William A Wirt High School - Sandscript Yearbook (Gary, IN)

Page 11 text:

With the graduation of the 1939 Senior Class, William A. Wirt School marked its first year of existence. The completion of the first two semesters reflected and symbolized the success of our young people in the school and in the Miller community. The building located at 210 North Grand Boulevard was the last educational institute planned by Dr. William A. Wirt following his work, study, play system. The new structure then consisted of twenty rooms, but plans and appropriations had already been made for future development. Ideas for Gary's scenic learning center were feasible for we were allotted a perfect location near Lake Michigan and Marquette Park. Of the total enrollment, 179—seventeen students had senior rating. Members of the first graduating class led the list of outstanding personalities at Wirt. These students aimed their labors toward the future success of the Wirt School organization. It was through their efforts with the help of their sponsor, Mrs. Frances Huddleston, that a scholastic organization such as National Honor Society was established during the second semester. Their other varied group activities included track and basketball teams, under Coach Andrew Hatrack, Girls' Athletic Association, band and orchestra, SAND SCRIPT under co-editors, Phyllis Kean and Earl Parker, the traditional variety show, Chips and Shavings, and fine plays, some of which were broadcasted over radio station WIND. Thus, the young people at a young school were content to know that they had helped to attain actuality from a mere vision. A hopeful year had ended fruitfully for they had created a new school life . . . like no other.

Page 10 text:

Through this side door passed Wirt's first student body, people who created the atmosphere which is an integral part of our school life. Three members of the former faculty. Dr. Ermel Griffith, Mrs. Nancy Jones, and Mrs. Frances Huddleston, are reunited in the spirit of good old days with their students of the Class of '39, Mrs. Phyllis Kean Parker, Mrs. Bette Flamme Wunschel, Mr. Frank Galloway, Mrs. Naomi Kean Parker, Mr. Earl Parker, Mrs. Olivemae Yester Dooley, Mr. Raymond Gray, and Mrs. Fannie Mae Christoff Gray. This glass cylinder illuminated the stairway when the school was young and remains with the new additions as a reminder of the past. Rising amid the sand dunes, the school is visible in final stages of completion. The familiar face of Wirt appears behind a lattice-work of trees. This worn and wooded path, once the frequent incentive for silent walks and quiet conversations, is now the cement drive which leads to our football field.

Page 12 text:

With the graduation of the 1963 Senior Class, Wm. A. Wirt School marks its twenty-fifth anniversary. The completion of this school year recalls the success that the young people of Wirt have made in the school and in the Miller community. Even though Wirt is one of Gary's fastest growing public high schools and now has twenty-nine classrooms in addition to one of the city's most modern and well-equipped gymnasiums, plans for future development are still being made. An ultra-modern addition which includes a cafeteria, auxiliary gym, rooms for band, vocal music, art, crafts, typing, business education, science, and library, plus seven regular classrooms, office space, and new lobby additions is on the agenda for future construction. Like the individuals who attended Wirt in the early days, those of the present are constantly working for the progress of Wirt's student life. Their efforts have made possible new and advanced courses of study and a successful student government have organized victorious athletic teams, have furthered fellowship between the city's schools and pupils, and have kept alive long standing traditions. Our existence is a product of past goals and future purpose. Each school day opens new gateways for advancement of each of our 1147 personalities into the progressive and deserving young people of the world. Wirt alumni cannot just be content with their academic and social achievements, for on their shoulders is placed the responsibility of a country's existence. It is their responsibility as citizens to strive to succeed in a growing America with a future . . . like no other.