West High School - Westerdays Yearbook (Pawtucket, RI)

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MR. JOHN B. RICHER—Assistant Principal Mr. Richer, in his capacity as assistant Principal, has always possessed a keen sense of understanding and kindness in his dealings with us and in the performance of his sometimes unpleasant duties. Although he is often thought of as the strong hand of discipline, as graduation approaches, we begin to realize the value of his judgment. For his sincere efforts on our behalf we would like to express our deep appreciation. I Justice • friendship • leadership MISS MARY J. McKITCHEN—Dean Our three years at West surely would not have been as successful without the aid and guidance of our dean, Miss Mary J. McKitchen. Her advice, in our sophomore and junior years, on which classes we should take and what tests were necessary was invaluable. Then as we became seniors our trips to her office became more and more regular. She was always there with a helping hand whether it was a job or a college application about which were were concerned. We the class of 1961 will always remember Miss McKitchen with gratitude and affection and we hope she remembers us and takes pride in our accomplishments. 4

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Principal’s Message Today you are making tomorrow's memories! As the end of your high school career draws near, you are experiencing the inevitable feeling of nostalgia which accompanies the departure from a place which you have learned to respect and revere, from friends you have made throughout the years, and from associations which burn anew whenever the name of West Senior High School is mentioned. You have passed another milestone in your budding careers. Now you must look forward to the next milestone. The transition from high school to future careers raises problems which must be solved, doubts which must be dispelled, and hopes which must be carefully guarded. We of the Faculty and Administration, who have been your advisors, your counselors, your friends for the last three years, sincerely hope and pray that our efforts to make you ready for this startling transition have not been in vain. Only time will tell whether you will measure up to the goals and ambitions you have set for yourselves. Of what good are jewels to the blind or great opportunities to men without vision? We have tried to instill within the heart of every graduate the deep appreciation of knowledge, the keen sense of responsibility, the overpowering desire for higher learning, and the-strong will to succeed in whatever careers you have chosen for yourselves. These are the jewels we have bequeathed to you. They are not the gaudy jewels which sparkle today and tomorrow lose their lustre. These are not the jewels which lose their value overnight, nor whose worth is dimmed by the passing of the years. These are the jewels which if treasured and cared for through the years will guarantee each and every one of you a fair modicum of worldly success or at least a fair share of worldly happiness-without which this is indeed a very dull and drab world. Let not your struggle for worldly success becloud your thinking or your actions toward your fellowman. Remember that the art of giving encompasses many areas. We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the heart: love, kindness, joy, understanding, sympathy, tolerance, forgiveness. We give of ourselves when we give the gifts of words: encouragement, inspiration, guidance. Giving of ourselves brings untold joy and happiness to ourselves and to the recipients of our gifts. There is far more satisfaction in giving than in receiving. Up to now you have been almost exclusively on the receiving end; now it is your turn -to start giving. To the graduates of the Class of 1961, we of the Faculty extend our sincere and heartfelt wishes for future success. We ask you to remember that happiness does not depend upon what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you; it is measured by the spirit in which you meet the problems of life. It does not come from doing what we like to do but from liking what we have to do. Be happy and content with your state in life and you will then radiate your happiness; you will affect all those who come into contact with you; you will experience that inner glow of personal satisfaction which comes only from a duty well done and a life well spent. MR. THOMAS J. MORIARTY—Principal 3

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MISS CHRISTINE C. MASSIE—Counselor The Class of 1961 knows that we could not have had a better guidance counselor if we had chosen her ourselves. Miss Massie’s qualities of understanding, kindness, wisdom, and deep concern for each of us have endeared her to our class. At her desk, many of us were able to relieve ourselves of many problems, whether school or home, just by talking with her. She has shown us with pride our strong points, and with understanding and help our weak ones. We have indeed been fortunate to have guidance such as hers in choosing our future jobs, training schools, and colleges. Our years at West have been much happier and more profitable because of her guidance, and we the class of 1961 will be forever grateful. 4 Wisdom • guidance • Understanding MISS ELIZABETH M. KELLY—Advisor A sincere thank you is well earned by Miss Kelly, our class advisor, for her untiring efforts on behalf of our class social functions. Our Sophomore Hop, Junior Prom, and Senior Reception will long be remembered because she spent many hours and much thought in preparation for them. Her advice to our many committees gave them the know-how to make all their efforts successes. Her ability and enthusiasm have added much enjoyment to our days at West High. 5