Westfield High School - Prospectus Yearbook (Westfield, NY)

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CLASS OF I he fall of 1943 found the new Sophomore class trooping downstairs to take up residence at opposite ends of the second floor. Under the leadership of Mrs. Trump and Mr. Brooker as advisors, candidates were chosen and the oflicers elected. I ' his time Ruth Schuette emerged as president; Jean Allen, vice-president; Ralph Meyers, secretary; and Emma Rohman, treasurer. Later Eleanor Kurgan was chosen Red Cross representative and Charles Crim, Student Council representative. A color chart was obtained and the class colors, primrose and light blue, were selected as the most harmonious. Not long after solid session was over, plans were under way for a harvest festival, with several groups taking care of the refreshments, decorating, tickets, advertising, etc. Ihe evening of the big event found the auditorium adorned with corn stalks, bales of hay, pumpkins, and other “atmosphere” which contributed to the general hilarity. Guests were required to come in old clothes, which were considered the proper attire for the energetic square dancing which followed. CTeat quanti¬ ties of cider and doughnuts were consumed by all during the long and strenuous evening. I he attendance was very gratifying, as it was the first important social event of the school year. After one of the local basketball games, we sponsored around dance with profitable results for the class treasury. On April 4 in the auditorium, the English II classes presented a well-known radio play which had been adapted for the stage by Mrs. Trump. This sketch was used only with the special permission of the author who writes the weekly radio series. Owing to a conflict with the Senior play practice, all of the rehearsals were held during the noon hour and after the close of the afternoon session. Because of the required voice changes, several of the principals’ vocal cords underwent con¬ siderable strain. Helping behind the scenes with the curtain, scene changes, sound eflFects, costumes, and make-up were James Gervaise, Anthony Marsala, Charles Crim, James Eggert, Judy Pentz, and Eleanor Karash. Robert Watson read a selection from the Scriptures. At the request of the author, we are not permitted to mention the title nor characters of the play. The cast included the following: Richard McEvoy, the son of the family; Marc Waite, the father; Jean Allen, the mother; Ruth Schuette, the sister; Robert Brown, another school boy; Eleanor Decker, a high school girl; Herbert Dedrick, a third school boy; Robert Watson, the principal; Joyce Bartley, his secretary; Roberta Gundlach, the aunt; Margaret Jackson, the girl friend; John Clement, her father; Marietta Engelhardt, her mother; and Eugene Breads, the announcer. A committee consisting of Ruth Schuette, Eleanor Decker, Richard McEvoy, and Robert Brown met frequently at Robert’s house. An original radio script was prepared which the class hope to present in a study hall assembly later in the year. In our English classes, we have had other opportunities to show our acting ability. During the study of the “Merchant of ’enice” and “Twelfth Night,” many scenes were acted out for the enjoyment of the room. Especially effective was Marc Waite’s interpretation of the vindictive Shylock, armed with a long and sharpened butcher knife. Although solid session cut seriously into most of our programs, some have managed to maintain a high scholastic average. With the addition of an extra period to the school day, many have found it possible to take five or even six subjects. Two of our former classmates, Charles Mutch and Anthony Cogliano, are now serving in the armed forces. At last reports, Charles has advanced to the rank of gunner’s mate. James Hage, Marc White, and Charles Crim were asked to join the Hi-Y, that thriving W. H. S. institution headed by Mr. Brooker. The girls joining the Mi-Y were Ruth Schuette, Marietta Engelhardt, Jean Allen, and Marianne Bixby. The day of the great paper drive found many of our more hardy members out in full force despite the chilly weather. Again the sports curriculum is well represented, as a large number of boys and girls went out for basketball. The class honor in this field was upheld by such stellar athletes as Charles Crim and Ralph Meyers, who were the envy of the whole school. One of our most reliable players, the indefatigable Ralph, proved recently that it took only a siege of pneumonia to prevent him from playing the game. The girls’ team was well organized this year under Eleanor Decker as captain and played many remarkable games with the upper-classmen. A new and welcome addition to the teachers’ ranks was Miss Little, who replaced Mr. Booker in Social Studies. Later on, when Mr. Konstanty left, we gained Mr. Schell as Phys-Ed instructor. A baseball team was soon organzied by him with Charles Crim, Richard McEvoy, James Gervaise, Robert Watson, Henry Canale, and James Hage competing for the various positions. Spring training was held both in the gym and at Welch Eield when the weather improved. I he distinction of being the first group in the high school to achieve a 100% stamp sale fell to the Sophomore boys. This provided the incentive for the girls to follow, and close competition resulted. Twenty-one consecutive weeks starting No¬ vember 10 with the 100% purchase of stamps is the school record so far. Special credit is due to Mr. Brooker, who helped start this movement. With ever increasing confidence in the future, the entire group looks forward to the two years lying before them. High school has been incomparably more exciting than the life which we left behind in grade school. 28

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CLASS OF FORTY-FIVE Donald Mutch, Joyce Garrison, Jane Slocum, Janet Burleigh, Betty Eggert, 7 ' homas Guido, Grace Bivona, Marie Baideme, Alice Brown, Hazel Ticknor, Milton Nash. Asa McKinnis, JVyllian King, Jean Bennett, David Spencer, Anne Bornand, Glara Ann Newell, Lyman Letgers, Richard Ossman, Betty Bar an. Miss Marion Baldwin, Advisor James Spann, Priscilla Hopson, Shirley JVeatherup, Lois Perdue, Angelo Lachiusa, Mary Maggio, Joyce Farr, Shirley Young, Gordon Gundlach. James IVaterman, Ann Morgenstern, Helen Laughlin, Esther Olmstead, Roberta Newman, Glara Miller, Joyce Hamilton, Ruth Pier, Donald Travis. 27

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FORTY-SIX Eleanor Decker, Robert JFatson, Patricia Jaynes, James Eggert, Judith Pentz, Richard MeEvoy, Marianne Bixby, Marc IVaite, Phyllis LaPorte, Robert Brown, Grace Beck. Lorraine DuChaine, James Ilage, Eleanor Kurgan, Jean Allen, Ruth Schuette, Ralph Myers, Charles Grim, Margaret Jackson, Robert Neill, Roberta Gundlach. Mrs. Trump, Advisor Clarence Saxton, Dale Bowen, Theodore Barlowe, James Gervaise, Richard Dalrymple, Arthur Kester, John Clement, James La Porte, Peter Baideme, George Orlando, Anthony Marsala, Ileyiry Canale. Eugene Breads, Carmela LoPreste, Edna Farnham, Arthur Nusom, Alice Bush, John Ossman, Doris Bird, Leo iard Balsano, Alice Miller, John Bowen, Betty Killbury, Herbert Dedrick. Norman IVheeler, Caroline Syracuse, Edith IVilcox, Margaret Krash, Eleanor Karash, Marcella Fickle, Mariette Engelhardt, Sarah Light, Lynette Milligen, Duane Sherman. Mr. Brooker, Advisor 29