Excerpts from the
"Tech High Review" Yearbook
The Memphis Technical High School
- 1945 -
In the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Forty-five, the fourth group of wartime graduates will proceed in a grave and stately manner through the doors of Memphis Technical High School into the glowing future. With eager eyes and throbbing hearts we reach the climax of three of the happiest years of our lives, having shared moments of sorrow, happiness and reward. We look forward to the future with a feeling of security because of our faith in God and the helpful and encouraging inspirations given us by our teachers.
As we turn back the pages of memories we discover that they unfold as an interesting book—a book with the more than two hundred and thirty graduates as the main characters. Our book contains three thrilling chapters, with each representing an exciting years work and play spent at Tech. The book was written by us during the three years from September, 1942, until May, 1945. Our efficient class director was Miss Ruth Stanfield, to whom every member of the class is grateful for her outstanding service as sponsor and teacher.
CHAPTER I
In September, 1942, a large group of excited, nervous, and shy Sophomores entered Tech High, thrilled by the thoughts of becoming a part of such a large school. On our first day Professor Highsaw called us "Mighty Sophomores." Although we were green and silly as individuals, we were very strong as a body, and soon lived up to our name. We elected officers and became a part of the school, taking an active interest in the school's projects. Our officers were: President, Joe Sax; Vice-President, Buddy Hoback; Secretary, Doris Ellis; Treasurer, M. H. Walls; and Chaplain, Charles Buehl.
The school won many honors that year, and among them was the National Forensic League Tournament. Our class was represented in this by Joe Sax, Paul Mostert, Audrey Greer, and Denby Brandon. Joe Sax represented the class on the Tech High Debating Team which won city and district championships.
The Sophomore Class sponsored a skating party at East End Skating Rink in January. The party was a big success and everyone had a wonderful time.
The Tech High Radio Singers gave a program every week on Tuesdays over Station WREC called "America Is Right." The Sophomores to sing on it were Genie Shelton, Joye Glass, Dorothy McSwain, Sara Beth Meadows, Martha Andrews, Annie Rose Barker, Dorothy Wynne, Joe Sax and Irving Evans.
The Music Department presented the operetta, "Maritana," in which Joe Sax and Freddi Moran had important roles. The Glee Club gave several programs in churches in the city and at the Naval Base at Millington.
Students who were on the Yellowjacket were Miriam Cristil and Margaret Williams.
The Sophomore Class sponsored a Womanless Wedding in October and from our class in the wedding were Lester Hoback and Joe Sax.
Miss Warren's Drill Squad which marched at several football games included six girls from the Sophomore Class. They were Joyce Norris, Ceda Lee, Josephine Conley, Mary Frances Culp, Shirley Hillstrom and Mary Ann Fallot.
The class accomplished much that year and was included in almost all the organizations of the school. There were the Commercial, Sports, Latin, Music, Art, Spanish and other departments of the school.
All too soon, our Sophomore year was completed and the first chapter of our book was closed forever.
CHAPTER II
Very soon our summer vacation months were over and we returned to Tech as "Jolly Juniors." Our class officers were: President, Howard Dyer; Vice-President, Richard Akers; Treasurer, Joyce Norris; Secretary, Don Robinson; and Chaplain, Margaret Williams. These officers performed their duties with gnat efficiency and successfully lead the class in many projects.
The annual homecoming party and popularity contest were held in November. A carnival was one of the attractions of the party, followed by a floor show and the crowning of the popularity queens. The girls from the Junior Class who were queens were Rose Marie Danke, June Millwood, Frances Sorce, Barbara Munn, Joyce Norris and Anna Fay Whitney.
The Junior Class sponsored a skating party and a gym dance. Both of the parties were lots of fun and were enjoyed by the whole school.
Members of the class who were on the Yellowjacket Staff were Margaret Williams, Miriam Cristil, June Pitts, Jill Robinson and Jeane Moss.
Margaret Williams, Miriam Cristil and Jeane Moss were made members of the Null Adams Chapter of the Quill and Scroll.
The boys who were officers in R. O. T. C. were John Parker, Bill Wallace, Richard Akers, Denby Brandon, Howard Dyer, William Rothrock, Don Robinson, Billy Bell and Carl Harrison. The girls who were sponsors were Jill Robinson, Sara Beth Meadows, Betty English, June Miller and Mary Jean Hankins.
One of the most important events of the year was the Junior-Senior Prom, given by the Juniors honoring the Seniors. The dance followed the Senior Banquet and was held in May at the Peabody Hotel.
The class won honors in its Junior Year, too, and several of the members were taken into the National Honor Society. They were Paul Mostert, Denby Brandon, Benton Ellis, Betty Livingston, Opal Cherry, Miriam Cristil, Faye Herriman, Martha Andrews, Margaret Williams, Josephine Conley, Marilyn Domangue, Sara Beth Meadows, Ceda Lee and Annabelle Smith.
Two wonderful and exciting years were ended and many happy days were over, and all too soon our second chapter was closed.
CHAPTER III
As we returned to Tech for the last time we were very "Dignified Seniors" and really wondered if we looked as silly as Sophs as some of those who were at Tech for the first time. We also found that our class had been divided into three groups. Some class members had gone to the summer school and graduated in August and some would graduate in January. During our three years at Tech, boys who entered our class and have left school to join the armed forces are Neal Rider, Carson Plumbley, Jesse W. Bell, Dalton Cherry, G. W. Lewis, Uis Johnson, Charles Jones, Jimmie Ledbetter, Wilbert Morris, Jack Wallace, James Eaton, Guy Akin, Eugene Anderson, Virgil Bishop, Bill Brown, Dewey Carden, Dennis Fitzgerald, Tom Kramer, Richard LeGrand, Bill Loftin, Thomas Smith, Bill Stannard, M. H. Walls, Noel Ellis, Leon Hurt, Harry Thurman, Enoch Morris, Byron Chanoyen, Jimmy Whitemone, Herbert Cody, Gene Simmons, Newman Dacus, Emmet Garner, James Perry, Fred Kendall, Bernie Mullikin, Jack Norvell, Tom Sawyer, Gary Curtis, James Scott, Clarence Watson, Fred Courts, James Heard, Sammy Arnett, Jack Bolling, George Cash, Mathew Hall, George Hammon, Anton Holmquist and Wilfred McCord. There had been seventeen who had graduated in January and thirty-seven in August.
Our Senior Class officers were: President, Denby Brandon; Boys Vice-President, Don Robinson; Girls' Vice-President, Jill Robinson; Secretary, Sara Beth Meadows; Treasurer, Bill Wallace; and Chaplain, Margaret Williams.
The officers of the National Honor Society were: President, Denby Brandon; Vice-President, Margaret Williams; Secretary, Marilyn Domangue; Treasurer, Paul Mostert; Chaplain, Miriam Cristil; and Reporter, Martha Andrews. These officers have proved themselves worthy of the duties bestowed upon them, and have been an asset to the school and its activities.
The officers of the Quill and Scroll are: Miriam Cristil, President; Margaret Williams, Vice-President; Jeane Moss, Secretary. Other members are Jane Stepherson, Anne Tyus, June Pitts and Jill Robinson.
The Tech High football team was city champions. Seniors on the team were: Don Robinson, John Dugard, Gene Forrester, Bill Jones, Thomas Nicklas, Murray Beier, Charles Sarver, and Billy Sawtell. The basketball team was also city champions, and Don Robinson and Pinky Bowers represented the class. Tech also had a very successful baseball team. Those on the team were Don Robinson, Billy Bell, LaVert Wade, Gene Forretser, Alton Hargrove, Pinky Bowers, Richard Akers, James Lee and Don Finney.
The Goodwill Committee which visited other schools (luring the football season to promote goodwill was made up of Denby Brandon, Jill Robinson, Billy Bell, Joyce Norris and Miriam Cristil. Cheer leaders from the class were Bettye English, LaVert Wade and June Millwood.
In the important events on the drill field we see the following who arc. officers and sponsors in the R.O.T.C.:
Lt. Col. John Parker and June Miller.
Lt. Col. Denby Brandon and Betty Cockrill.
Major Richard Akers and Mary Jean Hankins.
Major Paul Mostert and Juanita Vernon.
Capt. Don Robinson and Martha Little.
Capt. Bill Wallace and Mary Jo Baseman.
Capt. Bill Rothrock and Sara Beth Meadows.
Capt. Don Finney and Billie Mae Chastain.
Capt. Walton Sheely and Doris Jaudon.
Capt. Billy Bell and Miriam Cristil.
1st Lt. Pittman Warren and Louise Stone.
1st Lt. Lehman Sammons and Joyce Norris.
1st Lt. Joe Norvell and Faye Herriman.
1st Lt. Mort Scruggs and Carol McDonald.
2nd Lt. Jerry Nevels and Mary C. Daniels.
2nd Lt. James Lee and Jane Williamson.
2nd Lt. Joe Sax and Jeanne Ford.Honorary sponsors are Lt. Col. June Miller, Capt. Elizabeth Rodgers, 1st Lt. Martha Andrews, Major Jean Hankins, and 2nd Lt. Betsy Brinkmeir.
Lt. Col. Parker enlisted in the Merchant Marine and Denby Brandon became lieutenant colonel. Cadet Major Richard Akers also joined the Merchant Marine.
The Seniors on the Yellowjacket staff were: Editorsin-chief, Miriam Cristil and Margaret Williams; exchange editor, Jeanne Moss; cartoonist, John Anderson; columnist, Bill Rothrock; and secretary, June Pitts. Assisting the staff were Bettye English, Jack Ringer, Betty Ann Jones, Flora Martin, Jill Robinson, Jane Stepherson, Anne Tyus and Pinky Bowers.
We have had a very successful three years at Tech and we shall always remember the patient kindness of all our teachers. To our class division teachers we give double thanks for their helpfulness along our way to success while in high school.
As we go we leave behind our teachers and classmates but we shall forever take our precious memories with us. With us we as individuals take our school motto, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," and shall some day reach the stars through difficulties.
Our book is finished and though we shall soon be in all parts of the earth, we shall never forget our days at Tech.
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