West Salem High School - Neshonoc Yearbook (West Salem, WI)

Page 17 text:

Class Will We, the Senior Class of 1916, of the Village of West Salem, County of LaCrosse, and State of Wisconsin, being of sound mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this to be our last will and testament. First, we order, and direct that our Executor, hereinafter named, shall pay all our just debts and funeral expenses as soon after our decease as conveniently may be. Second, after the payment of such debts and funeral expenses, we give and devise as follows: To the Senior class of 1917, the seats on the south side of the room formerly occupied by the Seniors of 1916, on condition, that they so improve in wis-‘ dom, scholarship and dignity, during the summer £ vacation, that they will be able to set an example to the class of '18, similar to that which has been presented to them, during the year. ■ To Virginia Williams, Ana Hagaman leaves her industry and perseverance. Florance Leavitt dedicates to Frances Coburn her latest book entitled New and Modern Methods of Working the Faculty.” This book, the result of four years of successful experience on the part of the author, if wisely used, will prove of great value to Frances. Rueben Cassel bequeaths to Lydia Nuttleman his talent along.the line of testing horses and cattle, and hopes1 itSyill be of service to her in future Agricultural classes. To Lyle Quiggle, Florance Carlson bequeaths her .poetical genius together with all poems begun by her during the year. In as much as Elaine Grunner frequently during her two years of High School course, has been imposed upon by the members of the faculty, because of her meek manner and of her gentle voice, to prevent such calamities during her senior year, Beu- lah Pfaff wills to her her commanding voice and dignified bearing. To Gertrude Seegar, Charles Stivens leaves his habit of blushing, which habit has caused him so much embarassment on many occasions, the verity of which statement may be proven by looking at Charles now. Because of the talent Ruth Storandt has already displayed in argumentation, and to enable her to become more and more proficient, Ethel Congdon bequeaths to her her vast ability in this line, on condition that Ruth refrains from displaying this talent for the purpose of confusing the teacher in Grammar class. Hilma Kuehn bequeaths to Boyd Casterline the experience gained during the year 1916 in the presidential management of the individual members of the class, hoping that with this assistance said Boyd will be spared the difficulties the aforementioned Hilma, has encountered. Lastly, we make, constitute and appoint the class of 1917, of the W.S.H.S, of the Village of West Salem, County of LaCrosse and State of Wisconsin, to be the executor of this our last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills, made by us. In testimony whereof, we have hereonto subscribed our names, and applied our seal, this second day of June, in the year of our Lord 1916. (SEAL) Senior Class of 1916. This instrument was on the date whereof signed published and declared, by said testators, the Senior class of 1916, to be their last will and testament in our presence, and have at their request, subscribed our names thereto as witnesses. In their presences and in the presence of each other. Frances Holford and Harry Bender-R. B. V.

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V aledictory. It is with mingled joy and sadness that we, the class of 1916, bid farewell, as a class, to schoolmates, teachers, parents and friends,—sadness that after years of companionship as classmates we realize that never again will we be together as a class and joy in that we have reached our goal. We have finished our school life and have come to the threshold of life’s great school. We have striven as best we could to be worthy of the many benefits and privileges offered us by our parents, teachers and friends and we have tried so to conduct ourselves in our work that we would have no occasion to look back with regret at our high school career. To you, citizens of West Salem, we owe thanks for the opportunity that thru you, has been offered us. We hope that we have merited the privileges we have received from the institution which you have helped to maintain. To our dear parents, who have so willingly endured sacrifices that we might receive the benefits of education and to the school board who have accorded us so many advantages to make our work easier we also extend our many thanks. We are very ..grateful to you, our teachers,-who have been so patient and have so faithfully guided and encouraged us. There may have been times when we were seemingly unappreciative but tonight we realize more than ever before what help our teachers have been to us. Often our many tasks have seemed almost more than we could perform, and work seemed to pile up in every direction. At those times we have had the helpful support of our teachers and we hope that their efforts have not been in vain but that they have seen some advancement and growth in each and every one of us. With you, our fellow students, we have shared many a good time and in our departure from school we hope not to be forgotten by you. In a short time you will have reached the place where we are now and will understand what it means to bid farewell. Our school life has been, on the whole, very happy and beneficial. We have often found the way difficult and have been more than once tempted to give up. We are about to enter into a new life. What lies before us we do not know but in life's school let us all remember that truth and honesty are the surest roads to success. Dear classmates, the time has come when we must bid farewell. Our lives lie not in the same paths, but let us retain the ties of friendship which have linked us together in our school life. May we never forget the four happy years which we as classmates, passed together in the West Salem High School, but fnay they remain among our fondest memories and a well-spring for our future years. And now we part—classmates, schoolmates teachers, friends—farewell. Hdma E. Kuehn, T6

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Salutatory Classmates, schoolmates, teachers and friends, in behalf of the class of 1916 I salute you. As we are assembled here this evening for the last time as members of the West Salem High School, our hearts are filled with both joy and sorrow- Sorrow for the days that ne'er return and joy because the long sought goal is won; the goal for a glimpse of which our eyes have ever looked forward into the hazy future as we climbed steadily upward, thru successive days, weeks, months and years, each day bringing us nearer the long sought prize. In the beginning of this our High School career, how far distant the events of this evening seemed. Could we succeed in climbing the hill? Would we ever gain the summit? Labor hath sure reward”-and tonight as we are assembled for the last time as classmates and schoolmates, four years older in years and in experience, we realize that really we are just beginning life's fitful voyage and that dur-in the last four years we have laid the foundation for a successful future life. Let us hope that these foundations prove strong and durable. Let us not be discouraged if we have not accomplished all that we had planned; for if we have done our very best, our conscience is then clear. To the underclassmen, who have been our schoolmates, we extend a greeting. Patience and courage schoolmates, and you too will reach the goal but do not deem yourselves at the end of your journey in the maze of knowledge, for in reality it will only be your commencement. Take heart and push forward and you will receive your reward in such measure as you deserve- To our teachers, who have been our guides throughout our course and who have smoothed our way for us, we wish to extend thanks. But for you we would have been struggling in the slough of despond. To our friends who have taken such kindly interest in us and our high school progress and who have by their deeds of kindness lessened the difficulties of our school life, we offer a welcome and thanks for your support and aid, for to you we owe a debt of gratitude and we shall ever retain very pleasant memories of you and the true friendship you have shown us. To our dear parents and other relatives we owe our greatest praise. Were it not for you who have guided, comforted and loved us, how poorly we would be prepared today to enter the wide, wide world with its dangers and mysteries. Tonight as you are with us we hope that -we have in some measure fulfilled your expectations and that we will continue to do so, that we may be a joy and not a disappointment to you. Friends and patrons of this school, we are very pleased to see so many of you present with us tonight to witness our step “Out of School Life, into Life’s School Anna B. Hagaman.