Newton, Spezzano Head Senior Class At Geneseo High

Durfee Newton, with the highest average made by a Geneseo Central Senior since 1941, has been named valedictorian of the Class of 1949. His average is 96.058.

Norma Jane Spezzano has been named salutatorian with an average of 90.211. She is a member of the National Honor Society and plans to enter the University of Rochester after graduating.

Durfee is the thirteenth alternate for a National Honor Society scholarship of $300. The scholarships were based on examinations open to members of the Honor Society. Students from all over the country took the exam for the scholarship, which was sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Durfee is the president of the Geneseo Chapter of the National Honor Society, and winner of the Rochester Harvard Club scholarship. Among 46 candidates from 11 counties, he won this scholarship which was based on his school records. Durfee expects to enter Harvard University in the fall.

-GCS-

SENIOR BANQUET TO BE HELD AT BIG TREE INN

On Thursday evening, June 9th, at seven o'clock, the Senior Class of Geneseo Central School will hold its annual banquet at the Big Tree Inn. Work is going full speed ahead, for with the faculty as guests, it is going to be a big affair. The committee hopes this will be one of the most memorable banquets ever held. General chairman of the banquet is Norma Spezzano. Bill Stokes heads the program Committee, Joan Al1en the Decorations, and Bob Kelsey and Eddie Dwyer the Mementos.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Duncan Bull

Clean Sweep for Booster Party, Bull to Head New Student Council, Bondi, Britton, Veeder Victorious

Duncan Bull, Presidential candidate of the Booster Party, was the top choice of the students in the Student Council elections held Thursday, May 26, at the Village Hall. The entire Booster Party was elected making Peter Bondi the vice-president; Janet Britton, secretary; and Eleanor Veeder, treasurer. Charles Hall was the campaign manager for the winning party.

Last Friday the candidates for Student Council officers were announced and almost immediately a vigorous campaign was launched by each party. Wednesday, the campaign came to a head when the parties reviewed their qualifications for the respective office.

The Rightest Party candidates for office were: President, Rosie Rider; vice-president, Don Rector; secretary, Polly Newton; treasurer, Ed Peterson. Durf Newton acted as their campaign manager.

Valley Echoes Staff

Editor. . . . Gertrude Bellanca Business Mgr. Mary Grace Rose Advisor. . . . Miss Mary Domann Staff-Diane Archer, Rosalie Battaglia, Frances Clinton, Edward Dwyer, Miles Doolittle, Charles Hall, Alex Ivanov, Jo Manley, Joanne Merrell, Norma Jane Spezzano, Claire Traugott, Au­drey Vickers, Mary Beth Vienna, Roger Wright, Betty Hargather, Betty Kerns.

Price 5c per Copy

Editorials

TO THE CLASS OF '49

by Mr. Jenkins

Congratulations to the Class of 1949! The achievements of the Senior Class during the last Six years will leave their marks on the records of the school which will long be remembered.

Individuals have contributed to high scholarship, musical achievement, athletic prowess and excellence in many other areas of endeavor. Like all senior groups, we shall miss them when school reopens in September but we know the example they have set will challenge the beas efforts of the new class to keep Geneseo Central on top among the schools of western New York.

Among the greatest rewards that teachers enjoy is the satisfac­tion that comes with watching their students grow in mental and physical maturity to become well­adjusted, democratic citizens. The faculty shall continue to follow with interest the future progress of the Class of 1949.

-GCS-­

TO THOSE ABOUT TO DEPART

By Diane Archer

Before I began this article I was told I could be just as critcal as I wished. This is, one must admit, quite an opportunity for a poor freshman, who will, to her dying day, shudder at the merest men­tion (of Indians and onions. I am, however, forced to forfeit this opportunity to criticize for this year's senior class seemed lacking of even the traditional "holier than thou" attitude toward freshmen. Perhaps they have spent so many hours developing their various talents. that they haven't had time for "class distinction."

Looking back we recall the senior play which kept us laughing at odd moments for a long time. Many of the senior boys will be remembered for the great team

members they have made. We could almost begin a sports "Hall of Fame" with an autographed basketball from Al and a few notes on “Pitcher's Secrets” by Cal and a pair of track shoes donated by Dick. The music depart­ment won't be the same next year without our honorable bass horn player Bob and our Jill of all trades; Audrey. It will seem odd to enter the art room and not see Bill Stokes working on one of his unusual and attractive projects.

Yes, there are going to be a great many empty places around G. C. S. next year when the sen­iors try their wings. But it won't be the last we will hear of them. I think we'll see some names in print and perhaps a couple in lights. And so to the seniors, good luck and a fond farewell.

-GCS-

A STUDENT COUNCIL­WHY? by Alex Ivanov

A well-managed student council can be of immense help to the student body. I say well managed because it seems that our student council has not used its entire power and influence for the benefit of the students. The students received promises of action from candidates and elected them in a democratic manner. In exchange, the student council should in a democratic manner coordinate student activities. It should consider all proposals brought up by class representatives. A large number of students would like to know what happened to the Youth Center idea brought up and forgotten several months ago. Students want to know why a special tax was levied on them. Why does the student council get its revenue from other sources? Where is the money received by this tax spent? These questions should be answered at once.

The great democratic privilege of being able to elect your government-school, local, or national -should be used to elect people who will wholeheartedly work for the benefit of all. The members of the council should get closer to the students. They should get in touch with them more often than they do now. They should get the students' opinions about important subjects discussed by the student council.

The council has not been unsuccessful in its work. With its au­thority the council could, however, do much more for the students. With time and experience, I believe the council will get stronger and more useful.

ARE CHANGES NECESSARY?

By Mary Beth Vienna

This week the following article, by an unknown author, appeared in the box of the "Valley Echoes" advisor. A copy of it later ap­peared on the main bulletin board. We are printing below the article just as it appeared there:

Whose Candidates Are They? For a school in a democratic country we have some strange procedures.

One day last week we were given the opportunity to nominate candidates for Student Government elections. A fine start. But what is the next step? Instead of conducting a primary election in which all students would vote democratically to narrow the number of nominees to two candidates for each office, followed by a final popular vote for election, what happens? The five nominees for each office, with the highest popular vote, come before a so-called Student Council which completely ignores the popular vote, and, from the nominees, selects two candidates of its own choice, to run for each office. Who are the Council members to override the popular vote of the Student Body? Why shouldn't they present, as candidates, the two nominees with the highest popular vote?

You are not voting for your candidates, and your student council is not representing you!

Then, to appease any question of democratic rights, we are allowed to vote on their candidates. Under the existing practice, students of G. C. S., your nominees, who have the highest popular vote, are not the candidates on the slate for election.

Who is running our Student Government?

Submitted to Valley Echoes by a contributor.

I can find no fault with this article as far as it goes, but, unfortunately, it does not go as far as is possible. For example, it does not explain that the reason for having the Council pick the final candidates for office was to prevent two people who were in no way qualified for the office from running simply because they were the two most popular people in school. When the constitution was written this possibility had to be considered. It seemed perfectly possible that a person who lacked qualities of leadership, scholarship, and service might be chosen because people liked him and under his leadership our council would cease to be effective. We must remember that the national government which we consider so nearly perfect elects its chief executive, not by popular vote but by the vote of an Electors College which has the power to choose any person it wishes as president. Our only guarantee is that these electors are picked by the people and have been sent to represent them.

You have picked the representatives on the council to act for you where you can not act for yourself in as efficient a manner. It is up to you to elect people you know will look after your interests if you want the council to work for you.

If you are not in favor of the present methods of election it is up to you to do something about it. When this constitution was ratified every student was given an opportunity to read it and to present his point of view. It was you, the student body, who voted in favor of this document. When you did this, you also left yourself a method by which you had the power to change it. If you want the method of elections changed why not propose an amendment to the constitution? It is your power to do so.

The constitution states that a proposal to amend the constitution may originate in the Executive Council or it may originate by a petition sent to this council by the student body. This petition must be presented in writing and be "supported by the valid signature of 50 of the members (of the student Association) or by 20% of the members, whichever is less." The constitution goes on to say. "Any proposed amendment, duly and properly initiated, shall be voted on by the entire Student Association membership and declared passed by a two-thirds vote of the members voting." You see it really is very simple to initiate an amendment to our constitution if there is a number of students in favor of this action.

This whole thing makes me wonder if you, the student body, really know what is contained in this constitution and if you understand what the duties and powers of the Executive Council are. I suggest that the first project of our new council be to conduct a campaign to acquaint the student body with the council and its constitution.

-GCS-

PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH

by Bill Stokes

The seniors are on their way! Profit by their experiences you underclassmen, and do what I wish I had done.

That first person singular pronoun is creeping into this thing already and at this point I think a few principles should be set forth. Don't waste time. More and more fellows have come back to school and have tried to get into college only to find that they have not the requisites to make up an efficient Freshman course of study. Everyone thinks that the teachers(­Cont. Pg. 3. Col 4)

Review Of The Baseball Season

by Charles Hall

The Geneseo Central Blue Dev­ils took the Livingston County "A" League Championship when they knocked off Wayland last week 7-4. This was a tougher game than was expected since the Wayland nine staged a rally in the fifth to threaten the Blue Devil lead.

The boys this year, as last, were handicapped by the fact that they had no regular place in which to hold their practices and thus had

to travel all over the country-side to find a field each day. This, however, did not prevent the Geneseo nine from taking the Championship. We all know that Coach Clouser directed the strategy as he has in all the other sports that Geneseo has taken Championships for.

Although this is the end of the season, so to speak, let us not stop working for the team, because they have yet to compete for the sectional championship. The first game in this series of playoffs is to be held with a powerful, hard

hitting LeRoy nine. Well, maybe some of you will remember that LeRoy was one of the two teams to beat us during the basketball season. I understand that they have a good baseball team also, so Geneseo will have to do some real playing if they are to advance in the playoffs.

For a moment now, let us look hack on the old season. It was opened when Geneseo bumped off Livonia 12-2. The second game was with Wayland and Geneseo won that one 12-0. I guess that Geneseo had a lucky inning in that contest because Wayland's pitcher held Geneseo to only six hits. In that inning Geneseo really got going, scoring eight runs. At this point in the season the Geneseo nine met their strongest opposition, in the form of the team from Wellsville where the game was played. Geneseo won that thriller by the nar­row margin of 3-1. Not too many of us were so fortunate as to see the game, but it was reported that they really had some club. Geneseo so far has been victorious by downing Industry 15-8, Avon 5-1, Dansville 9-1 and Wayland again 7-4. Notice the score in the last Wayland game compared to the first one. Some difference? It seems as though they were out to stop Geneseo from winning the title, but Geneseo could not be stopped by them. Let's hope that they go

ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT HELD IN AUDITORIUM

The annual May concert held last night in the school Auditor­ium was a huge success for both the participants and the New York state Music Camp Scholarship Fund.

The Junior Band opened the evening of music with "Forward and Allegiance", a Buchtel march medley and several other selections, followed by Bob Kelsey's sousaphone solo and the trumpet quartet playing "Finlandia."

The Senior Band was next in entertainment with a Sousa march, an overture, two selections from Tschaikowski, a novelty number, and the "Teddy Bears' Picnic." Succeeding the band was the trombone trio made up of Allen Jenkins, Larry Henty and Harvey Waters. The Junior Chorus began the second half of the concert with a Pyrenean tune, a Southern song, and the "Sailing Song." "Will You Remember" was sung by Audrey Vickers who preceded the orchestra. This group played Morton Gould's modern "Americana Suite" and the old favorite, "Londonderry Air."

Girls' chorus, under the direc­tion of Mrs. Alice Milliman, sang "To Music" by Schubert, "New Moon" by MoKay, and "Peace I Leave With You" by Prosser. Fiddle Sessions, having their premiere performance, did nobly, and should serve as an encouragement to those studying violin. The concert closed with the orchestra playing a Spanish number and Romberg's "Serenade", both of which kept the percussion section jumping.

The money contributed at the door will be used partially for the benefit of the Scholarship fund of the New York ,state Music Camp.

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all the way in the play offs this year.

The Blue Devils had two pitch­ers this year and they were, our old standby "Speed-ball" Parry who kept the opposition batters swinging and to relieve Cal we had trusty Don Rector. It seems that Geneseo only rapped out two home runs and those were slugged out by Costello in the Avon game and Cal Parry in the League "A" game with Dansville, here. The last regular league game of the season will be played at Dansville, under Dansville's newly installed lights. The outcome of this game cannot alter the championship result because Dansville already has two losses. Let us keep rooting for Geneseo in the sectionals.

HONOR SOCIETY PROPOSES AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION

If you are fortunate enough to be elected to the National Honor Society, you will find it a chal­lenge to keep your membership, according to a new amendment to the Chapter's constitution. Designed to keep the Society members working at the top of their ability, the Amendment calls for suspension of any active member if he is placed on the ineligibility report twice in one ten-week period, or if he doesn't maintain an 85% average at the end of each marking period for the work in that period. If a member is sus­pended twice in one year, he is automatically dropped from the Society. If a Senior member is suspended for the first time in the last ten week period, he will not be allowed to participate as a So­ciety member in the graduation exercises. Lastly, to be reinstated after being dropped, a person has to be suggested and approved by the Faculty Council, in the same manner as incoming members.

This Amendment was first post­ed on May 13, and to become effective, it must be approved by the National Council, and then passed by a two-thirds vote of the present Chapter. This decisive vote will be taken on June 13, and as things shape up now, it is expected that this self-imposed discipline will be passed by the required eight members.

-GCS-­

HISTORICAL GROUP VISITS ALBANY AND COOPERSTOWN

The Junior Historical Group left for its conference in Cooperstown on Friday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m., arriving in Albany at 7:00 p.m. Twenty-nine members plus Mrs. MacNaughton, Mrs. Vienna and Mr. Bellanca, the bus driver, went. Everyone stayed over night at the Wellington Hotel in Albany, visiting the Capitol and going through the part that wasn't under construction.

Saturday morning the group left for Cooperstown at 7:30 in order to be in time for the convention at 10:00 a.m. Nancy Bull and Jo Manley gave speeches on the Big Tree Chapter's activities for this year. David Goldthwait introduced Bill DeCamp, who was running for office in the State Council. However, he failed to win. Members then visited the famous Baseball Hall of Fame and saw where baseball was first played. All afternoon was spent at the Farmers' Museum and the James Fenimore Cooper home.

Jen-O-See Staff Awaits Arrival Of '49 Yearbooks

It is expected that the '49 year­books will be distributed to the seniors and to the faculty at the annual senior banquet as has been the custom for some years. The staff of the Jen-O-See announced that all seniors must have paid for their yearbooks before June 9, the date of the banquet, if they wish to receive their copy with the rest that night.

Yearbooks will be on sale Fri­day, June 10, for all students. They will be sold from the box office and students are requested to bring their receipts with them to indicate the amount already paid.

Some extra copies have been ordered so that students who have not previously ordered a book may buy one at that time.

-GCS-­

Practice What I Preach Cont. from Pg. 2, Col. 4

are mean when they make an example of a student by having him recite the same axiom over and over again but an ancient school proverb is "Repetition impresses facts on dull brains."

"Why didn't you make me work?'" This wailing phrase is all too common in principals' offices around the country, voiced by men and women who want to get into a good college of their own choice but find that their marks are just not up to the school's standards. That you study by yourself is sim­ply self discipline, something which every student should certainly be capable of. The teachers in this school are only too glad to help you outside but did you ever stop to think that they might want to throw in the towel when it comes to trying to make you use your time wisely.

The bad practice of loafing on the job is translated in the class book as an unsatisfactory grade in a quiz or as evidence that a daily assignment is incomplete.

There have been dances, proms, games, student elections and school picnics to dazzle the students into a pink cloud as far as exams are concerned. For some this is the last chance. Instead of keeping the Riviera open singlehanded or holding up one of the local soda. emporia wrap yourself around a book at home and do what you can at this late date for your shaky average.

Practice what I preach-uh huh!

On The March

By Norma Spezzano

It seems that at this time of year every senior starts reminiscing about his past four years in. high school. It's my turn now.

Way back in my sophomore year when I decided to take up an instrument, I had no idea it would lead to so many good times. Within a few months I was accepted in the band and later had the honor of being the first girl in our dance band. That summer we gave weekly band concerts in the park during the warm evenings. It is still a mystery to me why the platform didn't cave in with us. The plank the drummers stood on had the personality of a springboard.

Next year we all felt so proud when we wore our new blue uni­forms for the first time. We performed at most home basketball games, and in the summer won acclaim by having a season of first prizes on our first attempt at marching at Firemen's Parades. That was a delightful few months, taking top honors allover Western New York by playing Mr. Castle's "K. C. March" in front of all the judges' stands. Even so, none of us could stand a carnival after that. At the end of the season, the Geneseo Rotary gave us a picnic at stony Brook Park. I don't b­lieve any of us will soon forget Bobby Batzel chasing a woodchuck with a baseball bat.

On Halloween we held our ver­sion of a carnival in the gymnasium, and it was a big success. And once again we marched at the basketball games, giving such im­pressive performances as the "St. Louis Blues March" and the Christmas tree with the tiny flashlights on our hats outlining the branches. In April, as an entirely different experience we journeyed to Weathersville- (we hadn't heard of it either), New York to do an F. M. broadcast. We were at one disadvantage, though, for we were seat­ed upstairs and the piano was on the first floor.

The variety show, "Funzapoppin" was something quite unusual in G. C. S. and it was enjoyed very much. We did a dress rehearsal at the Batavia Veterans' Hospital. Shall we ever forget Joe Lattimore as the "bouncing" preacher in the Moders Wedding skit, Bob­by Kelsey as Senator "Wordsworth" or Jerry Spezzano singing "I Cried For You", with the water

G. C. S. STUDENTS TO COMPETE AT HORNELL Saturday, May 28, the trim blue and white uniformed members of the Geneseo Central School Band will journey to Hornell by school bus to attend the annual All state rating finals.

The forty-five piece band will leave the high school at 2.00 p. m. arriving at the Hornell Central School about 3:00 p. m. in time to register and get instruments tuned. Under the direction of Mr. Cas­tle the band will perform in the auditorium at 6:00 p. m. and will be judged at that time.

Many instrumental soloists are attending All State this year. They are as follows: Robert Kelsey, sousaphone; Jerry Spezzano, trumpet; Peter Welch, trumpet; Rob­ert Wilcox, clarinet; Maurice Barkley, baritone; Christopher Rider, snare drum; Dolores Spizzano, clarinet; Rosamond Rider, French horn; Patricia Milliman, baritone; Miles Doolittle, violin; Robert McColl, piano and violin; William Jenkins, violin.

Friday, May 27th, the vocal so­loists will be excused from school to sing their way to a rating. They are Patricia Milliman, Coleen Williams and Audrey Vickers.

Also participating will be the trumpet quartet consisting of Da­vid Goidthwait, William Haley, Charles Aprile and Lee Ann McKeown. A clarinet trio will be made up of Polly Ann Newton, Marcia Manley and Carolyn Jamieson while a clarinet quartet will include Miles Doolittle, Arlene Brown, Katherine Aprile and Elaine Scondras

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drizzling down his cheeks? By the way, Jerry had one water-stained tie hanging in his closet.

One very warm May evening we played between the acts of the play "John Loves Mary" at the College. We had the best seats in the house-chinning the stage and warming our hands over the footlights.

There is still our May Concert and All-State ahead of us, and of course another summer of marching. But all that is too short. I only wish that I had three more years to spend here in school. It has been wonderful working under Mr. Castle's direction.

We have a young organization now, but it is maturing rapidly. I know that in a matter of years I will be able to say that I had the opportunity of being a part of it and of writing articles, insufficient as they were, about a wonderful band, that of Geneseo Central School.

Thru The Halls

by Audrey Vickers

It seems weeks ago, but we must mention the Soph Hop and emphasize that the fun, sweet music and refreshments were enjoyed by all.

As for the Junior Prom, just a week ago tonight, everyone knows Maisy was crowned queen of the May. We just wanted to extend late but hearty congratulations to you and to Cal too.

Speaking of Cal reminds us­-have all you bright-eyed students seen the New York socks Cal, Durf and Mr. Rost are sporting? You can't miss 'em. They practically knock you over, and only six for a dollar. Notice Newton's orange and green ones!

Socks brings up another train of thought on a different subject. This column is bringing to mind "old stuff" but whether old or new, when congratulations are due, we make them. So, here's our hat off to Cal and Al for being spotted by the "White Sox" and much luck to Cal who accepted. My, the congratulations keep going to one family this May issue.

We understand that a "Jack" in our deck is the "Ace" of someone's "Trump", but she would just as soon "Club" him with a "Spade."

This time of year every Senior is making himself scarce, what with banquet meetings practically every noon. We have a big deal planned for June 9th but Seniors, only two more weeks and how many momentos have we written?

Beware! Beware of that blue Ford with the white sign on the door marked "Driver Training." The telephone poles and trees in Geneseo are being weeded out very neatly by the class, but seriously though, it's a great course and it's too bad we all couldn't include it in our schedule.

A couple of weeks ago the orchestra performed at the college to a surprisingly large crowd for the School Superintendents' Conference.

Has everyone stuck their fin­gers into the genuine clay figures on exhibit in the library?"- Also on exhibit from the art department is this semester's work. Take a gander.

NEW MEMBERS TO BE ACCEPTED BY MARITIME ACADEMY

The New York state Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler, Bronx, New York, announced today that expanded living facilities will enable the enrollment of fifty additional students in the September class. As a result applications will be received through June 1, 1949. An accredited, tuition-free state college, the Academy confers a bachelor's degree in the marine engineering or deck program after the four year course. Students are enrolled as Midshipmen, U.S. Naval Reserve upon admission, and at the present time receive a monthly subsidy of $85.00 from the Federal Government. Upon graduation, each student is commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve and qualifies for a Third Officer's license in the Merchant Marine, in addition to the bachelor's degree. Many graduates go to well paying jobs as officers in the Merchant Marine, while others go into graduate school work or shore positions.

The Fort Schuyler Cadet Corps embarks on a three months' foreign cruise each summer, visiting West Indian, European and Near Eastern reports.

Looks like Rector and Spezzano will be an active pair for the baseball team soon. Keep it up fellows.

Oh, Juniors, a note on your Prom-it was a successful evening what with the beautiful decorations and interesting refreshments. Everyone went home seeing stars.

Well, Grant finally had to resort to it. Keeping Don in nights is no longer a problem. Have you seen the six foot fence surrounding the place? Just one of those things!

That "Man from Mars" with the new black Beedlebaum vehicle is none other than our long haired hot lips, Mr. Castle.

We would prescribe Mrs. Hall as a good antidote to an upset class or study hall.

The latest news on Miss Quirk, who is convalescing at the Genesee Hospital, is that her broken leg may prevent her from being with us for the rest of the year. Miss Lanpher, who succeeded, in pulling most of us through those junior high regents, is steadily im­proving at the Strong Memorial Hospital. Both teachers expect to be home soon.