Williams Memorial Institute High School - Legenda Yearbook (New London, CT)

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SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS President . . . Marion Bruhns Vice President . . May McGuinness Secretary .... Evelyn Reynolds Treasurer .... Norma DeBiasi Honor Court Representatives Norma Deveau Marilyn Portelance Phyllis Dicero Senior Class History In September 1941, we approached the doors of Buell Hall, which had been painted green in honor of the freshman, with no small amount of apprehension as to what lay before us in our four years at W. M. I. It didn't take us long to get right into the swing of things—the Wednesday morning sing periods—the Friday assemblies—the group guidance classes—the music appreciation classes. We were oriented to our high school life which was so different from our grammar school days. However, we were but a small part of the world who underwent changes. It was in our freshman year that the attack on Pearl Harbor, the declaration of war on the Axis, and the tragic fall of the Phillipines came, all as major factors which shook the world. With our sophomore year came new privileges and, naturally, new obligations. We no longer walked in a daze, but went on our way knowingly, but with a little hesitation for we were still underclassmen. We began to think of our careers. With the war, came a completely new field—women's auxiliaries. Several of our alumnae joined the armed forces, and we felt a glow of pride, and just a twinge of envy, that we weren't old enough to get into it —to be able to share in the experience of a United States on the offensive in the first bombing of Japan, and the American landings in North Africa. September 1943 we returned to school as upperclassmen, ready for work, play, and anything else that came along. We felt quite grown up when we entertained our freshman sisters at our tea in October. We held our Junior Prom, the first formal which we had sponsored, and were justly proud of the results. Most of us were old enough to do war work, and we all tried to do something. We crowded around the radio on that memorable day of June 6, 1944—D-Day. This was an anxious time, for the war had reached a critical point. Our return to W. M. I. as seniors gave us a very strange feeling which was hardly tangible—a mixture of eagerness, of pride, of fear, and anticipation. Most of us plunged into that senior subject, chemistry, hoping for the best. As our men marched in Germany, we became serious about our careers— each hoping she could do something concrete for the cause. We began to realize that our generation would be the one called upon to assist with the reorganization of the world. The class of 1945 goes forth to fulfill our purpose in life, with God's help. 10

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BARBARA SONYA AGRIN Barb” College Drama Club 1, 2, 3, 4; French Club 1, 2. 3; Secretary-Treasurer Freshman History Club 1. 4; Junior Citizen's Council 3. 4. DOROTHY MARY ALEXANDER Dot Commercial LUCY FRANCES ALLEN Allen College B. Y. C. Council 1; Glee Club 1. 2; Drama Club 1, 2, 3, 4; French Club 2, 3; Vice President 4; Choir 3. 4; Junior Citizen's Council 3. 4; Prom Committee 3; Senior History Club 4; Senior Dance Committee 4; Departmental Honors 1, 2. 3, 4. BARBARA IRENE ANTZES Bobbie College Drama Club 3; French Club 3; Softball 3; Basketball 3. HELEN JACQUELINE ARLINGTON Jackie College Choir Robemistress 4; Orchestra 1, 2. 3, 4; Band 1. 2, 3. 4: Glee Club 3. 4; Class Secretary 1. She seems cheerful of yesterdays And confident of tomorrows. Here's to our future Elsa Maxwell! Barb will be ready to take over the social life of the socialites when Elsa retires. She is planning to attend Emerson—who knows but what she will be the society editor of the New London Evening Day sometime. Sober, but not serious Quiet, but not idle. Dot's congenial disposition has gained for her many friends since she came to W. M. I. in her sophomore year. She hopes to be a bookkeeper after graduating. My heart is most erratic. Allen is one of our most intriguing seniors. Her main interests in life, obviously, are men, food, and clothes but we love her for them. She wants to be world-famous and no doubt we'll soon be hearing about her in the worldwide news. To know her is a pleasure, As a friend she is a treasure. Bobbie transferred from Chapman Tech in her Junior year and fits easily into our school life. She is short, but has hopes of growing taller. Her ambition is to become a medical technician. She excels in sports. Jackie came to W. M. I. sophomore year from White Plains, New York. Her exuberance and vitality have made her an excellent athlete. Jackie hopes to become a surgical nurse sometime in the near future. 12