Wilbraham and Monson Academy - Hill Yearbook (Wilbraham, MA)

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? .l l A Q wk Perhaps the most significant change ever to occur in the Acade- my's history was in 1955 when W. Gray Mattern, Ir., became the nineteenth Headmaster. A Yale graduate at 19, Mr. Mattern's edu- cational career began as an English teacher at Taft, where some of the boys were older than he. At age 24, he became Headmaster of The Irvington School. Several years later he came to Wilbraham. In a little more than a decade, Mr. Mattern has increased the size of the school from 170 to 5300. In the future he sees a possible growth to 450. Since Mr. Matternis appointment a young, exciting faculty has been formed. And, year by year, student caliber has improved. The air at Wilbraham today is one of cautious optimism. Stu- dents and faculty are excited about the possibilities of the future for Wilbraham. At the same time, however, no one is neglecting the present, and the responsibility which everyone shares. Proof of this is the athletic records that were made this year. The football team had its most successful season in years. Highlights of that season included wins over Suffield and Williston by respective scores of 40-0 and 8-0. Basketball, baseball, hockey, skiing and Wrestling all had highly successful years. Spring track was again undefeated in dual meets. In the classroom too, innovations, exciting and valuable, were made. One American history class held a two week Vietnam Peace Conference, which saw the North Vietnam Udelegationn walk out at the end. The i'Student Projectl'-sponsored Colloquium appeared to be a huge success, and it is hoped that weekends of its nature will be continued. The tutoring which was begun with The Northern Educational Service in conjunction with the 6'Student Projectu gave 60 boys a chance to view, and try to ameliorate, the positions in this world of 60 underprivileged children in Springfield. And so Wilbraham is a concerned community, with a sense of accomplish- ment, looking ahead with eagerness. 6 Present

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Colloquium In the spring of 1967 The Student Project decided to expand its activities by embarking upon a project unique in the history of this institution. Throughout its history, the Projects primary concern has been in aiding international education. Although we know that this endeavor is worthwhile and is one which we wish to continue, we also have come to believe that we, since we have the fimds, should increase our educational activity here on campus. After much serious thought, we decided upon a symposium concerning problems students are forced to face today. From these many and varied problems we chose to focus on three: Civil Disobedience, Drinking and Drugs, and the Student in the University, During the weekend we had many experts on these topics on campus to lead discussion groups, debate, and give their opinions on these difficult problems. On Friday morning of the Colloquium weekend, Mr. Brent Bozell and Mr. Robert Parsonage debated the general topic, Student Protest and Dissent in the 6O's.', This proved to be a controversial and thus dynamic force in setting the student tone for the weekend. Mr. Bozell opened by denouncing student protest. He used the argument that it is the students place only to gain knowledge, and not to express opinions. Naturally, the students did not accept his conservative ideals. They found an ally in Mr. Parsonage, who defended the students. He felt that adults should not shun the students and their ideas, but should attempt to unite with them in an effort to improve conditions. During the question and answer period the students gained more support from Dr. Donald Louriais climactic and impassioned criticism of Mr. Bozell. This left the students with a feeling of anticipation regarding the coming weekend. 8