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

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0..., 0 SOPHOMORES Top Row—Vera Smeckpeper, Laura Young, Shirley Heider, Annette McDonald, Yale Naset, Ruth Granum, Charlie Green, Lucille Bishop, Arline Hauser, Annette Duetnch, Nora Schneider. Second Row Standing—Marine Horstman, Anna Drecktrah, Muriel Fuller, Eloise Naset, Irene Niedfeldt, Minnetta Nuttelman, Luella Diekroeger, Ruby Morkwed. First Row Seated—Mildred Shane, Charlotte Meyer, Lilah Atwater, Margaret Buol, Edna Hoier, Alvena Jones, Irene Stelloh, Elizabeth Schwartz. Front Row Seated—Stephen Diefenthaler, Alton Sherman, Raymond Hoyer, Herbert Weingarten. SOPHOMORE CLASS HISTORY On a certain bright September day in 1926 there arrived in the West Salem High School a group of timid, shy-eyed students, thirty-five of them. Of course, there were upper classmen who scornfully observed that there was a certain verdant freshness about this group of newcomers, but this malicious insinuation may be attri-uted to jealousy, which is always present when a new—and beautiful— Freshman class enters school. Not only was this class unusually ornamental, but they soon showed themselves to be possessed of a good deal of initiative and power of action. They soon organized with Annette McDonald as president; Yale Naset, vice president; Eloise Naset, treasurer; Muriel Fuller, secretary; and Miss Hibbard and Mr. Peters as the class advisors. The class was formally received into the arms of our Alma Mater when the Sophomores initiated the Freshmen. There were whispered rumors that the Frosh had been greatly disappointed in that the initiation had been such a tame affair. In courteous acknowledgement of this party the Freshmen invited the Sophomores to a picnic at Neshonoc. There was great rejoicing among the Frosh, when with the assistance of two eighth graders, they defeated the Sophomores in two basket ball games. When will Freshmen ever cease to celebrate with wicked glee any triumph they may have over Sophomores ? Then there was the sleigh-ride to Bangor, a gala occasion when one of the Junior boys deserted his classmates to receive the sunny smiles of one of the popular Freshmen girls. Come to think of it, a number of romantic episodes opened at this time, episodes which are flourishing even yet. The next fall this gay band duly became Sophomores. It is strange what a different opinion they had formed of Sophomores since the preceding year. They calmly proceeded to have the class election when Laura Young became president; Eliz- abeth Schwartz, vice president; Herbert Weingarten, secretary and Muriel Fuller, treasurer. Miss Quackenbush and Mr. Rowe were advisors. The first important event of the Sophomore schedule of social activities was the initiation party, a truly delightful occasion and one which thoroughly subdued the rebellious and irreverent Frosh. The Sympathy Orchestra played for the dancing. The Sophomore mixer was an outstanding success in all respects. The superb acting of Yale and Norma in the little playette, “The Raft” was followed by the Mock Wedding, Bridget O’ Flynn, the delightful songs By the quartette and dance music by the Largul Band. The class basket ball team defeated the Juniors and Seniors but only received third place in the Inter-Class Tournament. The Sophomore class, so soon to be Juniors, have enjoyed two pleasant years in the West Salem High School. With such a reputation in the past a brilliant future seems to be assured for them.

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(7|iiiiiiiii iiiiiHiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiin............................................ mu........................Q SCHOOL ACT1U1T1ES iiMiMiiniiiiiiiiiiiMiiimMMlMiMiMiiMMmMmMiiimmmmiMiimiiiiMmi HIGH SCHOOL MIXERS The first mixer of this school year was planned by the Senior class. A committee of Seniors arranged an interesting program. Four girls in masculine attire and four boys in becoming hats and dresses demonstrated the way in which popular songs should be sung. A radio broadcasting act revealed many of the seemingly secret affections entertained by some of the students. As another feature of this program a group of boys sang several popular songs. A few weeks later the Junior class followed with the second high school mixer. Baby pictures of many of the students and other exceedingly interesting pictures of the faculty and students offered much amusement. This was followed by an indoor Field and Track meet. Each class was called upon to choose members to take part in the contests. The representatives of the senior class succeeded in carrying away all the “honors”. Alfred Kinney sang several songs and Alfred Nied-feldt played several selection on the mouth organ. The next mixer was sponsored by the Sophomore class. The opening number was a comet solo “Melody in F” played by Billy Johnson. A reading “Two Black Crows” by “Abbie” Larson followed. The next number was a song sung “backward” by our talented quartet. Rudolph Meyer played two violin solos accompanied by Shirley Heider at the piano. The quartet in disguise again offered two selections. “The Raft” a one act play, the opening lines of which, spoken by Yale Naset were, “Lost! Lost on the Cari-bean sea, and not a woman in sight!” caused a great deal of laughter. Norma Johnson played the part of the rescued heroine. A silhouetted piano-logue, “Bridget O’ Flynn” by Leila Bechtold, Annabel Blackburn, Wilson Thomas and Shirley Heider was the next feature. Then followed the main event of the evening, a Womanless Wedding in which many of the High School boys took part. Martin Hass was the bride and Arnold Schmidt the frightened bridegroom. The Freshman class gave the last mixer. The main feature was the class championship basket ball game between the Freshman and Junior classes. Mr. Peters presented the hasket ball team with the letters won this year and the medals won by taking part in the Tournament at Sparta. He also presented the interclass championship shield to the Freshman class who won the game mentioned above. The other features of the program followed. Arnold Schmidt gave a reading and the quartet sang several songs. Elizabeth Schwartz and Yale Naset accompanied by the quartet, presented a Hawaiian scene. Four senior boys were called upon to participate in a high school entertainment of this kind for the last time. The act, however, did not seem very appropriate for dignified seniors since it was necessary for them to indulge in a pastime which they had not enjoyed since their baby days. A period of dancing followed each mixer after which refreshments were served. More interest in high school entertainments seems to have been shown this year than other years. The students derive much beneficial training in planning these entertainments and putting them across successfully. All the mixers were well attended and I think that every student will agree that all present had a good time at every mixer. THE GIRLS’ GLEE CLUB The only musical organization of the high school is the Girls’ Glee Club. I ast year this organization under the supervision of Miss Lujean Colby and Myra Wilcox, pianist, reached the i height of its success by presenting 1 “The Gipsy Rover”, a musical comedy j in three acts. This was an artistic and impressive presentation which revealed much promising talent. This year the club organized with | forty members representing every | class in high school. The following • officers were elected: President—Leila Bechtold Business Manager—Marian Dahl Secretary-Treasurer—Mary Griswold The Glee Club meets every Monday and Thursday afternoons for rehearsal, under the direction of Miss Alice Lound. No operetta was given this year due to lack of preparatory time. How ; ever the girls appeared on two 1 occasions at P.T.A. and pleased the audiences by singing several se’ections : which were well selected and beauti-j fully executed. THE SPEAKING CONTESTS The local speaking contest was held Thursday evening, April 26, in the high school auditorium. The places awarded were as follows: Extemporaneous Reading First—Charlotte Meyer Second—Evelyn Herman Third—Mary Griswold Declamations First—Marjorie Storandt Second—Alvena Jones Third—Minnie Seeger Yale Naset and Allen Anderson will represent West Salem in the oratorical contest and Frederick Meyer in extemporaneous speaking at the District contest to be held in Holmen May 4th. A preliminary declamatory contest was held in the afternoon of Friday, April 20. Of the fourteen contestants six were selected to participate in the local contest. As this paper goes to press before the District Contest occurs, the final results cannot be published but we hope to bring back some of the banners. Pet Sayings of the Teachers Mr. Peters: “You can picture that in your mind.” Miss liound: “It comes all wrapped up in a neat little packet.” Miss Richardson: “Clarence, how did you do that?” Mr. Splitgerber: “How? What was that?” Miss Phillips: “Well, Infants!” Mr. Rowe: “Aw, go on.” Imagine! 1. “Prof” excusing all Senior girls from the Physics final. 2. The Senior girls not trying to vamp the Freshman boys. 3. Frederick M. staying in his seat the first period. 4. “Split” not picking on the seniors. 5. The Juniors being dignified. 6. Marjorie refusing a date with Hans. 7. Helen D. sitting in the sun. 8. Mildred G. forgetting her powder puff. 9. Don K. as a tight rope walker. 10. W.S.H.S. without the Class of 1928. A Freshie’s green on the surface A Sophomore polished a bit A Junior’s there if there’s fun in the air But a Senior is “simply it”.

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Qiiiihmiii 11111111111 IIMIIIIIti llll IIII11911 III •• I III I III I III III Mil 111! Ml | a|| | PARENT-TEACHERS ASSOCIATION FIRST MEETING Friday evening Oct. 21 about 100 persons attended the Parent-Teacher meeting held in the gymnasium of the high school. There was an interesting program, election of officers and a buffet lunch. Harry Jones presided at the meeting which opened with the reading of the minutes. Mrs. Ruppenthal, accompanied by Mrs. Waite, sang a solo and responded to an encore with “There’s a Little Bit of Heaven Called Ireland.” Both were sung with charm and precision. George M. Snodgrass, president of the La Crosse State Teachers College, gave a 30 minute talk along educational lines and explained some of the contributions of psychology to modern methods of education. The speakers definitions were made in the precise wording of an upper class room but his illustrations and explanations shed much light upon his meaning. He questioned whether students should study things they did not like. Because a student can reason out the solution to abstruse mathematical problems it does not follow that he can give the answer to the other problems of life. “Education,” he said, “should make desirable things pleasant and inhibit their opposites.” This is another way of saying that education should fit men to enjoy good things and hate those which are harmful. People used to believe that practice made perfect but educators think now that to learn one must practice with satisfaction, in other words enjoy his work. Of course it follows that the man who finds joy in his work can have no greater happiness. The points brought out were interesting and well presented. D. E. Peters had a set of slides showing views of the World War and put them on while the luncheon committee was preparing the tables. The following officers were elected: President—G. W. Garlock Vice Pres.—Mrs. Orma McEIdowney Secretary—D. E. Peters Treasurer—Miss Richardson The date of the next meeting was set for Tuesday, December 6. The result of the standard test in the local school will be ready for presentation at that time. The following were appointed as a program committee: Mrs. Elizabeth Drecktrah, Mr. Rowe, Miss Schrankel, Mrs. Lorna Tofson and J. W. Thomas. ......................... SECOND MEETING In spite of snow and adverse weather conditions almost a hundred people were present at the second meeting of the Parent-Teachers Association held in the high school gym Tuesday evening December 6th. The program included the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, a group of songs by the high school glee club, a piano solo by Elmer Mau, and a report of the standard tests by Mr. Peters. Following the program the parents who had children in the grades were given an opportunity to examine the papers turned in during the test period. Both musical numbers on the program were good and the first appearance of the Glee Club with its 30 or more young voices was especially interesting. The Club sounded very promising Tuesday night and under Miss Lound’s direction should develop into an organization we shall wish to hear often. The standard test as explained by Mr. Peters is a series of test questions in the various grades. These questions are given out to the pupils without previous warning of their nature. The percentage of correctness in answers is compared with a standard figure reached through averaging the results of similar tests of many thousands of pupils in other schools. The tests here reveal the progress made in local teaching methods. Given in the early months of the school year, they reveal deficiencies which can be corrected during future months and are a valuable guide to the teachers. At the same time they give local tax payers a standard by which they may measure the progress and success of the school. Mr. Peters announced that no public Christmas program would be given in the school this year. There has always been much doubling up of preparation where school pupils participate in both school and church programs. This year the plan of leaving such programs entirely to the church will be followed. Mr. Peters also revealed that the operation of the drivers license law is likely to keep several high school pupils out of school after Jan. 1. They are too young to secure a license and without it have no way of coming to school. There are one or two such students who would like to stay in town and assist in work around the house for their room and board. Mr. Peters will be glad to give names to any person who can lend a helping hand in this problem. IIMIIMIIIMIIIMMIMMIIIIIIIIIHIimillllHMMIMMIIIIHMIlMIIMHIHM THIRD MEETING Tuesday evening April 3 an audience of a hundred people came out for the third Parent-Teachers meeting and heard Dr. A. E. Frederick of Sparta deliver an address filled with eloquence, high ideals and sound sense. Dr. Frederick’s subject was “The Neglected Child.” He saw the child as the man and woman of tomorrow. The child that is starved physically, morally, socially or educationally is handicapped in the battle of life. Healthful food, clean play, self restraint in social contacts, work, saving, wise spending, self reliance and an awakened sense of moral values are essentials in the life of the youngster who is to train for success. Dr. Fredericks address was keen, virile, warmed with ideals and illuminated by an insight into real life. Dr. Frederick is a graduate of Wisconsin and Georgetown Universities; for seven years was the State Humane Officer; served in the war as a commander of a company of infantry; has been a member of the legislature; has been admitted to the bar and is divorce counsel for Monroe county. He is a candidate for congress from this district, but his address was wholly non-political. Following the program the refreshment committee, lead by Mrs. Capper, served cake, coffee and sandwiches. Lester H.—Let’s get tied. Dorothy S.—Let’s knot. Annette Me.—Why do the Scotch like basket ball ? Yale—They enjoy the free throws. Verna S.—Any mail waiting for me? Elizabeth—Yes, I saw an “Auburn” outside. E. H.—Why do you call Rnute “Humpty Dumpty”? H. D.—Cause he fell for me and it broke him. Lives of Seniors all remind us We can make our lives sublime And in asking foolish questions Take up recitation time.