West Seattle High School - Kimtah Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

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High in the clouds a fighter plane engages in combat with that of an enemy. Spitfires zoom to meet the Luftwaffe, while farther on a bomber drops its destructive cargo, demolish- ing everything in its Wake. This is war-total war, and among those who realize the fact the most is the faculty of the school. It is they who have had their classes depleted by the many boys who have joined the services. It is they who have had to alter their courses to a wartime tempo. And it is they who engage most actively in duties of Civilian De- fense, some spending 20 and more hours a Week on these war-time activities, in addition to their regular duties as instructors. We thank them for the understanding and guidance they have given us during our years in high school. far' Q QAM 7531? .WA

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who had never before held jobs assumed eight-hour shifts. Efficient civilian defense organi- zations were set in motion, and soldiers were rapidly moved into defense areas. Rationing, curtailing of production for civilian needs, longer Working hours were part of a new routine which became the everyday life. lnto farm country and crowded city came a speedier, more efficient way of living. Centers of population rapidly shifted as men moved to war jobs. Seattle, city of lumber mills and fishing boats, soon was busy with shipyard, aircraft plant, machine shop. Housing shortages, transportation difficulties, goods necessities, manpower needs were tackled by military, civilian and government agencies alike. Private and government built housing projects, linked with utilization of every spare room in private homes, went a long way toward absorbing increased population. Ride sharing, more walking and additional busses aided transportation. Rationing, thriftiness, and doing without unnecessaries did much to diminish goods shortages. And housewives, older people, school teachers, students, family men took on larger responsibilities, helping bear the production load. At West Seattle the student body and faculty gave much of their time to the war effort. Many teachers worked full or part-time shifts at war plants in addition to school work, some switched to vital war work for the duration, and others participated in responsible civilian defense jobs. Students earned first aid certificates, joined in civilian defense, worked on Red Cross projects, held jobs outside school, organized salvage drives. Hundreds of West Seattle boys and some of its girls are now seeing active duty, several have already been wounded, been captured, or have met death on the great battlefronts of this war. Knowing that their bravery must not go unheeded and unaided, those who remain at home have pledged themselves to back up the fighting men and women in every way possible and to continue to do so until Victory is won. That the best of youth is today giving their lives for an unappreciative people would be the most ironical loss of human life possible, meaning the end of constructive living. The people of America realize this, and in so doing wish to be worthy of the sacrifices being made at the battle scenes. West Seattle's glimpse into the future can show only that many more who have been part of the school will be called to the colors. We hate to see them go, but in order to insure that their work will soon be over, and that there will be something fine to which to come back, we will work and pray for the fulfillment of Victory and a just peace.

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ADMINISTRA TION 'f 1k-f- lllI'l