Westerly High School - Westlyan Yearbook (Westerly, RI)

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The Senior Year Book — 1952 Class History Alas, the time has arrived for that long-awaited production “Looking Backward” which is a review of the three years spent by the class of '52 in the Westerly High School. The story opens in September of 1949 with an ostentatious parade of approximately one hundred and fifty students from Ashaway, Richmond, Hope Valley, Charlestown, and the Immaculate Conception School joining those from Babcock Junior High to give birth to the class ot ’52. The first three or four weeks are replete with confusion. As you may suspect, sophomores usually have an inferiority complex, and 1 guess most of us had it for some time. Nevertheless, it was not too long before we had made many friends, had become acquainted with the teachers, and were assiduously engaged in our daily grind plus the extra-curricular activities. As our camera shifts to Craig Field, we find Bob Dinwoodie and Tom Keena among other sophomores taking part in the sport of football. Then enters the great game of politics. We chose for that year Frank Serra, Richard Com-tois. Marjorie Holland, and Virginia Trombino as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, respectively. It must be admitted that they did a very good job, especially Frank, who succeeded in getting permission from Mr. Mason to have a sophomore hop. With the most appreciated help of Miss Hanson. we find the students organizing a school paper which had formerly been discontinued because of lack of support. “The Barker” was the name given to the paper, which was successful and is still going full force. In the gymnasium we see Bob Serra. Rudy Federico, Kenneth Bennett, and a number of other athletes taking part in the great game of basketball. The weeks fly by until the aroma of blossoms and the singing of birds tell us the time is nigh for that long-awaited ten weeks’ vacation. Thus the first portion of our review comes to a close. As the production continues, we find the junior year starting off smoothly and ending at a torrid pace. To begin with, we see Bob Dinwoodie, Tom Keena, Lucille Brown, and Martha Havens elected as our president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, respectively. Then came the Junior Prom which was very successful, the decorating committee showing much artistic ability. Martha Havens was chosen as Queen of the Prom. This year each school in the state sent a student to attend the Model Legislature in Providence, which was very successful. The student who attended from our class was Helen Sweeny, a capable representative. Next our camera takes us to a place that will become very familiar to many of us in the future . . . the University of Rhode Island. Here we see a Chemistry Contest taking place with many schools in Rhode Island participating. From our school we see Mario Sculco, who was first prize winner, David Benson, Norman Crowell, Edward Palumbo, and Sandra Pinney. We should show our appreciation to this team for bringing home a cup which is now displayed in the school library. In the athletic field the junior class brought out some fine performers: among them Bob Serra, who made all-state basketball team, and Kenneth Bennett, who did fine work in helpjng Westerly to the state championship. Our junior year was saddened by the death of a favorite classmate, Fred Potter, as the result of an automobile accident. Many of the students showed their affection and respect for him by attending his funeral. We ended the year with our reception to the Class of ’51. As the last reel begins, we find the students joyously returning from a happy vacation to become the upper classmen of the school. This year we chose as our leaders Victor Finizio, Virginia Trombino, Mildred Saretzki. Martha Havens, and Frank Serra as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and PTA representative, respectively. Then came the annual event, the Senior Prom, which was very successful. Heading the committees were Shirley Berggren, Virginia Trombino, and Bob Dinwoodie, who did a commendable job. Shirley Berggren was selected Queen of the Prom. Next came a new type of production called “The Frolics of ’52” under the direction of Coach John DiGangi. In the Frolics were various tal-

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Tin: Senior Year Book — 1952 President's Address Mr. Mason, teachers, parents and friends, classmates: Each member of the graduating class is probably thinking: “High school is finished. This is the last assembly in the school auditorium, and these are the last few hours we shall ever spend within this school for which we have attained such a deep affection. Oh, we all feel the elation of graduating from high school; but with our happiness there is a pang of regret. For we shall have to leave our school, our friends, our teachers, and all those enjoyable school activities connected with Westerly High. The future may hold for us a trade, a business, or a higher school of learning; but wherever our path may lead us, we shall meet life with all its noble features and all its problems and complexities. Now facing life’s difficulties, every senior realizes that he or she is indebted to the teaching staff of our high school for giving to us our start in adult life. Their efforts would have been appreciated a thousandfold, could we have seen them during the past three years in the light in which we see them now; in the light of our benefactors who have been building us for the day when we should have to leave our school. To Mr. Mason, who is an inspiring example of a principal, to each member of the teaching staff, to all those who have contributed to our well-being in Westerly High School, for their help and guidance, I should like to express in behalf of the senior class, our sincere, truly heartfelt gratitude. Although we are saddened by our passing from Westerly High, we shall certainly, in the years to come, look back on our high school days with happy thoughts and joyful hearts. Our senior year, which seemed to pass so rapidly, will bo an especial one to relive in our worlds of thought. With other memories, will come to mind our band, our spirited rallies, and our athletic contests and victories. We shall recall the dances and other interesting and exciting activities which brought with them so much fun and enjoyment. Nor shall we forget the studies, scholastic work, and tests which have made us worthy of the term “students.” The value of our teachers’ time given to us after school will be impressed upon us. All this is in the past. As of today, the responsibilities of men and women are our responsibilities. We are no longer high school students but adults. Our graduation is a milestone which today we pass in our journey through life. The joys and heartaches of a career and of marirage are to be ours. We shall know worthwhile satisfaction derived from a job well done. There will be burdens and moments of insecurity, too. For these moments, may I pass to you this maxim which has been handed down to me: Meet the world and all its difficulties squarely, with a smile on your lips and a song in your heart. May the gifts of health, good luck, and happiness be in store. God bless each and every one of you. VICTOR FINIZIO, President, Class of 1952

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The Senior Year Book — 1952 ented members of the school. Some of the seniors who participated were Fred Ferraro and Samuel Urso, two comedians; Bill Ornberg, Bernice Green, Carol Carlesi, vocalists; Robert Hamblen, an extraordinary cartoonist; and Helen Sweeny, Sylvia Lord, and Sandra Drysdale, the Dancing Dolls. This was a rollicking performance and was enjoyed by all the spectators. To report the last four months of the senior year, we must appoint ourselves prophets and peer into the mists of the future. The time, we know, will speed by very rapidly and usher in many interesting events. As usual, there will be the Senior Reception sponsored by the juniors, the Junior Prom and the Senior Play. Mr. Di-Gangi is destined to bring many new ideas and events into the school this year, for we now see him directing the competitive plays. The senior class hails Mario Sculco, who has earned the honor of being Valedictorian, and Marjorie Holland who has achieved the title of Salu- tatorian. These top students have compiled an amazing record while at high school. I Speak for Democracy Contest was ably represented this year by Mario Sculco, second prize winner: Edward Palumbo, Janice Howard, and Victor Finizio from the class of 1952. Martha Havens, a very popular girl with everyone, was the choice of her class and the faculty for the D. A. R. Award which is given each year to a senior girl outstanding in character, leadership, and ability. Last, but not least, will come that long-awaited moment, Graduation, which will end our production and our three successful, happy years at Westerly High School. As we leave dear old Westerly High we should like to say to all the future students, Bonne chance, mes chers amis.” NORMAN CROWELL JAMES C. WILCOX Senior Class Officers Seated: Virginia Trombino, Victor Finizio. Mildred Saretzki; standing: Frank Serra, Martha Havens. Fred Ferraro. President Victor Finizio Secretary Martha Havens Marshal Fred Ferraro Vice President Virginia Trombino Treasurer Mildred Saretzki p. T. A. Rep. Frank Serra ■ 14 -