur moral duty could only be accom- plished through a longer, harder, more painstaking period. The rnold must be set before the firm, finished product is formed, Hy staunch perseverance, we succetdcd in with- standing that first, restless, impetuous year. By now, all timidity that might have enveloped the group was bestowed upon the incoming freshmen. VVe felt ex- perienced, intoxicated with the heady wine of self- assurance, already aspiring to great positions in our school life. Hur baby days were over and we saw our- selves as sophisticated, superior persons who knew the ropes -the ropes that previously had burned our tender fingers with harsh swiftness. VVc began to purge all those doleful attributes that we might have possessed the preteeding year. ln consefpicnce, new ideas replaced the cleared superfiuities, resulting in a vivacious, pre- tentious, and even delinvpient type of sophomore, This was mellowed by a wise, patient principal. VVe ac- tually began to understand the phraseology of school spirit, and indulgences in school activities arrived spontaneously. The breach following the sophomore year was nar- row, due to the slight maturity of the pupils during the elapsed time. Juniors are in reality 'fsuper-annuated sophomores. In this stagnant state, a few eventful incidences occurred, and the tranquillity seemed to be a forerunner of the imminent period of tempestuousness. However, the student government, introduced the year before, was well under way, and some of our class- mates held responsible positions in the Student Council. VVith the assistance and guidance of the teachers who compose the able staff at VVest, rooms that might have appeared dull and dreary were just the antithesis. At the start of the fourth and final year, we recog- nized the short time left to us-time in which to see one more cycle of assemblies and sports: one more Senior play and Tri-Arts Festival-then off into this rapidly changing world, It was at this time that we were joined by a versatile group bearing the esteemed honor of having come from Hume-Fogg. Their talents, inter- mingled with ours, brought forth a compound, stable class capable of withstanding any emergency. This year, I9.1.I, will long remain in our memories as one of vital importance for many reasons. From a broader scope, in which we take leave for a moment of our immediate interests, it will be a year to remem- ber for civic occurrences alone. The calling of young men for military training during peace time was a history-making event, necessary for the defense of our nation. This year was the transitional period of the Senior Class, great decisions were made and great things ac- complished, In actual aspect, we received notoriety in many different fields: sports, civic, and scholastic. This year was marked by intensification of study and a perceivable earnestness on our part. Summing up the year, one could consider it successful and progressive. A climax of our brief careers at VVest has rapidly culminated. VVe have become filled with the priceless treasurer of knowledge, ability, tolerance, and self- reliance. Let us not be Epicureans,'l living only in the present, ignorant and unwary as to the future, but let us rather be a pensive, intelligent class, wisely planning for our later life, Let us be one more cog in the wheel of individualism and of right in this world, in which, at present, civil liberties appear to be at stake. VVest lind students, we have the ability, the basic funda- mentals, the training, and by far the best place in which to express themg so in conclusion, let us bring to our homes and country happiness and prosperity. The ebb of our careers should be already behind us, so that we will know the future holds for us only brighter and better things. Though we are satl to well-loved surroundings, memory must this time on, for on our ship of life clcarcd, our sail set, and we are ready unknown and distant horizons. llistorians, Ainciaunia lIliRllliR'l' leave old and serve us from our decks are to embark for Bowicn, Scntu.M.xN.

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