School News from the 40's

EXCERPTED FROM THE RYAN LEADER (with permission)
Courtesy of Loretta Corley

THE 1940's

Sept. 19, 1941- RYAN SCHOOL NEWS

The Fair – Five of our high school girls had the initiative to do some canning, sewing, rug making, and baking. These girls won the following places at the fair which was held at Waurika the past week. Joyce Lee Jones won first on sugar cookies, first on pajamas, and first on pillow cases. Pearl Romines won third on cookies, seventh on pillow cases, and eighth on pajamas. Billy Jean Gilbreath won first on her dress, second on devil’s food cake, third on rug, and fourth on canning. Emmadelle Cash won first on dress, first on dresser scarf, and first on bread. Frances Cain won second on dress, second on canning, and first on doughnuts.

Second Grade - We had our first arithmetic test last Friday. Our “A” belongs to Donald Loyd Briscoe, Charles Pewitt, Bobby Tinney, Janie McDaniel, Del West, Keith Skelton, Jimmie Van Winkle, Dorothy Robnett, Mattie Belle Luther, Billy Poage, Lolly Burnett, J. T. Hopson, Alpha Driskell, Charles Alfred Renz, J. B. Mays and Charles Dunn. Spelling is a new subject and we are progressing nicely. On Friday’s test we find the following with a perfect score: Janie McDaniel, Mattie Belle Luther, Johnny Norton, Olly Burnett, Richard Stark, Bobby Tinney, Frances Maness, Ida May, Shirley Heath, Jimmie Van Winkle, Del West, Keith Skelton, Donald Loyd Briscoe and J. T. Hopson.

Freshmen - A real eppy group of freshmen met Thursday and elected officers and sponsor for the coming year. R. D. Beare is the president, Buell Bowman is vice-president, and Jo Shortes is secretary and treasurer. The motto is: “Hitch your wagon to a star.” The flower is a white gladiola and the colors are blue and gold. We have several new students enrolled and we plan to make this the best school year we have ever had.

January 16, 1942 - RYAN SCHOOL NEWS

Primary Department - Tests covering the first semester’s work were given the past week….We have begun work on the addition and subtraction facts. Two groups are reading a new set of first grade readers and doing some interesting seat work books in reading. Pupils to be commended for splendid work the first semester are: Wilmer James, Charles Vanzant, Larry Worrell, Charles High, Charles Luther, David Bowden, Jimmy Burden, Wayne Sparks, Harry Allison Jones, William Morgan, Billy Beare, Charles McCorkle, Dan Travis, Jimmy Kennedy, Janette Davis, Marian Guest, Cletus Dewbre, Virginia Cathey, Emily Thompson and Ann Travis.

High School Math - All students with an A average including conduct are exempt from mid-tern and final examinations. The following were exempt in Mathematics: Algebra I – Jo Shortes; Algebra II – Nell Fuller, Ina Mae Morgan, Kathleen Nash, Eloise Perry, Beth Robnett, Patricia Shortes, Margie Thompson, Bob Givens, and Paul Hunt; Geometry – Ima Anita Jones, Dale Gregston, Norman Guest, Clifton Hobbs and Bobby Smith.

Sept. 25, 1942 - RYAN SCHOOL NEWS

Third Grade - After two weeks of school we find our group of boys and girls working hard and showing much improvement in all their subjects daily. In Health Habits we have studied the unit, “Getting Ready for a Good Night’s Rest.” Many interesting, original posters have been made following our discussions. We are also learning some new health songs. Stars were places on our spelling chart Friday for perfect scores by: Charles Dunn, J. B. Mays, Charles Pewitt, Lolly Burnett, and Alta Fern Williams.

Fifth Grade - Last week we had tests in arithmetic, history, geography, English and spelling and were very well pleased with the results. In fact, we were surprised at the number of A’s and B’s. A’s were made in one or more of the subjects by: Neil, Truman, Tom Baily, Ambia, Don, Mary Lou, Tommie, Nellsene, Robin, Bonnie, Lovell, Joyce, Wanda, Thalia, Bobbie, Jo Beth, Sharley, Colleen Smith & Colleen Travis. ….

Sixth Grade - We are sorry that so many of our group are out to pick cotton. If Old Man Weather will keep the sun shining, maybe they won’t have to be out much longer. Our class is enjoying their study of the British Isles. We are making a map as we go along to make the locations that we study more real. Something new for us in spelling is the writing of our words in syllables and placing the accent where it belongs. Glen Martin maintains a perfect score on Friday tests thus far. Others making A on last Friday’s test were: Colleen, Charlene, Constance, Wanda, Myrtle, Carlton, Mary Frances and Laverne.

October 2, 1942 - RYAN SCHOOL

Eighth Grade - Our class had a meeting Tuesday morning and chose Ena Mae Huff as our “Scrap Metal Queen.” The real purpose of this drive is of course to provide equipment for our fighting forces. Mr. Howard has been chosen as our sponsor. The eighth grade class is going to do their best to get more scrap than any other class in the scrap drive.

Senior News - Seniors are now flashing class rings around. I even think one of our boys has lost a ring…to a Junior girl. We selected our “Scrap Iron Queen” this morning. Each class from the 7^th to the 12^th has elected a candidate. The class that brings in the most iron will have the honor of having their queen crowned. The senior candidate is Nina McCorkle Bickerstaff.

December 4, 1942 - RYAN SCHOOL

Primary - Meet our hard workers for the past six weeks: David Barrett, Orville Dickson, Jimmy Harris, Lemanuel Maness, Harold Hobbs, James McGraw, Delton McKee, Ray Miller, Darrel Parks, Harrel Parks, Larry Sewell, Bobby Woodruff, Opal Bussey, Ronnie Hoggson, William Melton, Wanda Jo Conway, Virginia Sue Gilchrist, Peggy Long, Margie Major, Doris Himes, Nelda Mitchell, Betty Shaffheern, Annie Smith, Bettie Romine, Darrel Fuller and Lavorn Wright.

FULL ROSTER OF RYAN HIGH BOYS IN ARMED FORCE

The following is as near as can be determined a complete list of former members of Ryan High School in the armed forces of the United States.

Vernon Allen, son of Mrs. C. R. Allen. He is with a submarine destroyer crew.
Frank Andy, son of Dr. W. T. Andy graduate from Ryan high School May 15 1936. He is with the Coast Artillery.
James Armstrong, son of Mrs. R. C. Armstrong graduates May 15, 1936. He is with the Coast Artillery.
Richard Gill, son of Lex Gill graduated May 24, 1940.
Howard Goza, son of Mrs. & Mrs. Mark Goza graduated May 20, 1938. He is in the Medical Corps.
Volney Hays graduated 1933.
Weldon Harris, son of Mrs. Sam Harris graduated 1938. He is in California.
Wayne Harris, son of Mrs. & Mrs. Walter Harris graduated 1939.
L.B. Gregston, son of Mr. & Mrs. C. M. Gregston, graduated 1942.
Floyd Jr. Gregston, son of Mr. & Mrs. F.U. Gregston graduated 1940. He is in the Air Corps.
Paul Hunt, son of Mr. And Mrs. G. W. Hunt graduated 1942. He is a gunner on Flying Fortress.
Afton Anderson, son of Mr. And Mrs. L. B. Anderson graduated 1938.
Ervin Barnard graduated 1939. He is in the Navy.
J. C. Barnard graduated 1939
Byron Beare, son of Mr. And Mrs. Paul Beare graduated 1940. He is in the Medical Corps at Amarillo, Texas
T. C. Beare, son of Mr. And Mrs. Fred Beare graduated 1936.
Llewellyn Beavers, son of Mrs. Florence Beavers, graduated 1938.
James Boulding, son of Mrs. Lillie Crownover graduated 1940. He is in the Navy.
Aaron Burns, son of Mrs. Vada Burns, graduated 1939.
Leland Durham, son of Mr. And Mrs. Emery Durham graduated 1934.
Wallace Coats graduated 1938.
Andrew Garrison, son of I. S. Garrison graduated 1938.
Lawrence Garrison, son of I. S. Garrison graduated 1940
Morgan Jr., Glenn, son of Mr. And Mrs. Morgan Glenn quit school as sophomore to join the Navy.
Florence (Hoot) Gibson, son of Mr. And Mrs. Ed Gibson graduated 1942. Army.
Havey Gleen, son of Mr. And Mrs. Morgan Glenn, graduated 1941. Navy.
A.D. Hollingsworth, U. S. Army
Milt Huskey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Huskey, graduated 1939. Air Corps instructor.
Henry Hutchinson graduated 1938
Joe Austin Jennings, son of Mr. And Mrs. Jesse Jennings, graduated 1939.
Walter Kennedy, son of Mr. And Mrs. Henry Kennedy graduated 1940.
Harold Lucky, son of Mrs. Thelma Lucky graduated 1940. He is a gunner/radio operator in the air aviation.
T. W. Mitchell, son of Mr. And Mrs. Nat Mitchell, graduated 1939.
Harmon Lee (Buck) McDonald, son of Mr. And Mrs. Bob McDonald graduated 1941.
Glenn Edward Knox, son of Mr. And Mrs. Lonnie Knox graduated 1939.
Franklin Norman graduated 1941.
Jim Norman graduated 1941.
Ralph Payne, son of Mr. And Mrs. Chas. Payne graduated 1938.
Clayton Peterson, son of Mr. And Mrs. Homer Peterson graduated 1940.
S. J. Reed, son of Mr. And Mrs. Sebern Reed graduated 1940. Navy
J. D. Reeves, grandson of Mr. And Mrs. Hunter graduated 1939.
Harold Lee Robnett, son of Mr. And Mrs. Virgil Robnett graduated 1938.
Bill Salling graduated 1933.
O. K. Sanders graduated 1934.
W. T. Sparks, son of Mrs. Lillian Sparks, graduated 1939
Leroy Sparks, better known as Red Wing, son of Reuben Starks graduated 1937,
William Clinton Stephens, son of George Stephens graduated 1939.
Ardell Stinson, son of Mr. And Mr. R. Stinson quit as junior and enlisted in the Navy
Lem Tate, son of Mr. And Mrs. Lem Tate, graduated 1938.
Glenn Taylor, son of Mr. And Mrs. Nolan Taylor, moved to Wichita when he was a sophomore. Navy.
Clyde Trice graduated 1933.
Nelson Turnbow, son of Mr. And Mrs. Turnbow graduated 1941. Marines
Doyle Warner, son of Tom Warner, quit school as a senior.
John Welch, son of Mr. And Mrs. John Welch, graduated 1936.
Joseph Welch, son of Mr. And Mrs. John Welch graduated 1939.
Estel Welty (quit school as a Freshman)
Quinn White, son of Mrs. Helen White, quit school as a Sophomore
Harold Ryan, son of Mrs. Albert Ryan, quit school as a Freshman
Marvin Hickman, son of Mr. And Mrs. Hack Hickman, graduated 1935.
Harold Jopling, son of Mrs. B.L. Jopling, graduated 1924.
Raymond Dean, son of John Dean, graduated 1925
Perry Jones, son of Mrs. C. P. Jones graduated 1925.
Loyd Anderson, son of Mr. And Mrs. L. B. Anderson graduated 1931
Clarence Cain, son of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Cain graduated 1931.
Lewellyn Karr, son of Mrs. Sadie Karr, quit as a Senior.
Russell Lee McDaniel, son of Mrs. G. McDaniel, quit as a Freshman
Ralph Kyker, graduated 1929.
Carl Johnson, son of Mr. And Mrs. Aaron Johnson, graduated 1926.
Winfield Davis, son of Mrs. Etha Davis, quit as a Sophomore.
Carl Joe Young, son of Mr. And Mrs. Joe Young, graduated 1933.
Paul Garrison, son of Mr. And Mrs. Roy Garrison, quit as a Freshman.
L. C. Todd, son of Mr. And Mrs. L. N. Todd, graduated 1931. Army
Herman McGraw, son of Clyde McGraw graduated 1938. Navy
Roy Malone, son of Mr. And Mrs. W. L. Malone, quit as a Freshman.
Kenneth Cassida, son of Mr. And Mrs. Loren Cassida, quit as a Freshman.
John Kirkpatrick, graduated 1929.
Alson Chicoat, son of Mrs. McDaniel graduated 1926. Navy
Calvin Garrison, son of I. S. Garrison, quit as a Freshman.
Lee Garrison, son of I. S. Garrison, graduated 1941.
Austin Cates, son of Mr. And Mrs. C. E. Cates, graduated 1940.
Johnnie Baker, son of Mr. And Mrs. W. P. Baker, graduated 1939.
Earl Clark, son of Mr. And Mrs. Morgan Clark, graduated 1940.
Alsey George, son of Thomas George, quit as a Freshman.
Billy Edens, son of Mr. And Mrs. H. H. Edens, graduated 1940.
Robert Lee Huff, son of Mr. And Mrs. B.L. Huff graduated 1941. He is a fireman in the Navy.
Woodrow Ryan, son of Mrs. Albert Ryan, quit as a Freshman.
Roy Burnett, son of Clabe Burnett, quit as a Sophomore
Loyd McAdoo, graduated 1936.
Forrest McMurty, graduated 1929.
Billy Claud Grantham, son of Mr. And Mrs. Claud Grantham, graduated 1940.
James Reeder Sawyer, son of Mr. And Mrs. J. M. Sawyer graduated 1941. Medical Reserve.

September 10, 1943 - SCHOOL NEWS

Primary - Meet some diligent primary pupils: James Perry, Albert Ryan, Nina Mae Boatman, Evalyn Edwards, Jimmy Gilchrist, Elois McGraw, Billy Brunson, Claud Pewitt, Bobby Cates, James Embree, Shirley Breeze, Gemeye Betts, Sadine Wright, Eva Robnett, Bruce Burnet, Cleta Hunt, Julia Keith, Bobby Norton, Louise Osborn, Laverne Mays, Syble Osborn, Doris Miller, Bobby Kennedy, Betty Pritchard, Rash Barrett, Jr., Marilyn Benson, Harry Davis, Foy Poage, Paul Farmer, Lavorn Wright, Jimmy Davis, Iro Paul Burden, M.C. Maness and John Wayne Maness.

Second Grade - Twenty-six bright eyed children started this year in the second grade. We have spent the first week in review work. ….We welcome Larry Rutledge to our midst. He is the only new pupil in our room. Spelling is new to us and on our first weekly test the following made an A: Geneva, Jimmie Delton, Billy, Arvo, James Dickerson, Harrell, Larry, Talbott, James McGraw, Larry Sewell, David, Larry Rutledge, Margie, Virginia Sue, Vanda Jo, Betty and Nelda. On an arithmetic test the following made A: Betty, David, Jimmy, Larry, Talbot, Virginia Sue, Margie, Larry Rutledge, James Dickerson, Arvo.

Senior Class - The senior class held a class meeting Friday and elected new officers for the coming year.

President – Tyree Payne; Vice President – Roy Robnett; Secretary – Cassie Robnett; Sponsor – Mrs. Mattie Norman. The senior class are expecting their senior rings this week. In our class meeting we selected our announcements. The seniors who have enrolled this year are: Dorothy Huner, Wendalene Stovall, Francis Allen, Modena Vessels, Leota Peterson, Drucilla Harper, Essie Lois Huskey, Cassie Robnett, Nina Bickerstaff, Margaret Williams, Ida Mae Dickerson, Anna Lou Longest, Ima Anita Jones, Inez Sparks, Junior Hickman, Bobby Smith, Roy Robnett, Rex Goza, Tyree Payne, Milford Shoffner, Jessie Lee Welty, Riley Malone and Dale Gregston.

September 17, 1943 - SCHOOL NEWS

Fifth Grade - New pupils in our room this year are Clabe Burnett and Willard Miller. History is a new subject for us and do we like it? We have seen how the Crusades, Marco Polo’s book and the invention of printing led to the discovery of America and with Columbus have discovered America. In Geography we had a look at all the continents and oceans before settling down to a study of the United States. A part of last week we spent in visiting the great city of New York. The following pupils made excellent grades on our first test: Harold Hughes, Willard Miller, Barbara Jo Huskey, Kathleen Lynch, Beulah Mae Schram, Marian Martin Smith, and Essie Mae Wright. Perfect spellers last week were: Charles Lewis Smith, Harold Hughes, Willard Miller, John Schoffner, L. G. Cash, James White, Beulah Schram, Marion Smith, Dorothy Lee Pritchard, Barbara Jo Huskey, and Barbara Ann Morgan.

Freshman - We met Friday and elected our class officers. Tommie Smith – president; Tommy Armstrong – vice president; and Bobby McGraw – Secretary & Treasurer.

Sophomores - The following officers were elected at a call meeting of the Sophomore class: Virginia Guest – president; Thyra Ruth Burnett – vice president; Jean Gregston – Secretary/Treasurer; Lavonna Renz – reporter; Ulmer Gilbreath – Sgt. At Arms; Billy Roy Salmon – Chairman of the Program Committee; and Sponsor – Mrs. Rowe.

Juniors- The Junior Class of 1943-44 had their first class meeting Friday, September 10^th. The officers elected are: President, Ann Burnett; Vice-President, Don Gilbreath; and Secretary, Joyce Givens. We are all ready and rearin’ to go this year and have a whole new crop of ideas on how to make money. We are going to need the cooperation of everyone to pull this off by the Junior/Senior Banquet this year, but we will do it or “die trying”.

Seniors - You can bet your life these seniors got off to a flying start. They were first in electing sponsor and class officers. Our sponsor is Mrs. Norman, who by the way, sponsored us in our Junior year. We couldn’t get along without her. Our president is Tyree Payne, who can handle a class meeting like a professional. Our vice-president is Roy Robnett. He can really plan ways for Tyree to be absent. Our Secretary is Cassie Robnett. We are very glad to have Cassie finish with us. The Seniors are expecting their rings just any time now. We can hardly wait. We also ordered our announcements last week. I must say they are awfully pretty. Everyone is thoroughly satisfied. That’s all for now people, just wait though, the Seniors of this year will make the Seniors of next year look weak.

January 10, 1944 - SENIOR CLASS HAS GALA PARTY

New Years Eve was one of the most outstanding nights in the date book of Seniors, for a class party at Elaine Williams’ home was a gala event with all kinds of holiday fun and spirit present.

The party was more on the formal side with card games of light nature being the heart of games. Balloons with bells on them were floating in the room suggesting the holiday spirit. A number of novelty games were played with Mr. N. B. Smith, Harvey Glenn winning prizes. Refreshments were served in buffet style. The table was decorated with such delicacies as tuna fish salad on lettuce leaf, ritz crackers, potato chips, sweet pickles, heavenly hash and hot chocolate. A treasure hunt ended the party, the seekers finding small tokens of remembrance. After the party the class attended the pictures, “City of Conquest,” and “Blondie Has Servant Trouble”. The latter made some of our class members’ hair curl, because of its horrible situations.

The members of the class present were: Jim Norman, Elaine Williams, Betty Chaffin, Jeannie Nesmith, Calvin Stewart, James Sawyer, Cecil Pickett, Charles Smith, Peggy Guest, Harvey Glenn, Nina Belle Stinson, Nelson Turnbow, W.M. Lewis, “Pic” Norman, and sponsors, N. B. Smith and Mrs. Olive Stewart.

February 4, 1944 - RYAN SCHOOL NEWS

Seniors - The senior boys received their football jackets last Thursday morning. The jackets are the same as last year and as good. The boys receiving jackets were Junior Hickman, Tyree Payne, Milford Shoffner, Jesse Lee Welty, Rex Goza and Bobby Smith. There are also two jackets for two of the seniors who are in service, Dale Gregston and Roy Robnett. Two junior boys who are expecting Uncle Sam to call them before they have the opportunity to earn one as seniors got their jackets now. They are R. D. Beare and Raymond Mitchell. The boys worked very hard for their jackets and we think they look mighty nice in them.

March 1944 - RYAN SENIORS WILL PRESENT PLAY FRIDAY

The members of the Ryan senior class will present their class play “Don’t Darken my Door”, by Anne Coulter Martens, Friday, April 3 at the high school auditorium…..People in this community cannot afford to miss this play. It is brimful of fun, romance, excitement and suspense. Every act is clever; every scene is interesting. Don’t miss this, or you will be sorry you did the next day when everybody over town is talking about what a good time they had the night before at the senior play.

The members of the senior class have worked hard and diligently to get the play up in tip top shape for the public’s entertainment. The admission is small – only 12 cents for children, 18 cents for high school students, and 30 cents for adults, tax included. You will never miss the money, and the inspiration you will give the young folks by being present will be worth many times the cost of admission.

Cast of Characters

Roger Kent, a bachelor – Tyree Payne
Rosemary Kent, his romantic niece – Dorothy Hunter
Tom Garrick, Rosemary’s persistent suitor – Milford Shoffner
Poppy Foster, maid of all work – Ida Dickerson
Alec Stubbins, Poppy’s devoted swain – Bobby Smith
Jane Perkins, a writer of romances – Inez Sparks
Louise Featherstone and Susie Featherston, maiden ladies – Modena Vessels and Frances Eddy.

September 21, 1945 - SCHOOL NEWS

Seventh Grade - The enrollment is twenty-eight. The class met Friday, September 8 and elected the following officers: President – Charles l. Smith; Vice-President – Don Seay; Secretary – Marian M. Smith; Reporter – Beulah Mae Schram. Class colors are blue and white. Class flower, white rose; the motto “True Blue”.

Eighth Grade - The class average is 31 pupils. We have four new pupils, William Harrison from Irving, Dale Engle from Billings, Bill Gann from Atoka, and H. J. Terry from Oscar. We are glad to have them. We are also glad to have Thalia Malone back. She has been sick. We appreciate our new teacher, Mr. Dawson and hope he finds Ryan an enjoyable place to live.

Sept ?, 1946 - RYAN SCHOOL NEWS

Primary - Chart reading provides pleasureable experiences in readiness and progress is being made in printing lessons; also we are counting and writing numbers. The following eager boys and girls have enrolled in our room: Barbara Carter, Eva Fay Embree, Eugene Burden, Alice Fay Ryan, Elaine Veach, Tommy Warner, Don Smith, Bill Johnson, Jimmy Worrell, James Nash, Patricia Jackson, Lynn Clark, James Breeze, Paul Mitchell, Wayne Fowler, Wanda Gann, Ona Lou Parks, Wanda Hammonds, Laura Sue Ingram, Weldon Snider, Janie Richards, Larry Osborn, Margaret Anderson, Helen Scott, Margie Osborn and Carlie Southard.

Third Grade - We have enrolled 28 pupils in our room so far and are working hard trying to get acquainted with our new books. Sharon Southard, Gaylene Dunham and Modena Scott have joined our class from other schools. We are expecting to do some good work this year, so watch for our news each week.

Junior News - The Juniors have 23 enrolled this year and are very proud of them. This may seem like a small number but we have what it takes. We elected our sponsor and officers Friday which are: Sponsor – Mrs. Hano; President – Perry Don Reynolds; Vice President – Uma Cates; Secretary/Treasurer – Doris Hill; Reporter – Wilma Betts; and Class Representatives are Nona Davis, Peggy Beare, Mike Weatherly and Choyce Davis.

Senior Class - The Senior Class of 1946-47 met September 6 to elect our sponsor and class officers. Things started off with a bang by electing Pauline Foster as class sponsor. George English was welcomed home from the Navy by being elected president. Yandell Gregston for vice-president, Bobby McGraw is secretary/treasurer, and Nell Harris for reporter. This is bound to be one of the best Senior classes yet! We have an enrollment of 38, one of the largest classes to ever graduate from dear ole R.H.S. You’ll hear from us ! ! !

May ?, 1946 - JUNIORS – SENIORS MAKE TRIP TO CRATERVILLE

The Ryan juniors honored the senior class with a trip to Craterville Park, Okla., from Wednesday to Friday of last week. They left Ryan Wednesday morning and returned Friday afternoon. During their stay they slept in the boy scout lodge, enjoyed the fine food and all kinds of games, mountain climbing, horseback riding, and other games. Even it is said Prof. N. B. Smith liked the skating rink.

On their return they came through Ft Sill and Doe Doe Park at the edge of Lawton where they did some more skating and swimming.

Mrs. Darius Coats and Miss Leota Hooker returned Thursday evening. Mr. And Mrs. N. B. Smith reached there that day and spent the rest of the time with them.

Juniors and seniors making the trip are: Jimmie English, Billy Crutcher, Robby Robnett, Raymond West, Jean Gregston, Virginia Guest, Doris Preston, Sue Blurton, Nell Harris, Lanelle Palmer, Jerry Weatherly, Mira Shoffner, Bobby McGraw, Dorothy McCorkle, Janette Thompson, Rosemary Barrett, Lyness Stearman, Lois Stearman, Margaret Gilmer, Yandell Gregston, Tommy Smith, Tommy Armstrong, James Armstrong, Henry Clay Lynch, Armon Allen, Sonny Stephen, Robert Cain, Lavan Blanchard, Punkin Edwards, Clifford Rogers, Eddie Lee Bachtold and V. T. Echols.

May 27, 1949 - SCHOOL NEWS

FIRST GRADE – Teacher: Alline Thomas - First Graders: David Baggett, Tom Bussey, Eldon Carroll, Dalta Dennis, Marvin Embree, Robert Parks, Jerry Richardson, Donnie Richards, Eugene Wright, Leon Wagoner, James Wright, Virgie Maness, Kay Alford, Kay Barrett, Doris Bussey, Pat Fuller, Marcheta Gilchrist, Sandra Hill, Sharon Morgan, Jean and Joan Shoffner, Delreno Parwell, Harriett Copeland and Deanne Cotterall.

All the boys and girls were in the operetta, a George Washington chapel program, in the rhythm band. We all participated in a Christmas party, Easter egg hunt, Valentine box and a picnic. We had IQ tests and standardized tests in reading and arithmetic. All the required work in reading, printing, numbers, music and art have been covered and seat-work books all completed. Twenty books have been read in class and many others out of class. We have worked hard and are a happy bunch of boys and girls.

SECOND GRADE - September 6, 1948, we enrolled ten boys and twenty girls in the second grade. During the year we lost Juretta Rogers and Emanuel Phillips, who both moved to Duncan, and Charles Feller who moved to Union Valley. We gained Jerry Doyle and Jequitta Stevens, although Jequitta moved back to Terral after a short stay with us.

We found we had forgotten quite a bit during the summer but in a short time we were reading and printing good again. Our first task was to improve our reading. We did this by reading easy, interesting stories and by studying the phonetic symbols, reading for meaning and correlating all of our work with reading. Most of us have read eleven readers.

Spelling was a new subject to us but in a short time we were sailing along fine, now all but four or five of us make a perfect score every week.

Language was also a new subject and was really hard at first but we are now conscious of any mistake we find in writing.

Our printing has all been manuscript which enables the child to have better control of his muscles when he starts to write.

We have enjoyed our science very much in which we have studied seeds, fireflies, birds, turtles, rabbits, butterflies and bees. In this connection we enjoyed film strips on rabbits. We made bird books and peep show on “The Little Turtle.” We also made a health book that will be a record of our weight, height, etc., in the second grade.

Our attendance has been very good despite all the bad weather. Just three came through with perfect attendance, but several with just a day or two against them. These three were Gwendolyn Mays, Carolyn Cathey, and Nancy Daniel.

Our program for the year was given in January. We gave a play entitled “The Toys Awake” and a song, that was enjoyed by all “When We Were Dressed Up Like Father and Mother.” In the play Charlotte Shortes was mother. Gwendolyn Mays and Carolyn Cathey were the children. The Toy Dolls: Nancy Daniel, Louise Southard, Fern Bussey, Freida Quisenberry, Arline Long, Nell Sue Coats, Kay Davis, Fanelle Hunt, Fern Richey and Clarissa Ryan. Spring Tops: Freida Nickles and Jane Lynch. Jumping Jack: Tommy Beavers. Jack in Box: Bill Fietz. Sailor Dolls: Jerry Lou Stevens and Terry Don Allen. Tin Soldiers: Don Smith, Stanley Graves, Dale Franklin, Edmond Phillips, Orceneth Ray and Jimmy Vanzant.

We also had a part in the grade operetta with Gwendolyn Mays as Lovely, 12 children as clowns, 12 children as Imps in the Night and three in chorus.

Days that we enjoyed were Halloween in which we had games and refreshments, then our Christmas Tree with gifts and treats for all. Then came Valentine Day with a pretty Valentine box and candy and cooky hearts. Then came “Open House” on April 1 to which we invited our friends and parents to see our work for the year. We had 71 visitors sign our guest book. Then came Easter and an egg hunt at Mrs. Florence Beavers. She, with the teachers, served us refreshments.

We have taken Tracy tests this year and also stand tests put by Stick.

Our pupils that have made the Honor Roll at one time or another are: Nancy Daniel, Charlotte Shortes, Freida Nickles, Gwendolyn Mays, Carolyn Cathey, Louise Southard, Kay Davis, Dale Franklin, Jeanie Mitchell and Patricia Sparks.

Others who have reached it with the exception of one or two B’s are Tommy Beavers, Bill Fietz, Jim Vanzant, Nell Sue Coats, Barbara (can’t read last name), Clarissa Ryan, Jerry Stevens, Orceneth Ray, Stanley Graves, Jane Lynch, Fern Richey and Terry Don Allen.

It has been a happy and short school year to our playing as hard as we work. Our boys feel that they have made a lot of progress in their ball playing. We are hoping to make good third grade pupils next year.

THIRD GRADE NEWS by Mrs. Marie Alford - On the sixth day of September, eleven boys and nine girls entered the third grade. They were: Eugene Burden, Wayne Fowler, Don Keith, James Lyle Nash, Larry Osborne, Paul Mitchell, Edward Morgan, Maurice Prichard, Leon Sandefur, Weldon Snyder, Tommy Warner, Margaret Anderson, Wanda Gann, Larraine Franklin, Patricia Jackson, Margie Osborne, ona Lou Parks, Janie Richards, Beth Williams and Elaine Veach. Others entering during the year are Bobby Crutsinger, Helen Scott, Evelyn Ann Boatman, and Vera Faye Embree.

We have had a very successful year with everyone taking an interest in his work.

In arithmetic we have learned to carry in addition and borrow in subtraction. We can also work simple problems in multiplication and division, using all the combinations through the fives.

We read the following books in reading: If I Were Going, Singing Wheels, and The Laidlaw Reader. We have also read several library books. We have added 12 new books to our library this year.

We began our study of that interesting subject, geography this year. Our test is Living in Country and City. In this we learned the many ways in which people help one another.

Science has been an interesting subject too. We studied about the seasons; what causes rain, snow, dew and frost; plants and animals; and the stars, sun and moon. We made some nice bird booklets and some of the boys made bird houses.

In health we have studied posture, how to care for the teeth, hair and eyes.

We have had four who made perfect scores in spelling every week this semester, Others were near perfect. Those making perfect scores were Leon Sandefur, Lorraine Franklin, Elaine Veach and Beth Williams.

Two of our pupils had made straight A report cards for each six weeks this year. They are James Lyle Nash and Elaine Veach.

But our school year hasn’t been all work – we have mixed a little play in with it. At Christmas time we had a tree, we exchanged gifts and received treats. In February we had a Valentine party, each pupil receiving many valentines from his friends and a red heart-shaped piece of candy from the teacher. On April 15 we had an Easter egg hunt which was enjoyed by all.

On January 11 we gave our assembly program in which each pupil took part. It consisted of the following numbers: Scripture reading, prayer, “The Flag Song”, flag salute, a play: “The Fall of Humpty-Dumpty” and a reading “School Sickness”. Our room also took part in the operetta “Taffy Ann”.

Although we have had an interesting school year, we are all eagerly looking forward to vacation.

Fifth Grade – Mrs. Veach - Twenty-five pupils are finishing a very pleasant and profitable school year. They are Gene Allen, Donny Anderson, Charley Ben Barrett, Don Cain, Jimmy Fowler, Jimmy Gilchrist, Lawrence Lee Lewis, John Maness, James Mitchell, Walter Morgan, Deanie Ritchey, David Robnett, Wilson Shoffner, J. E. Ray, George Robinson, Phillip Cannedy, Marian Burnett, Gaylene Dunham, Theresa Garrison, Agnes Hill, Betty Jackson, Julie Kieth, Geraldine Long, Linda Lynch, Retha Moore. Of these 25 there are twenty-three who will be in the sixth grade next year. Two will be retained because of irregular attendance.

Every child in the room appeared in our chapel program which was at Thanksgiving time. Though we had the usual few accidents and mistakes we all did our best at being Indians, pilgrims, Dutch, etc. We are all very grateful to Alta Fern Williams for helping us with the music in our chapel program.

Most of the people in the fifth grade were in the grade operetta. Our special part was the “Tourney” in which Betty Jackson, Marian Burnett, Agnes Hill, Eva Robnett (from sixth grade), Theresa Garrison, Geraldine Long, David Robnett, Jimmy Fowler, Deanie Ritchey, Walter Morgan, Lawrence Lee Lewis and James Mitchell participated.

Fifth graders with speaking parats were Don Cain, Gaylene Dunham, Linda Lynch. Those who were in the chorus were Retha Moore, John Maness, Julia Kieth.

Our grade was well represented in 4-H club this year and made a good showing at Waurika. The members are Theresa Garrison, Agnes Hill, Don Cain, David Robnett, Jimmy Fowler, Geraldine Long, Gene Allen, James Mitchell, Betty Jackson, Retha Moore, Linda Lynch, Donny Anderson, George Robinson, J.E. Ray, Wilson Shoffner, Lawrence Lee Lewis, Deanie Ritchey. The children all appreciated Mrs. Brandon who directed them in their work.

Special music and expression pupils from this room were Agnes Hill, David Robnett, Gaylene Dunham, Lina Lynch, Marian Burnett, J.E. Ray, Charley Ben Barrett.

Linda and J.E. represented our grade in the rade tryout in expression and won first and second places respectively. At Waurika Linda received excellent plus rating.

Owing to bad weather and sickness we have not had a perfect attendance record but those with commendable records are J.E. Ray, David Robnett, Don Cain, James Mitchell, Retha Moore, & Marian Burnett.

Those who have made the highest grades during the year are J.E. Ray, Wilson Shoffner, Betty Jackson, and Linda Lynch.

In our academic subjects we have accomplished a very great deal this year. In Spelling we have learned accents, syllabication meanings, use, and use of dictionary.

In Arithmetic we have studied addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers. Roman numerals, denominate numbers and have had intensive drill on long division, addition, subtraction and multiplication.

In Geography we have had an interesting study of the United States. We have done some very fine map work showing industries, products, natural resources and surface features.

Our History study is also a study of the United States and ties in very nicely with our Geography. We have had some very interesting drill in the identification of historical characters. In this we use flash cards.

We have finished our basic text in Reading and have read parts of several others. We also have oral reading most every day in Geography and History. In English we have studied correct usage, letter writing, use of dictionary, parts of speech, making reports, synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.

We have done some very interesting art work. The things we have enjoyed most were the handkerchief pockets which we made for our mothers’ Christmas gifts, the doll hats which we wove from crepe paper, and the May baskets which we made and filled with candy for our mothers.

We wish to thank everyone who has helped us in any way during the year. In everything we have done we have needed help and without this help we could not have succeeded.

Seventh Grade - On Sept. 6, 1948, 29 students ascended the stairs to the seventh grade with Mrs. Lewis and miss Melton as our teachers. This was another step in our lives toward the completion of our school life. We had looked forward to being “upstairs” and now we had arrived. We had 21 boys: Don Lynch who liked to laugh; Raymond Long who entered school late because of cotton picking; Eugene Osborn who plays the small bass horn in the band; Jimmy Harris who at first was in competition with Don in his ability to laugh at nothing, Jimmy is also vice-president of our class; Donald Ray Morgan who is noted for his quietness; Norman Newberry who plays the bass horn in the band; Billie Earl Belvin who had a hard time finding excuses for not getting his Math; Ray Williams who was always saying “I didn’t know you said that”; Buddy Doyal who was always going to get his lessons at home but never did; Elmo Burden who you could always find studying and attending to his own business; the Park twins who kept Mrs. Lewis guessing which was Harrel and which was Darrel; Ross Engle who never could remember what Mrs. Lewis had assigned for our lessons; James McGraw, small but quite active when teacher wasn’t looking; James Dell Cain who was always asking “why”; Edward Gentry, who with Jimmy Harris are the artists of the class; Billy Smith with his ways with the girls had Mrs. Lewis bothered, afraid he would drop by the wayside; Larry Talbott, who was always worrying how he could a “D” to a “C”; David Barrett who has kept Mrs. Lewis busy saying “David, et your lesson.” David has been our class president; Kenneth Reynolds who has trouble all year finding excuses for being absent.

The girls of the class which are ten in number are Virginia Sue Gilchrist, who represented the class in humorous reading at the county contest; Betty Shoffner, the tall one of the class and always willing to help her fellow students; Margie Major, who was always complaining of being tired; Nelda Mitchell who with her quiet ways never gave anyone any trouble; Betty Jean Morgan who was out of school a lot to help at home but studied hard when she was in school; Annie Jean Smith, who wishes to be larger than she is; Opal Bussey who writes a nice hand; Geneva Embree who was always willing to help teacher with some of her work; Audrey Robinson and Margaret Robinson joined the class later in the year.

Taking the highest 20 percent of the class scholastically we find Virginia Sue Gilchrist with top honors, Betty Shoffner, Second, Jimmy Harris, Third; David Barrett, Fourth. Margie Major and Geneva Embree tied for Fifth place. Norman Newberry and James Dell Cain tied for Sixth Place. This class had had one of the best attendance records of any class in school.