West Milwaukee High School - Wemihi Yearbook (Milwaukee, WI)

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ARMAND W. WOLTER General Dutchy Social Club, 2-3; German Club, 3-4; Intramural Base- ball, 2-3, WALTER W. ZARLING General Zoolings Student Senate, 2-3-4; Stu- dent Monitor Commission, (Chairman), 3-4; Student Court, 4; Wings Club, 1; Archery Club, 1; Intramural Baseball, 1 ; Intramural Foot- ball, 1-2-3-4; Intramural Bas- ketball, 1; Band, 2; Football, 2. JOSEPH WUCHERER Commercial Band, 1-2-3; Student Senate (President), 1-2-3-4; Student Court, 3-4; M Club, 4; Lettermans Club, 4; Social Club, 2; Senior Class Presi- dent, 4; Track, 2; Football, 2-3-4; Basketball, 2-3-4; In- tramural Baseball, 4; Vale- dictorian, January, 1940. VIRGINIA K. ZEHM Commercial Virg CHESTER E. ZIMMERMANN General Butch Boys ' Glee Club, 1; Mixed Chorus, 1 ; Intramural Foot- ball, 2-4; Volleyball, 4; Track, 4; Intramural Base- ball, 1-2; Social Club, 2-3. 1940 DOROTHY E. ZICKUHR Commercial Zick G. A. A., 2-3-4; Home Econ- omics Club, 2-3-4; Student Senate, 4; Student Court, 4; Archery Club, 3-4; Drama- tics, 3-4; Debate, 2; Hi-Lights, 2, [25]

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IRENE R. STICK Commercial MARTIN STREICHER General Muts Track, 3-4; Archery, 3-4; German Club, 3-4. JOHN A. STICH General lohnny KENNETH A. STURM General Band, 1-2-3-4; Mixer Orches- tra, 2-3-4; Track, 4; Band Council, 3-4. CLARK H. TENANT General Curley Top Wings, 1 ; Camera Club, 1 ; Swimming Team, 2-3-4; So- cial Club, 2-3; Basketball, 1; Track, 4; Cross Country, 1; Channel Club, 2-3. FRED M. TAEGER General Fritz German Club (Mayville High), 3; German Club (President), 4; Track Team (Mayville High), 2-3; Intra- mural Basketball (Mayville High), 1-2-3; Intramural Football, 4; Operetta, 2-3; Chorus, 1-2-3-4. CLASS AGNES M. THEIM DELORIS P. TORPY CLARENCE A. VAN BUREN Commercial Audy Commercial Dee General Red G. A. A., 1-2; Cheerleader, 2-3; Glee Club, 1; Mixed Chorus, 1; Social Club, 3-4; German Club, 4. G. A. A., 1; Girls ' Club, 2. Swimming Team, 2-3-4. CHARLOTTE WATSON General Chuck JANET M. WENTZ Commercial BETTE L. WOLFGRAM Commercial Drum Majorette, 1-2-3-4; Chorus, 1-2; Girls ' Club, 1- 2-3-4; G. A. A., 1-2-3-4; Band Council (Treasurer), 3-4; Hi- Lights, 1; Social Club, 3-4; V. F. W. Essay Winner, 3. Annual Staff, 4. [24]

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THE BENEFITS OF DEMOCRACY Freedom is essential to man. Man was not created to be shackled by the irons ol power and prejudice. Democracy demonstrates that vital freedom by allowing men to live governed only by laws necessary for the welfare of civilization. Although democracy provides for equal rights, for education unparalleled in any other country, for public health and security, for planned recreation, for conservation of human and natural resources, for better hous- ing and environment, for the merit system, initiative, and referendum, and for countless other benefits, I exploit the spiritual benefits of democracy rather than the material benefits, for it is the spirit which drives men on to lasting achievements. How little do the words of freedom of speech, worship, assembly, and press mean, when we think of the glorious social heritage that is ours. Every child born in America has an opportunity to achieve success in a land which should and ought by law be free from hatred and prejudice. No mother need have fear of seeing her child grow to be the helpless tool of a tyrannical government, slave of a crazed dictator, or fodder for a machine gun. No, she is happy in the knowledge that her child will have all the benefits of a democracy. Religious sanctity is respected here; there is no persecution of races because they worship God in a different way. A man need not secretly criticize our government while furtively watching for secret agents who may pounce upon him, for in a democracy, a man may assert his ideas and opinions openly without fear of punishment. Newspapers may boldly print articles about mistakes which may have been made in our government, and people may feel free to assemble for discussion on any particular aspect of the government they wish. In a democracy, while the majority rules and the minority rights are respected, one man is elected leader, who does not completely control the entire destiny of the notion, for it is the people who are in power. There can be established in a real democracy no dictatorship to gain power, wealth, and distinction for themselves. Citizens of a democracy gladly assume their duties as citizens because they know that they are the ones who will reap the harvest. A democracy is a practical institution. It advocates a practical approach to all problems. In it are no signs of the turmoil and unsteadiness of other precarious types of government. It is not a flimsy fabrication of mens ' diseased minds, but a permanent and vital type of government which exists primarily and solely to promote the interests and welfare of its citizens. The Icrws of a democracy are not fixed, but ever changing to meet the needs of its citizens. A democracy tends to mold all people into one harmonious group, and although our democracy is called the melting pot of the world, all its people are united in undivided allegiance. In a democracy is found an enthusiasm, a profound sense of loyalty, and the deepest spirit of patriotism. Because the flames of liberty and justice burn strongly in every American breast, our nation is indivisible. Of all the things that humanity has been blessed with, democracy is the greatest. Intolerance and injustice, two threats to the security and advancement of modern civilization, are not fostered in a democracy. Embodied in the march of progressive civilization are the benefits of a democracy. Our nation is marching onward day by day. The magnificence and strength of our nation is based upon democracy and the rights it upholds, the -ights we possess simply because we are human beings. As long as men revel in social equality and justice, our democracy will live on their lips, for democracy is no temporary triumph. It is the result of tried and true accomplishments, which will endure forever. Men have earnestly endeavored to preserve life and Hberty and the laws of democracy. In a democracy are established benefits which ore lasting. ELAINE PETERSON Winner of first place in the annual V. F. W. Essay Contest Junior-Senior Division THE BENEFITS OF DEMOCRACY Democracy; what does it signify to you? To me it is the greatest and the only form of government where- by a person can possibly enjoy the pleasure of living cm unharassed life. All one has to do is read any newspaper, and he can readily see how fortunate we are in the respect that we are not confronted with the prevalent problems as those of certain European countries. It was as a result of problems similar to those prevailing that compelled men seeking a refuge from the tyrannical ruler- ship to leave their mother land for a new country where they could put Ihe power of government into the hands of the majority. The early settlers were first under the jurisdiction of the British king, but being dissatished with his restric- tions, they revoked and after many battles gained their independence and established their own form of gov- ernment. The colonies ' independence was declared by the adoption of a document which is known as the Declaration of Independence. The first branch of the new government to be organized was the lawmaking body, called Congress. The second factor to be introduced was that of electing a president. He was to be chosen by the people through the casting of ballots. This system was also used to elect the other government officials. The judiciary, a law-enforcing branch, was the third to be organized. This form of government proved to be so successful that it expanded and developed, after years of struggle, into our present form of govern- ment. We receive the benefits of this modern form of government which our forefathers struggled to attain for three revolutionary centuries. Among the more outstanding benefits which we receive ore the freedom of speech, of the press, and the freedom of rehgion. Because of these privileges we are allowed to voice our opinions on practically any sub- ject. The freedom of the press enables us to read articles about foreign affairs, local news, and criticism con- cerning the government for a profitable education. It is alleged that in the courts of a state there can be no partiality between persons, whether they are rich or poor, atheist or Christian, black or white, they must be treated similarly by the law. We are given manifold recreational opportunities consisting of playgrounds, parks, libraries, museums, and theatres. Slavery and serfdom have been done away with and religious, civil, and per- sonal liberty have been largely won. The idea of hberty is unquestionable in true democracy; liberty is its goal and aim. Democracy can not triumph wholly until the spirit of democracy swells in all the people. Students are now being taught the principles of democracy so that in later life, when the power of the government is in their hands, they will have the ability to cope with the problems squarely and make as many improvements in the Gountry as possible so that the next generation profits. I cannot think of a more appropriate ending for my essay on democracy than the closing words from Abraham Lincoln ' s immortal Gettsburg Address, when he said . . . and the government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth. JENNY FUTTA Winner of first place in the annual V.F.W. Essay Contest Freshman-Sophomore Division [26]