William Chrisman High School - Gleam Yearbook (Independence, MO)

Page 19 text:

The Gleam Puff I5 MR. DUNCAN ln the halls of Chrisman, after school, one may find a man who is known by practically everyone who has lived or gone to school in Independence. This man, who is a friend to everyone, is Mr. Duncan, the supervisor of the janitor work in the high school and ward schools. Mr. Duncan is called for every little thing which goes wrong and can be found nearly any time in the building. Besides handling his job very capably, Mr. Duncan is seen very often entertaining a group of boys in the hall by telling them some of his stories, for which he is noted. Though Mr. Duncan is neither a member of the faculty nor a student in the school, he is interested in its functions probably as much as any student. ff Mr. Dullcnn THE LIBRARY The Library of William Chrisman and the Public Library have very successfully ful- lilled their object this year, in that they have been of service to the many students of Chris- man who have gained much knowledge through this opportunity. The Library has issued reference books and reading books to its full extent practically every day of this school period. The Library at school has been capably handled by several girls here at Chrisman who were willing to give their time to a cause which should be appreciated by every Chris- manite. The Public Library has been handled by Mrs. Williamson and Miss Wallace, and these two have served the students very promptly. We, as students of Chrisman, should show our appreciation for this service by co- operating with the libraries in every way possible, to help make our libraries better and ones of which we are proud. 1933

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Page 14 The Gledfm OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM The first schools of Independence w e r e established in 1 8 66 through the many ef- forts of the towns- people. Each year the enrollment grew and in 1906 it reached 2,000. lt took another fifteen years for it to reach 3,0-12. This was in the year 1921, when our present su- perintendent, E. B. Street, came to Inde- pendence. By 1924 the enrollment had m o u n t e d another thousand, numbering 4,115 students. This increasing enrollment necessitated the build- ing of additional schools. It was not until the ' year 1881 that Inde- pendence was able to keep her schools open for nine months. There was much strife and controversy over the Nl R. S'l'REE'l' school system at this time, so many of the records are not clear and some are completely lost. In 1885 Ott School was built. lt was from this school that the First class of seven members were graduated in the year 1889. The first scholarship medal was awarded by the Board of Education in 1892. In 1894 two steps were taken forward in the progress of the school system. Art and music were introduced in the schools and the library was established. In 1916-17 the original William Chrisman was built. The new annex of this building was built in 1931. The exterior architecture of the annex was copied after that of the old building, so they would match. At Superintendent Street's ofiice in the Iunior High Building there is an amazing amount of work accomplished. This year approximately 30,000 free texts were issued. This work is personally supervised in this office. All supplies in way of playground equip- ment, medical supplies, etc., are kept on hand here to be supplied to the schools on demand. Each year there is a definite program to be worked out. Some of the projects were supervised athletics, personal cleanliness, library books for each child, and reseating of grade pupils to proper sized seats. The enumeration each year has become quite an item. For each child between the age of six and twenty the state pays money to provide school children with free texts. Only by the eflicient management of Superintendent Street and his secretary, Miss Chastain, has this vast amount of work been successfully done. Mr. Dillon, State High School Supervisor, acclaimed Chrisman to be among the most eficient schools in the state. 1933

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P 081' 16 The Gleam ln Mr. I. N. Han- thorn the students of William C h r i sman have found that they have a principal who is a wise friend and adviser. Along with the many duties that accompany his posi- tion as head of the school, he finds time to participate in and e n c ourage activities in w hic h students spend their time. Our principal's largest job is that of supervising the daily work of the school in the office. Here, with the aid of Mrs. De- Shazo, the attendance records are carefully nm. naivrnonn checked so that they will be recorded correctly, excuses for absence or tardiness are issued, and difficulties per- taining to programs or school activities are ironed out. Many a baffled student has gone into the office to seek advice from Mr. Hanthorn, and has come out with the subject well in hand, thanks to the friendly counsel of our principal. Extra-curricular activities always call Mr. Hanthorn. At each entertainment or play produced by the students, faculty, or Parent-teacherls Association, we find him at the scene of action facilitating the sale of tickets at the door and helping in every way to make each of these a successful enterprise. Patrons of these activities find Mr. Hanthorn a genial host, and go away friends of the school. During school hours, when other affairs do not press him too heavily, he finds time to visit the various departments and assist in their instruction. The students have found in Mr. Hanthorn an excellent teacher who can take over nearly any class at a moment's notice and teach it ably on account of his wide and varied knowledge in numerous fields. The members of those classes fortunate enough to secure his attention welcome these visits. Mr. Hanthorn directs the debate activities of this district and is acknowledged by all members to be a capable administrator. The debaters have felt his influence, which has materially aided in their success. His work on the Annual has been invaluable and has been greatly appreciated by the staff. His attention has been given unselfishly also to the staff of the Envoy, which atten- tion has helped to improve the quality and standing of our bi-weekly paper. His work has been very much appreciated by the whole student body, and the Senior Class, especially, wishes to extend their thanks and good wishes to him in gratification for the service he has so graciously rendered. 1933