West High School - Westerdays Yearbook (Pawtucket, RI)

Page 8 text:

Dear Class of 1943: I have served as your Principal for the past six years; three years in the Samuel Slater Junior High School and three years in the Pawtucket West Senior High School. We entered Slater together and after your graduation, we entered West together. During these years I have probably come to know you better, as a class, than any previous group in this city. During this time you have probably changed more than you will change during any other period of your life. It has been interesting to watch you grow in mind and body and to see your various talents develop. What a diversity of talent! What foresight our Creator displayed when he gave to each just the talent he needed to carry on the work of the world. Each should take pride in doing the work for which he is best suited in the best possible way. This will bring self respect to each of you. I shall rejoice at your success and sym- pathize with any failure. When you over- come difficulties I shall admire your per- severance. High aims may not always be attained, but they will raise you above today's level. When you graduate on May 27th, you will enter fields where 1 cannot follow, but I shall follow you in my thoughts for many years. In these days when war clouds hang over you, it is hard to keep your minds upon goals of personal ambition. You are thinking more about how we can help our country win this war for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom to wor- ship God, than of personal glory. Many of your classmates are in the service of our country. Some of these are serving in army and navy training centres, to be ready at any moment to join others of you who are with the armed forces fight- ing on many fronts. These boys will not be with us at graduation. They will be constantly in our thoughts. A still larger number of you are working part time in defense industries doing your part to keep our soldiers and sailors on the firing line, taking the places of men who have gone to the front. You will find it difficult to leave remunerative positions to continue your education. There are others who believe that with more education they will be better able to serve their country. Some of this group en- tered college at the end of the first semister of their Senior year. They will return for the graduating exercises and receive their diplomas in person. Those who entered the Rhode Island State College in February will listen to the address to graduates by the President of their college, who in turn will see his students presented their high school diplomas. Some, who have not yet entered college, plan to enter in June or September, to continue their education until their coun- try needs them. Wherever you may be, I shall feel that you are serving in the field where you are needed most. I like to think of you as a patriotic group, placing your country first. Place character and loyalty above ambition. Always be kind to those over whom you have authority. Never be guilty of using your position to humiliate those you are supposed to lead. Be yourselves, and do not try to imitate others. Each has a dif- ferent personality, so make the most o! yours, which may be superior to the one you admire. May you all serve, but serve humbly. Never humiliate a person over whom you have authority. Give praise where praise is due. Practice the Golden Rule and keep your self respect and the respect of your associates. Hoping that your days at West may be stepping stones to a firm foundation in the future, my interest in you will continue and my help will be available. Your Principal, Chester M. Dascombe.

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Mr. Frank A. R. Allen, Superintendent of Schools of Pawtucket, has shown commendable ability in han- dling the many complex problems facing an adminis- trator of a school system in war time. To him the mem- bers of the class of 1943 respectfully dedicate this book. — 3 —

Page 9 text:

John Percevecz Marian Lund Dorothy Daley Elmer Whetstone CLASS OFFICERS President—John Percevecz An able leader, a star football player, talented artist, and a diligent student is our Class President, John Percevecz. We know he will go far in the career of his choice. Vice-President—Marion Lund Marion Lund, our versatile and popular Vice-President, took a prominent part in al- most every school activity. Her ever pres- ent smile and her many unselfish qualities, have won her the honor of being our D. A. R. girl. Secretary—Dorothy Daley Our secretary, Dorothy Daley! A win- ning smile and a sparkling personality have won her a high place in the hearts of her classmates. May she have every success in her chosen work! Treasurer—Elmer Whetstone Well-liked both in and out of the class- room, our sunny-dispositioned, likeable Treasurer, Elmer Whetstone, has earned himself many warm friends during his years at West. Class Ode of 1943 At this hour of sweet remembrance We recall the days gone by. Days of love and tears and laughter, Many days spent at West High. Now we leave thee, Alma Mater, To go on to fields anew, May thy spirit ever guide us, Show us always what to do. God, we pray for Thine Assistance, May our prayers be not in vain. See, our road is edged with dangers, O God, grant peace may come again. But the future lies before us; Let us meet it without fear. Point the way to greater glory In a world of peace and cheer. — 5 — —Catherine Mitchell, 1943