West High School - Westerdays Yearbook (Pawtucket, RI)

Page 8 text:

DEAR CLASS OF '44. For the fourth time a group of boys and girls with whom I have lived and worked for a number of years is graduating and leaving this school. During your seventh and eighth school years you were with me at Slater; then I left you for a year in care of Mr. Shea and Mr. Endersbee. In your tenth year you re- turned to me at West Senior High, so five of your years at school have been with me. Your development during this time has been interesting to an interested observer. You have had your ups and downs as will happen in any large family; but by and large the good have become better and the aver- age have become good. Only a few have fallen by the wayside because they lacked the ambition or the encouragement to con- tinue their education. You have finished your high school educa- tion during unusual circumstances. A World War has been raging and the opportunity to work has lured some from school. Many are working part time and receiving unusual wages. This work has had the tendency to cause them to neglect their studies and to earn lower grades. This work has caused some to think an education is not necessary, since they could earn more money than their teachers. Some thought they should enlist in the armed forces to help stamp out dictatorship and save democracy, and some have been drafted. Some have taken advantage of the opportunity of signing up for service after the first semester when they were sure of their diplomas. Others, who were more studious, took advantage of the fact that a letter from their principal asking for deferment until graduation probably would be honored, and they would be allowed to remain for their diplomas. Some, who were physicially and mentally qualified, have passed the Navy or Army Tests and will be given college training before being inducted into the serivce. As I said before, you are living in unusual times and are torn between many desires. All these forces are tugging you this way and then the other. Every one seems to have a different problem. Is it more patriotic to en- list before finishing your education, or to finish your education and then enlist? After all, the educated soldier or sailor is worth more to Uncle Sam in war time as well as in times of peace. Should not those who can benefit by an education take advantage of it? Up to this time, young women have not been conscripted for service in the armed forces. Many are undecided whether to en- list, to continue their education, or to take positions formerly held by young men. The world needs all kinds of people, some for this work and some for that. If we can find the work for which we are fitted and the station in life where we will be happiest, we are indeed fortunate. I hope your high school education has helped you to find the place where you can help most. I shall follow your careers with interest and shall rejoice when you succeed and sorrow when you fail to attain your goals. The latch string is always out for you at West High and we always welcome your visits. Keep in touch with your school .Your school needs you and you will often need your school. Whether you are in the armed forces or are serving on the home front, always do your best and help to uphold the highest ideals of Pawtucket West. Your Principal, Chester M. Dascombe. [4]

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Miss Ellen A. Vance, Dean at West High School, has shown judgment and ability that have helped many of our classmates in these uncertain times for students of our schools. To her the members of the class of 1944 respectfully dedicate this book.

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As is every institution of its kind in the country, West High is exposed to the dreaded realization that some of its sons must pay the su- preme sacrifice in this battle to preserve our freedom. Four names have so far been ' marked with a gold star on the School Honor Roll. The Honor Roll pic- tured here was erected through the efforts of the Stu- dent Council. Designed by John Santos, '44, whose name is now placed thereon, and promi nently placed in the foyer of our building, it is a constant re- minder to stu- dents, teachers, and visitors alike, of the hundreds o f Westerners in the Armed Services. ★ ★ ★