Worcester High School of Commerce - Caduceus Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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and basketball crashed the stubborn defense of the rivals to ring up two more inter-high titles. The girls, furthermore, made their contribution by earning the basketball and field hockey honors. We paused once more in our strides of progress, to pay our respects in mem- ory of two esteemed teachers, Miss Pauline A. Smith and Mr. Charles H. Jordan, whose understanding for every student's concern made them most dear to us all. Now, firm and well-rooted within a celestial tower, the Class of '4-1-A made its journey on to new heights. Campaigns were instituted, nominations made, and, with all parties participating, the ballot boxes for the final voting session were filled. President Philip Koki, a third term candidate, after forceful opposition, suc- ceeded in maintaining command. The Vice-President's position was capably filled by Eleanor Torpey for whose services we are indeed appreciative. Secre- tary Martha Rosenbusch favored us with a second term in office, and Noriar Pahigian commendably fulfilled his obligations in the Treasurer's capacity. Individual awards were duly celebrated as Philip Koki laid claim to fourth place at the Colby Oratorical Contest. Then, too, the Horace Mann Scholar roll, including the names of Philip Koki, Irene Plucinski, Louise Reardon, Ruth Sallstrom, Mildred Slauenwhite, Mae Teikari and Eleanor Torpey, added a scholastic glory to our history. More championships illuminated our field of glory as the baseball team won the season's pennant, the cross-country harriers and the track team blazed in successful campaigns, and the girls, basketball champions held their first-rate position. The honor list for outstanding players emphasizes the services of football's co-captains Milton Lawrey and John Kleiza, the former being a letterman in track as well, and the latter receiving all-city guard distinction. Witlnn this field of activity, Thomas McGrath made his debut in basketball and football. The Commerce hill and dalers' well-balanced team also raced to win the Knights of Columbus Trophy. We trace back again into the business section and make record of Mae Tei- kari as Editor-in-chief of our all-around school paper. The Blackfriars' performance of The Barrettsw st1'uck a high note in dra- matics as the critics applauded its sparkle and freshness. Instructors Grace M. Ellis and Francis X. Curley shared with us the joys and sorrows of our youth until they themselves were called to rest. Noble in char- acter, sincere in heart, they were loved by all who knew them. The Town has now become incorporated into the unity which we struggled to create. Ahead lies new ground to conquer, new fields to explore, and high ideals to fulfill. Let us then march on with an incentive to make new ambitions a reality. f27l

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Among the most treasured of our possessions is the Biggest News Trophy awarded us for journalistic attainment. For such supremacy in the art of writ- ing we justly heralded this honor, and proudly placed the plaque in our town hall. The Town's reputation was once more enhanced by the fact that we again became the proud recipients of the Girls' and Boys' inter-high basketball cham- pionships. Time passes, and, along with it, faculty members Miss Florence N. Flagg and Miss Jane G. Waite journeyed on to their eternal reward. Sincerity and consideration were the virtues that merited our respect for them. They have left us, but their spirit lives on forever. Our Town grows. A better organization of standards could not be imagined as we ventured on to our Junior year. Activities became plentiful as various clubs were enthusiastically attended, while praise-worthy sportsmanship pre- dominated in both scholastic and athletic rivalry. In our club organizations the following '41-Als served as presidents: Howard Besnia of the Biology Club, Birgit Hellberg of the Bumble Bees, Walter Bu- rokas of the Chemistry Club, and George Danielian of the Table Tennis Club. The polls were again made a highlight event as the votes tallied the following results: President, Philip Kokig Vice-President, Mary Mahoney, Secretary, Martha Rosenbuschg and Treasurer, Howard Besnia. Glamour invited our interest this year as scores attended the Britomart Promenade which was a most enjoyable social affair. On the stage, a tremendous ovation resulted from the portrayal of First Lady, in which Richard Whelan won distinction, and the comic opera Chimes of Normandy. Scholastic endeavor was brought into the limelight as the highest All American Award was adjudged to our Commerce Mercury. This fact we justly accentuate as a tribute to those who aided in obtaining it. Competition dis- ciplined a hard-fought contest, but we again managed to deserve our second Big News Trophy. May it be recorded also that this scroll bears the names of Eleanor Torpey and Demetre Steffon whose participation was most commendable. Everlasting in our memory will be the delightful picnic held at the Weirs in New Hampshire at which some 850 Commercites enjoyed a brief holiday. Fea- tured entertainment included dancing, bowling, swimming, boating and num- erous other pastimes. The sports circles made a clean sweep of the '39 season as Captain Mason Flagg led his golf team to a victorious outcome. Within these championship brackets were also the cross-country and track teams. Captain John fRedJ Leary cut the ice in the hockey rinks to tally a smashing triumph. Football U61

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CLASS IIB!-ITIIJN l94l-I-I Donald Nelson, Class Orator, 194-l-A We, the Class of 194-1-A, meet for our last oilicial gath- ering. Tomorrow we separate and go into the world to take our places as individuals, some as factory workers, some as farmers, some as business men, and still others, as students in schools of higher learning. It is with deep regret that we must part, for as a group we have believed in high standards and have represented all that America stands for. In going out into the world, we must defend these standards which our teachers have so earnestly endeavored to impress upon us. Do you realize that one person in this small group can change the entire destiny of the United States? This sounds unbelievable, but in America it has been a reality many times. When Washington consented to command the Revolutionary Army, he changed the entire course of what is now the United States. Without Washington's aid, there is little doubt but that we should still be English subjects and be engaged now in defending England as one of her colonies. Lincoln, too, changed the destiny of this nation. In his firmness in suppress- ing the secession of the Southern States, he succeeded in preserving the unity of the country, and also freed many of our brethren who became leaders in the world. Many of us, though, will not become Lincolns or Washingtons, but will be just other members of a labor party, a political party, a church congregation, or some other organization. It is for us then to influence others with our prin- ciples rather than permit others to influence us with their 'fismsn and un- scrupulous dealings. Here in America, a large air force is very important for the preservation of Liberty. Recently in California a strike was called in an aircraft plant. Cer- tain workmen were unable to reach a satisfactory agreement. I do not know whether the employers or the employees were at fault, but I do know that such an exhibition is a disgrace to America and democracy. Had the workers or the directors of the plant's activities been given the training in Americanism which we the students of Commerce High have been fortunate to receive, I feel con- fident that the strike would have been averted. I could cite many similar situa- tions, but this is neither the time nor the place for such. In passing, however, I should like to say this: Tomorrow as you go forth into the world as future citizens, you too will have like experiences. How will you meet them? Will you permit your selfish desires to dominate your think- ing and your actions? Or will you be guided by the principles of Americanism which you have been taught at Commerce High School? Each of you is an integral part of this great country of ours. On you individually and collectively rests the destiny of this land. You must not, and you cannot, fail this imposing trust which has been placed in you-this duty which rests upon every loyal and true American to keep this great country of ours a united and peaceful nation. May you at the close of each day be able to say: 'il have run the course, I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, and with the help of Almighty God, this shall continue to be my goalf' U81 .1 . A --L4--H -