West High School - Westerdays Yearbook (Pawtucket, RI)

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Twenty-five Year History TWENTY-FIVE YEAR HISTORY In September, 1940, the newly built Pawtucket West Senior High School opened its doors to admit its first students. The awe and wonder that must have filled the minds of these students is beyond the powers of our comprehension. Students who were the initiators of the West High traditions of courage, determination, ambition, effort, activity, endurance, and achievement that they found inscribed on their new building. This wonder soon turned to curiosity that led to knowledge, understanding, perseverance, and the fortitude that permeates these halls enticing present and future students to live up to a proud heritage. We now charge future generations with the responsibility, duty, and privilege of carrying the torch of learning on to greater heights. Designed by architect John F. O’Malley, ground-breaking ceremonies took place on September 15, 1938. Mayor Thomas MR. CHESTER M. DASCOMBE First Principal 1940— 1949 P. McCoy lifted the first shovel of earth from the property donated by Frank A. Sayles, prominent Pawtucket businessman and philanthropist. Mayor McCoy was also present to put the cornerstone in place in 1939. The first graduating class chose as its officers Frederick Massie, Mary Cavanaugh, Jean Whyte, and John Wilson. The academic year 1940-41 marked the beginning of many activities that have become an integral part of our school life. On November 15. 1940, the first issue of the WESTERNER was published under the joint editorship of Lois Colinan and John Dillon. On graduation night, June 16. 1941, the first edition of WESTERDAYS was presented to the graduates. Many of the members of this first graduating class who had left their studies to serve in the Armed Forces during the crucial war years returned to receive their diplomas at gradua- MISS ELLEN A. VANCE First Dean 1940-1949 tion exercises. Caps, gowns, and uniforms were the attire of the diploma recipients. One of West High’s dearest traditions is the class ode. The ode, written yearly by seniors in competition, marks the final act of the graduating class. Only once in the history of the ode has a student written both the words and music. She was Dorothy Barlow, who in 1944 wrote, “Fill our hearts with wisdom pure and wipe away our tears.” The history of West High has been highlighted by the achievements of many of its students. Showing remarkable versatility, they have distinguished themselves in fields ranging from electronics to sewing. West has also had its share of writers. Three times in four years a Ranger won the state-wide Governor’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation essay contest. In 1962. the award went to Christine Esau, and in both 1960 and 1961 Cynthia Nield, recently a student-teacher here at West, won. Miss Nield also won second prize in a nation-wide “Jobs For The Handicapped” essay contest. She received her plaque from Vice-President Richard M. Nixon in Washington, D.C. The year 1964 was an academic triumph, for West High 10

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(fficsi JSeninr JScIjool |Ja(utudu't, Jtyoite 3lakmh THOMAS J. MORIARTY, Principal WILLIAM J. Me DOLE, Asst. Principal June 16, 1965 embers of the Senior Class 5 East Avenue wtucket, Rhode Island tear Seniors: Looking back over the past twenty-five years, even a casual observer :annot help but be duly impressed by the progress made at West High School Since its inception in 1940, the school's reputation, prestige, and ulfillment of its obligations to the citizens of Pawtucket have grown anc rospered. In its twenty-five year history, it has become a glowing testj ior.ial to those people who envisioned it, who engineered its construction rho administered its beginnings, and who served on its Faculty. Education has many subjects but only one object; namely, a wholesome md effective life. In this respect we believe that West High School has lore than fulfilled its obligations since the roster of successful and lappy alumni is a lengthy and prominent one. The measuring stick by whicl ny school is judged is the success of its graduated members, not only rorldlv success but primarily in the tangible evidence of happy homes and ontented families which are the backbone of our community and our nation, The present class of 1965, the Silver Anniversary Class, shows every ;ign of being one of the finest. In its accomplishments, in its loyalty nd school spirit, in its day-to-day fulfillment of its obligations, it ias established itself as a class whose members are certain to attain ;uccess, who will be proud to be called Westerners , and proud to have .een part of the Silver Anniversary Class. As you leave the hallowed halls of West, take with you the hopes and mbitions of the dedicated Faculty which has served you so faithfully. ’ake with you the pride of the administration which has tried so diligentl ,0 bring you to this successful milestone. Take with you your own persona lopes and ambitions, and be not afraid as you face the future. You are fell-equipped to walk out upon the stage of life and give a magnificent erforrnance, one which will establish you in a future career, a useful .ife and a happy one. Your loyalty and your pride in West High will not ermit you to do otherwise. And so, farewell to the Class of 1965, the Silver Anniversary Class. Very sincerely yours.

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MR. CHARLES E. SHEA, JR. Superintendent of Schools Former Principal, 1949—1958 boasted of seven National Merit Scholarship finalists. These students, Nancy Friedman, Donna Fox, Carol Robinson, Ronni Kern, Sue-Ellen Wittner, William Spillman, and Stephen Ostrach. ranked in the top one-half of one percent of all high school seniors in the nation. West can well be proud of them. During its twenty-five year history. West High has undergone several personnel changes. Mr. Chester M. Dascombc, principal for nine years was succeeded in 1949 by Mr. Charles E. Shea. Mr. Shea remained at West until 1958, when Mr. Thomas J. Moriarty and Mr. John B. Richer became principal and vice-principal respectively. In 1963. Miss Eleanor F. Cullen replaced Miss Mary McKitchen as dean. In this transfer of authority, West High lost one friend and gained another. Also in 1963, Mr. William J. McDole, for many years a West teacher, was elevated to the position of vice-principal. Dramatics has always boasted acclaim at West High. In 1946, for the fourth time in the school’s six year history, West High actors took first place in the annual State Drama Festival at Brown University. They presented a play entitled, “The Open Door.” The Dramatics Society in 1964 presented its first musical, “H.M.S. Pinafore.” West is best in the field of sports for our school can boast of many championship teams. In 1941. the Ranger hoopsters began their two year reign as state basketball champions. In 1949, West hasehall team secured the Class B Championship of Rhode Island. In 1963. West held the state championship in tennis. Who would have believed that two sophomore girls could have caused a state-wide ban on girls participating in boys’ sports? West boasts of this dubious honor. Gail Abrams and Ruth Fishbein joined the golf team in 1962. Although they won their positions through open competition, they were barred from future competition for their remaining two years. Thus, Ruthie and Gail became the first, last and only girls to compete in “Boys’ ” Sports. Norman Brunelle should he cited as the most determined graduate of West. Although he was a polio victim and unable to attend formal classes, he graduated with the class of 1953. He went on to achieve success in .life. It is interesting to note that in 1960. Michael Rabb and FRANCIS J. VARIEUR Deputy Superintendent Former Teacher