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

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Pugf 18 The Gleam i m ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Regardless of rank and occupation, language is an essential to every individual in all countries. Since no one is exempt from the necessity of using the mother tongue, it is the duty of every person to learn the correct usage of it. A basic knowledge of English is to be desired because communica- tion, intelligent conversation, and a study of history, econom- ics, or any science are possible only by a sagacious under- standing of sentences. The important item in a study of the principles of correct English is not memorizing rules, but learning to see clearly the relationship of the words in a sen-- M, Dui, tence. A study of the masterpieces of English and American literature gives excellent instruction in the correct usage of - the English language. The English language is a composite of many languages. The comparison in which the native element, giving our language its simplicity, directness, and force, is called the trunk and branches, and the foreign ele- ment, lending grace, variety, and ornament, is called the blossoms and leaves, is indeed apt. Because of this admira- ble blending of the native and foreign elements, the English language is unsurpassed in its possibilities for richness, power, and variety of expression. No harmony or sweetness or elevation of language is beyond its scope. By the development of language human achievements are MIB. Northern 4 recorded from century to century, thus enabling each genera- tion to improve upon all the preceding generations. A study of English not only gives an increased vocabulary, but it also instructs in the art of making a vocabulary serve efficiently. It is well known that fluent, accurate, and ef- fective utilization of the mother tongue in the expression of thought gives power and a possession that will serve at every turn. With an increased vocabulary and a better understand- ing of the construction and use of the English language, comes a greater capacity for enjoyment through a fuller ap- i preciation of literature, the best utterance of the human Mill Layton 1933 mind. Because of its adaptability, the variations in litera-

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The Gleam Page 17 i THE STU DY HALL The study hall is a place provided for the students to pre, pare their assignments, obtain their library notes, or complete any other type of study which can be done in a quiet and or- derly manner. Each day every pupil has from one to three study periods in which to prepare his lessons for the following day, or do his reference work. The large hall is arranged with tables and chairs. Each ' table, provided with six chairs, is a convenience for six in- dustrious students. There are forty tables in the room, mak- ing a total of 240 chairs. All seven periods End the chairs Mrs' Jessie Moore full, and in view of the fact that the students are so numer- ous, we feel credit should be given to the patient and worthy study hall teacher, Mrs. Iessie Moore, as well as to each individual, for the quiet manner in which it is conducted. Mrs. Moore is one of the most known teachers in Chrisman. Her service not only is in study hall but all of the departments have felt the valuable service she has given. One end of the hall is provided with a library, containing approximately 3,200 vol- umes. These render a great service to the busy pupils, and we feel we would hardly be able to manage without them and the willing young ladies who assist Mrs. Moore in the library. We each acknowledge the opportunity given us in the maintenance of this study hall and, therefore, make proper use of it, working diligently, happily, and cooperatively. MRS. DeSHAZO Mrs. DeShazo as Mr. Hanthornls secretary makes it her duty to become acquainted with every boy and girl of the student body. This personal CODIHCE is to her a source of enjoyment. We have never seen her that she is not busy with one of the many records or reports which must pass through her capable hands. The duties of her position are many, but she is never too busy to help students who are seeking information. She is always ready to do special works Iior all who call upon her. The students' attendance is carefully checked by Mrs. iJeShazo, and much of her time is spent in gathering statistics and looking up schedules for publication. The valuableness of her assistance is hard to estimate. Her matchless understanding, her charity, her kindness, and her broadmindedness make her a loyal friend. To come in touch with her pleasing personality makes the days seem brighter and creates for her a large circle of friends among boys and girls. The students greatly appreciate her many services. This verse from Alice Cary is a Fitted tribute to Mrs. De- Shazo. True worth is in being, not seeming,- In doing, each day that goes by Some little good-not in dreaming Of great things to do by and by. Mrs. Deshnzo 1933

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The Gleam Page 19 ture, even greater than those in human nature, no honest seeker must go away unsatisfiedg so, more genuine pleasure is obtained from the study of literature than from any other study. By means of the printed page one may travel every- where, converse with every type of person, and even journey into the past to make the acquaintance of the great men of all times. Because of the great importance of a thorough knowledge of English, all Chrisman students are required to include in their course three years of English. A fourth year is offered for those suliiciently interested to continue the study. The course offered to Sophomores includes a study of both Mis, mme, 1 grammar and literature. A discussion of poetic and prose selections from English and American authors composes this course. Classes in Sophomore English are very capably in- structed by Miss Nora Ames, Miss Mabel Potter, Miss Irene Layton, and Miss Harriet Northern. Iunior English classes study grammar for six weeks. The rest of the term is devoted to reading the works of American authors of both prose and poetry from Colonial days to the present time. This work is supplemented by a designated amount of reading each month from the best current maga- zines, which acquaints the students with the accomplish- imas Mnqllonglld ments of outstanding contemporary writers. Mr. Blevins Davis, Miss Louise MacDonald, Miss Harriet Northern, and 1 ' Miss Irene Layton are the efficient instructors of Iunior English. The course in Senior English is the history of English lit- erature from the earliest known manuscripts whose authors are not known to contemporary British authors. Macbeth and Hamlet were read, as were the best and more familiar works of Shelley, Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats. A six weeks' review of grammar is also included in this course. Miss Harriet Northern and Mr. Blevins Davis instruct these classes. Min Ames 1 9 3 3