Windsor Locks High School - Herald Yearbook (Windsor Locks, CT)

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THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD 15 study of a foreign language offers us. The study of French is as tru ' y educational as that of any other language, and the subject may be taught with as much benefit to the pupil as any other. In our everyday life we can see the bene¬ fits from being acquainted with the ideas of a foreign people. We want universal peace. In order to obtain it we must agree, or be willing to compromise on governmen¬ tal topics. By having an intimate knowl¬ edge of the modes of life and the thoughts of a foreign people, we understand each other better, we can discuss topics more freely and thus prevent much dispute. If we are to come into closer contact with France we should have some know ' edge of the French language. Language has unique force, and the an¬ cient languages in particular have power of the greatest worth. French is a very useful language, for it enlarges our English vocabulary and is in some cases a basis to other languages. Franklin once said that French was a fundamental study to Latin. In t r anslating from a foreign language a pupil must learn to use extreme nicety and accuracy of judgment in choosing the specific word or phrase which will convey as nearly as possible to his mind what the foreign language conveys to the foreign mind. Thinking in a foreign language is a useful and pleasurable experience and a practice by all means to be eventually en¬ couraged, for there is no such thing as bluffing in a foreign language examination. The average American father or mother says that many of our high school studies, including French are not practical. They think that their children should study only shorthand, bookkeeping, and other com¬ mercial studies. All are of great value to a boy or girl who choses a bus ' ness career. But even in businesses such as banking and insurance. French terms are constantly used. Expressions such as “coup d’ etat” and “connaisseuer” appear often in our daily papers. Perhaps we mav have some idea of the influence of the French ' anguage upon our own when we consider these recently-loaned French words: “Chauffeur, camouflage, depot and menu.” The literature of a nation is the expres¬ sion of national personality and ideals and one cannot study it without absorbing that personality and those ideals. French liter¬ ature has many characteristic traits such as: love of form, love of self-expression and politeness. We are all acquainted with the old French saying: “Les Fran- cais sont tout a fait polis.” Is not such a language as this worthy of study by our youth ? French has also a great value as a key to literary and scientific writings. French writers such as Corneille, Hugo, and Moliere have contributed a great deal to literature which can best be learned through a study of the works of these authors. Since France has contributed so much to Science, we can keep up with its advance in no better way than through the reading in their own language of the discoveries of such scientists as Pasteur and Madame Cure. A great deal of pleasure is received when in reading papers and books we are able to understand French words and phrases which we constantly meet. There is hardly a book at the present time which does not contain one or more French words. Take any present day novel and we find that the author writes under a “nom de plume.” The heroine of the story generally belongs to the “nouveau-riche” class. Her modest hat is disguised as “chapeau,” and her suit an an “ensemb’e.” A common meeting-place is given the elaborate name of a “ren¬ dezvous.” The s ; mple bill of fare “a la carte or table d ’hote” is made to look quite ornate under its decorations of “entrees,” “hors d’oeuvre,” and “dishes a la- mode.” Considering the fact that the study of French not only helps the study of our own language, gives us an idea of the lives end customs of others, furnishes a key to literature, and scientific writings, but also affords us an enormous amount of pleasure, we realize that the study of French has both a cultural and practical value. Margaret Brett, ’26. -(o)- STATISTICS. Hello, Mary. Hello, Sarah. Sarah—I’ve got a great surprise for you. Mary—Really? What is it? Sarah—The other night I was fussing with the radio, and seeing how many sta¬ tions I could get when I tuned in on Sta¬ tion WLHS. I was always told that this station broadcasts good programs so I decided to listen in. At first I heard some sort of musical program, but then came the surprise. What do you suppose it was ? Mary—Oh, tell me.

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14 THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD January we gave our Senior dance in the Memorial Hall. This was a very happy occasion and was well attended. Corrine—Oh I remember that. A Senior and Junior sleighride was held Tuesday, February 9th. We went to SuiField and had refreshments at a lunch room there. We all enjoyed the trip very much and we cer¬ tainly made an evening of it. But what happened next? Agnes—I know. It was our Valentine Party given by Miss Baker. We had a splendid time, and synopses of plays were read so we could decide upon a title for our play. A few days later we sent for our play books and began studying our parts. Corrine—Yes, and on April JOth we pre¬ sented the play “Am I Intruding?” at the Rialto theatre. Twelve girls took part, in it, six taking boys parts and six, girls. This occasion was well attended and everyone thought it was a wonderful success. We are grateful to Miss Parkin, Mrs. Williams, and the Glee Club for furnishing music for it. Agnes—And that practically ended our school life, save for graduation. My, how those years did fly and think of the fun we had in spite of all the cares and hardships that go with school life. I wish we could meet again in a few years and discuss these happy events as we have talked them over to-night. Corrine—Yes, I wish we could, too. Corrine Burwood, ’26. Agnes Connolly, ’26. -(o)- PRESENTATION OF CLASS GIFT TO TII.E SCHOOL. “A good book,” said Milton, “is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, em¬ balmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.” We should choose our books and maga¬ zines wisely, as we choose our friends for they tell us all that wise men know. There are two things which we should remember about reading; two reasons why we should read at all. The first reason is to gain knowledge, and the second, is to stir imagination. Good magazines give us this opportunity for both instruction and enter¬ tainment. “The National Geographic Magazine” is considered one of the best magazines of the day and is published to promote geographic knowledge. It contains articles written by people who have traveled and actually seen the facts of which they write. Photographs taken during the journey and colored plates accompany these articles. Discourses on nature such as flowers, birds, animals, mineral products, fisheries, and articles con¬ cerning the characteristics of all nations are written especially for “The National Geographic Magazine.” This year we have started a school library and it has proved of great value to the pupils of the school. Although it is not large, we hope it will continue to grow. As an addition to the library, we, the Class of 1926, present to the school a sub¬ scription for two years, to “The National Geographic Magazine.” We hope that you will enjoy this magazine and find that it contains valuable information. Ruth Drake, ’26. -(o)- ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT. In behalf of the Windsor Locks High School I wish to thank the Class of 1926 for this thoughtful gift. “The National Geographic Magazine” will be greatly appreciated by all members of the school. As you know ' we have not many maga¬ zines in our library. Most of our books are reference books. “The National Geo¬ graphic Magazine” is both instructive, as a reference book, and entertaining, as a novel. The value of reading is not unknown to us. This has been proved by the large number of students who have used the library during the past year. Without doubt this magazine will draw a larger group of students to the library next year. Dear Seniors, whenever we look at the pictures in this magazine or read its con¬ tents, we shall think of the class of 1926 who presented us with this valuable gift. Before parting, w ' e wish to congratulate you on your past success and we hope that your future will be successful and happy. Phyllis Frey, ’27. -(o)- VALUE OF FRENCH. Many people are of the opinion that the study of French has no special value. But if we consider the political, cultural, and social advantages of a knowledge of the French language, we shall see that there are many benefits derived from its study. At a moment’s thought w r e do not realize the educational opportunities which the

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16 THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD Sarah—They were broadcasting “Who’s Who in the Senior Class of Windsor Locks High School.” Well, you may be sure I listened attentively. I tried to take down the remarks but you see I don’t know short¬ hand so that was impossible. The com¬ ments were very interesting and very true. At the end- of the program it was an¬ nounced that if anybody wanted a copy of the “Who’s Who” he could obtain it by re¬ quest. Of course I wrote at once and I have just received it. Mary—Well, read it to me. Sarth—All right, here goes. First on the list comes our worthy president, Mar¬ cus Lawson, better known as “Red.” It says that Marcus’ favorite saying is, “I’m off on girls.” Yes, he always told us that, but we didn’t believe him, de we, Mary? His favorite food is eggs, especially Whites. Why the Whites more than any¬ thing else? His disposition is good-natur¬ ed. That’s true. He doesn’t live up to his red hair, you see. Appearance —sheiky, especially his socks; Favorite pastime — entertaining the girls. He surely did enter¬ tain us during the noon hour. Favorite song—“Show Me the Way to Go Home.” Some day “Red” hopes to be a chemistry teacher’s assistant. The last remark is that he just hates to do his French. Yes, I noticed that more than once. Next is Dorothy Phelps. Dot’s favorite expression is “Now, now, listen, you are my onliest little one.” Her food — corner beef and cabbage. Here’s something that’s very true. It says her disposition is talkative. Appearance—dignified. Well, at least, she tries to be at times. There is nothing Dot likes any better than to write notes. They are long ones, too. Her favorite song is “Sidewalks of Church Street.” Dot dis¬ likes to be so short. I don’t blame her a bit. Her ambition is to be employed by a certain clothing store in Hartford. They aren’t mentioning any names. Here’s Elizabeth Jackson, often called “Libby.” When anything goes wrong with Elizabeth she always says, “Hambone!” Her favorite food is milk. I admire her taste. Her disposition—conservative,, ap¬ pearance-scholarly. “Libby’s favorite pastime is translating Virgil. Her favorite song is, “All She Is. Is an Old-fashioned Girl.” She detests Trinity Freshmen. I wonder if that is supposed to be sarcasm. Her greatest desire is t t e h Livy, Hor¬ ace, etc., but especially Horace. Listen to this about Mary McHugh. Maxie is always saying, “Oh, Christo¬ pher!” Her favorite sweets are choco¬ lates. Her disposition is changeable and her appearance, dreamy. Maxie would rather go out riding than do anything else. Favorite Song—“Big Boy.” Mary dislikes powder. So I always noticed. She thinks it’s a sin to use it. Her highest aspiration is to become a fancy dancer. The next on the list is Florence Migliora, known to all as Fluffy. She is always ex¬ claiming, “Oh boy, here comes a motor¬ cycle.” Her favorite food is little apples. Her disposition—obstinate. She certainly is, especially at class meetings. Her ap¬ pearance—mischievous. Fluffy is always listening for a motorcycle. Here, too, they don’t mention any names. The song she prefers is, “I Want to be Happy.” Some day she hopes to tour the world. As a last comment on Fluffy it is said that she hates to have her own way. This one is about Margaret Brett. Midge’s favorite expression is, “Cheese it, cops.” Yes, she always said that during the sixth period. Her favorite food is ice cream. Her disposition—cheerful, appear¬ ance—petite, favorite pastime—walking down Spring street. I wonder what the attraction is? Whenever Midge sings, she always chooses, “Brown Eyes Why Are You Blue?” There is nothing she detests more than Algebra class. Her ambition is to live in Thompsonville and keep boarders. This one is about you, Mary. It says that you are sometimes called Johnny. You are constantly exclaiming, “Good grac’ous, child!” Your favorite food is rice pudding. Good reason why. Disposition—generous, appearance—serious, favorite pastime— going to weddings. They’ve got your num¬ ber all right. Remember the one you went to in May? It took you a week to get over it. Your voice is often lifted to the tune of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” You disl ' ke to ride in Fords. That’s t’ ue. You wouldn’t be disgraced. Some day you hope to be an opera singer. Well, I’m getting tired of reading. You better read the rest of them. Mary- Isn’t this interesting? Yes, I’ll read the rest. Memories and vis : ons of those day will come back to me in just a few minutes. Well, what next? Why! Sophie Markman. who was alwavs known as “Sparky.” Didn’t that name stick to her? Her favorite saying is “Oh Pat!” her favorite food is “Big Joe.” Well, that’s true. Her disposition is, curious. Believe me, she is curious. Appearance— noisy. We must forgive her, though, for being noisy because she is the baby in the class. I hope she will change in the future.