High School Notes: September 14, 1944

Santa Paula Chronicle
Thursday, September 14, 1944

High School Notes

I'm not sure when school started back then, but I'm guessing it was around the beginning of September. It sounds like there was some sort of Freshmen initiation period for the first few weeks. I haven't seen anything about it in the old yearbooks I've gone through, but have concentrated on the early to middle 1930s recently - it might be a tradition that was introduced later.

A big day is in order for the members of the freshman class Friday. They are happy to know that it will be the last day of slaving for the upperclassmen, and that they will get a chance to find out how pleasant high school can be - but Friday isn't over. An assembly will be held last period, where each member will get a chance to face the student body. There will be singing, dancing, skits, etc., in the form of "Truth or Consequences," mostly consequences, the seniors predict.

After the assembly the sophomores will get their chance with the freshmen as they participate in the tie-up, an old tradition of the school. To bring the exciting day to a close, the student body has a "get acquainted" dance on the calendar. The stirring music of the Santa Barbara band will strike its first note at 8 p.m. in the gymnasium. Fun will be had for all, with table tennis and various games for those not wishing to dance. Refreshments will be served.

With David Diefenderfer, president of the Ventura county Hi-Y, Tri-Y council presiding, the Hi-Y, Tri-Y clubs from Ventura County met in Memorial hall Monday afternoon for a "program planning retreat." Each club presented its program for the coming year with many suggestions for a successful year. Jeanne Dudley, president of the local Tri-Y club presented their calendar of activities for the year, and Larry Snyder doing the same for the boys' club. Mr. Dean Triggs, superintendent of schools, was the guest speaker for the afternoon session, talking to the group on race prejudice and juvenile delinquency.

The group then adjourned to Steckel Park, where dinner was served. Food was furnished by the Santa Paula clubs, hosts for the occasions. The evening session began with singing led by Dwight Goodenough. To complete the evening, John Stone, area YMCA secretary, spoke on "The Year Ahead."

The officers of the Girls' Athletic association promise an exciting year ahead for its members. A rally will be held in the gym Monday for all old members, and new students interested in joining the club. Billie Ann Carroll, president, announced that the first sport, speedball, will begin next week.