Whitmer High School - Oracle Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

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ARDEN C. WALKER Principal of Whitmer High Looking in retrospect at Whitmer High School life for the 1951-1952 school year, we realize that our athletic teams were not invincible, neither do we claim that many of our students will become world noted scholars or leaders, but even with these admissions, our school banners of which we sing so reverently in our school hymn, have been carried to a high level of achievement. I think we are better understanding that true- education can never be adequately meas- ured by points earned in contests of physical skill, contest or oral declamation, or even by demonstration of high academic abilities on local and national tests. It is more accurately portrayed by sincere graciousness, and friendliness extended to all of our associates by a deep respect for truth, honor and justice, by emo- tional stability and strength during times of stress, by a willingness to combine our talents with hard work, that we may contribute to world progress, and by humility before God for our many imperfections. These traits must serve as the foundation of our educational program, then, facts and skills may be taught with assurance that they will be used for the betterment of mankind. It is in these areas .that I think we at Whitmer may be proud. Our homes, churches, and schools have worked hard toward this end, and you are a credit to them. It has been an abiding pleasure to have spent this year with you. Best Wishes, ARDEN C. WALKER, PRINCIPAL 6

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DEDICATION RALPH C. PRITT S To one of Whitmer,s most loyal fans this twenty-second edition of the Oracle is dedicated. Mr. Ralph Pritts, mechanical drawing teacher and sports trainer, is this great fellow. He was born in 1903 at Chauncey, Athens County, Ohio, and graduated from high school in 1923. He worked in a coal mine after graduation to get money to go to college. He attended Ohio University at Athens for one year and then taught a one-room school with all eight grades for one year at Morristown, Ohio. He went back to the University for a year and then started his coaching career at Green's Run High School the following year. He taught there for two years and decided to return to school to complete his work for his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He graduated from Ohio University in 1931. After graduation he taught at Hollister High School for eight years as Coach and Industrial Arts Instructor. He had several championship basketball teams there. He left Hollister to go to Caldwell High School to take a similar position. He was there three years and came to Whitmer in 1939. Mr. Pritts started the annual homecoming ceremonies and the bonfire which is usually held the night before the homecoming game. He schedules the games for all sport events, and sees that the fellows are well-equipped. Mr. Pritts belongs to the Side-Line Quarter-Backs, and is Secretary of the Athletic Council. Although he is a busy man, he has found time to build his own home. When the season rolls around, he finds time to hunt and fish. Ralph Pritts and his bow ties are a friendly, familiar part of Whitmer's life.

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THE ADMINISTRATION Whitmer's first principal was Mr. C. L. Messmore, who retained the position until 1936. In 1936 Mr. Earl Keller was principal, followed by Mr. Elmer Marks in 1938. Our own Mr. Arden C. Walker became principal on February 1, 1950. In 1937 Mr. Earl Keller was local superintendent. In the fall of 1940, Mr. A. N. Thurston assumed the position, followed by Mr. Earl B. Driver in 1945. Mr. J. W. Whitmer was the first county superintendent, followed by Mr. E. J. Krieger. Mr. Harold M. Ryder, one of the original 88 county superintendents from Ohio chosen in 1914, has been superintendent of this county since 1940 when he came from Fremont, Ohio. 2 l .,,.,.., as 8 141 ,,, .. ,ff- 0 4' we-MA 7 3351 vfsiif , I-W IQ? L? 1 EES E 2 ,A . I . j kill iii I J . . M 1? . 16111 1. I ' if '