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

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26 THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD press. They tell the paper what to print and what to leave unsaid. We are free, how¬ ever, to offer our own opinions. No law has ever been passed abridging our right of freedom of speech or of the press. As one recent writer has stated, If we allow the press to be fretted, we fretter ourselves.” In a paper, the truth is what is expedient. It is not a good policy lor us to make public utterances that are liable to cause damage, but, as the quotation reads, It is better a thousandfold abuses of free speech than denial of free speech. Without free speech, no search for truth is possible; no discovery of truth is useful; progress is checked and nations no longer march forward toward the nobler life which the future holds for man.” According to the Amendments of the Constitution, Article 1, reads Congress shall make no law restricting the people to assemble peacefully and to make petitions to the government to appease their grievances. Various writers have stated that, Some people clamor loudly for freedom of assembly whose only concern is to use that freedom to undermine the foundations upon which it rests. Their aim is to bring about either social, economic, or political despotism. We shall be more American if we but remain true to the principles in which we have been bred.” As students of today we are under the supervision of those who have profited by these foundation principles, but as the citizens of tomorrow, we shall be the leaders of this great nation, and as leaders, it will be our duty and obligation to uphold these foundation principles. With these principles in mind, the Senior Class this year has chosen as its motto, Today we follow, tomorrow we lead.” Mildred Wallace, ’ 39 . VALEDICTORY 1 CHOOSE AMERICA FOR ITS OPPORTUNITY Woodrow Wilson once said, America stands for opportunity, America stands for a free field and no favor, America stands for a government responsive to the interests of all.” True, indeed, are these words. America has proved a haven for many people seeking freedom from religious, social, and political oppression, because it has been able to grant them these factors, so vital to their happiness and success. One of America ' s chief characteristics is the opportunity she extends to her citizens to make the most of their talent and industry irrespective of birth, creed, or condition. If a person has the ability and stamina that makes for success, he is not hampered from acquiring this success because of nationality or social condition. If this were not true, how could Abraham Lincoln, who was bom and brought up in extreme poverty, have become one of our most illustrious presidents. This may also be said of Booker T. Washington, the great Negro educator who became so famous and well-known for his work. We may look down through the pages of history and find many more who have risen to fame even though they were humbly born and poorly educated. When we speak of opportunity, we cannot help but think of education. The American people have always been very zealous in promoting the cause of education. They know that unless we have a sound educational system, we cannot hope to progress. 28

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THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD 25 I CHOOSE AMERICA FOR ITS PEOPLE The disposition of the people of America are largely responsible for the place we hold in the world today. The spirit of cooperation exists on a much larger scale in America than in any other country in the world. In schools, colleges, factories, there is more harmony and understanding between workers and their associates than in other parts of the world. Cooperation enables us to face problems with more courage than if we were compelled to meet them alone. It helps us as a nation to plan for the future welfare and prosperity of this nation. Americans are noted for their tolerance. In the early days of this count ry, tolerance of creed, of races of government saved us from many serious and disastrous situations, just as it has in recent years. The ability to endure unpleasant incidents until circum¬ stances can permit a satisfactory ending has confirmed our position as a peaceful and tolerant nation. The people of America are unhesitantly democratic. Our leader is chosen by vote of the people according to the dictates of our conscience and under command of no one. He is not chosen because he is a military genius, but because the citizens feel that he has the intellect and ability to fill the position of chief executive. We regard our leader as a man, not as some super-being whom we fear intensely. Finally, as a nation, we are a peace-loving race. Our students are not put through the grilling routine of military drill, unless they chose this as their career. We are not constantly preparing for war by fitting gas masks, parading our army so that the people may see the strength of our country; or explaining to the people the advantage of bomb-proof shelters. We are continually talking of peace, singing of peace. Our novels, our poems emphasize peace. Remember that it was We the people” who ' did ordain and establish the founda¬ tion of the United States of America. Let us then, strive to strengthen this foundation so thoughtfully brought forth by our founding fathers. Margaret Rabbett, ’39. I CHOOSE AMERICA FOR ITS FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES America has long been called the land of the free, and our country rightfully deserves this name because the word America” is synonymous with freedom. The constitution of the United States has given to the people of this nation its foundation principles which signify freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. First of all, let us consider religion. Whether we are Catholics, Protestants, Jews, or Gentiles, we have been granted the privilege of professing our own beliefs as we see fit. We can appreciate this privilege to a greater extent when we compare the conditions existing in Germany today, with those in our own country. Adolph Hitler will not allow the people of Germany to practice their religion. He has treated the Jews with scorn, and he is driving them unmercifully out of Germany. We can say without any exaggeration that freedom of religion makes for a better and more peaceful nation. We are indeed fortunate to live in a land where there is freedom of speech and of the press. Germany and Italy do not have a constitution guaranteeing freedom of the 27

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THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD 27 Therefore America offers her citizens liberal educational opportunities. Every day millions of children receive free public education in our American schools. Here they are allowed to study and prepare for their vocational interests. America has indeed been generous in granting her people such numerous oppor¬ tunities, and she may well be called, the land of opportunity.” CLASSMATES: As the citizens of tomorrow, let us do our part to make this land continue to be the land of opportunity.” Also, let us take this time to express our sincere appreciaion to our teachers, parents, and friends, for all they have done to help us during our four years in high school and let us make good use of the education they have helped us acquire. Irkni- Daglio, 39. CLASS SONG Tune: The Masquerade Is Over Our high school days now have reached an end, And the happy hours that we used to spend I’m afraid our high school days are over, And so is joy, and so is joy. The years won t be what they used to be, We were once so gay and all so free I’m afraid our high school days are over. And so is joy, and so is joy. We want to thank each friend and teacher Who helped us cn cur happy way, And made cur cares so much lighter Many a day. And now we go, but cur hearts remain, With cur high school days while we seek our fame, We ' re afraid cur high school days are over. And all is done, and all is done. 29