On August 14, 1945, Wor'd War II ended. The guns were silent and Americans everywhere rejoiced because their boys had won the battle. But these Americans failed to realize that there was a war that was raging on the homefront, and has not been won even yet. This is the war that is being fought against the common foe of every man, woman, and child--the war against the dread white plague, tuberculosis.

Youth Today - Leaders Tomorrow: We, the graduating class of 1947, do realize the grave responsibility our graduation into the world at this time implies upon us. The world is marked by confusion. In this day and age, man has arrived at the point where he must choose whether he will use his tremendous advancements in science and knowledge for his betterment or his destruction. His choice lies in the success of world union, and the success of world union depends upon the efforts of man. The answer to the problem of finding worldly peace and harmony cannot be achieved by one man or even one nation; nor can it be found in one day or even one year. It will take time, hard work, and real faith on the part of each and every human being to bring the peace the future promises. We who are the Youth of Today must be the Leaders of Tomorrow.

To the Future, Peace with Progress: We, the graduating class of Bangor High School for the year MCMXLVI, have set our sights high, very high, indeed. Since Adam, man has groped blindly for the dove of peace; he has always failed to keep the prize within his grasp. From the discovery of fire onward, humanity has sought to better its lot only to discover each invention, each advancement, meant a more rapid rate for human extinction. These are not pretty facts; rather, ugly truths. Yet, we are not afraid; we have our eyes open, wide open. When man does achieve peace, there can only be progress. So, it must be our goal to gain a durable peace. Freedom from conflict will be ours when tyranny the world over is destroyed, exterminated by the rejuvenated masses who prefer freedom and prosperity to slavery and ruin. That is the answer, a challenge to the youth of the United States, because it is their spirit, their willfulness and vigor, which will accomplish this task as surely as the same spirit hewed a nation out of a wilderness and defeated mighty aggressors. Therefore, we, the graduating class of Bangor High School for the year MCMXLVI, are ready, in fact anxious, to go forth into the world. With the past to draw upon, and with the present to guide us, we are determined to meet the challenge to the future, Peace with Progress.

In this, the fifty-fifth edition of the B. H. S. "Oracle," several important themes have been followed. As usual, the spirit of Christmas has been portrayed; however, diverting from the "Christmas tree" and "Santa Claus" conception, we have stressed the sober realization that Christmas, 1945, signifies peace, an uneasy peace which cost no little sum in human sacrifice. So, too, the "Babe of Bethlehem" made the supreme sacrifice for the betterment of his fellow men. Another topic which we, the "Oracle Staff," have emphasized, is the excellent extra curricula program of Bangor High School. It is our firm belief that very few high schools in the United States offer such a comprehensive alinement of activities for the everlasting benefit of the students, you and me--benefits which will best fit us for American citizenship and for world fraternity.

We have chosen work as the shibboleth for the Oracle June, 1945. The graduating class has witnessed the close of an era the close of the European war. We have felt the imprint of war deeply impressed upon us during our years of high school; the end of a phase of it marks the end of a chapter in our lives. The completion of the second phase of the war marks the beginning of a new era. We leave B. H. S. to take our places as citizens of the world. We solemnly vow that we will work untiringly, unselfishly, and unceasingly to make it a world of peace.

To Combat Indifference: So that B. H. S. students may be more fully aware of recent events of national and community scope that directly affect them, the Oracle has turned over a section of its spring number to clarifying these issues. We do this with the hope of overcoming am alarming feeling of indifference concerning them. We present two very important pro and con features. The first deals with the issue of compulsory military training for boys and girls of eighteen. It includes six unbiased opinions of student representatives from each class. The second feature concerns the pro and con arguments for lowering the voting age to eighteen. These articles were written by students who have been studying this problem intensively as a part of the debating curriculum. These two comparatively recent national developments directly concern students all over the country. It is essential, therefore, that the many-sided issues involved and their results be thoroughly understood.

Season's greetings around the world...France...England...Egypt...Brazil...Australia...Americans are scattered all over the globe; many are spending their first Christmas away from those they love. This is the story of these men told by them in letters they themselves have written home.

Dedication: It is with solemn prayer that we dedicate this June, 1944, Oracle to the boys of the class of 1944 at Bangor High School who have left the class to enter the armed forces. There are sixty-odd boys who have gone and will not be present at graduation. We feel this loss acutely and can only hope that those boys have given their best elsewhere, in whatever duty has been assigned them. We were proud of their records as students at B. H. S. We are proud of their service records in the armed forces. We know that those boys from B. H. S. will continue to do as well in the future. In this year of invasion we offer a prayer for all of them, wherever they may be. To them in a spirit of pride and confidence we dedicate this Oracle for June, 1944.

At the present time, with our troops awaiting the final command to assault the fortress Europe, it is inevitable that something be said of the military situation. A certain speculation upon our future seems necessary. The events of the next few months will reflect what degree of preparation has been attained in this, the greatest democratic crusade against oppressive rule in the world's history. Spectacular production miracles have been wrought in the factories of this nation. A most complex military organization has been put into efficient, smooth operation. The home front has been mobilized so that in a sense the civilian is placed beside the man at the fighting front. No resources have been spared to insure our eventual victory. We are confident, now, of that victory. We are going to win this war.

The Road to Victory Over Tuberculosis: In these times when our attention is focused upon the battlefronts throughout the world, we are inclined to forget an enemy within our boundaries. This destructive enemy is tuberculosis, the leading cause of death between the ages of 15 and 45, which kills 175 people every day of the year. It is a formidable foe, and not to be reckoned with lightly. Indeed, the armed forces are well aware of its danger. Upon induction every man is to be given an X-ray of his chest. This is one of the fundamental methods of combatting the disease. In this way tuberculosis cases are detected and given proper attention.

Dedication: The thoughts of youth in 1943 are inevitably thoughts of war. No one can remain untouched by the human tragedy that is war. With awful intonations it announces sorrow, suffering, death to supposedly civilized peoples--grown selfish in their civilization. Comrades and counselors of youth are caught in the clutches of conflict. No wonder the future twists itself into an overwhelming question mark, and youth is asking, "Why war? What is civilization? Where is God?" To us at Bangor High School, the induction of friends and teachers, the progress of their training, their promotions, word of honors won and lives lost, bring home the war. Many of us are soon to join their ranks. Our eyes and hopes are fixed upon them whose lot is service to the nation. Some will return; some we shall never see again. But it is to them that we, the youth of 1943, can look for the answer to our questions. In a spirit not so much of dedication as of prayer, we pay tribute to the men and women, boys and girls, who have gone forth from Bangor High School in the services of their country. We pray that we may find strength to stand firm and true behind them every minute of the way.

Opportunity to Serve: As soon as the Victory Corps gathers momentum at Bangor High School, it will be apropos to comment, "They also serve who only stand and wait." For whether "they" are standing by their studies or are waiting for their call to the colors, the students will have the opportunity to serve voluntarily in this nation-wide organization. The establishment of the Victory Corps has proceeded gradually at Bangor High since President Roosevelt announced, late in September, 1942, the plans endorsed by the Army, Navy, War Manpower Commission, and U. S. Office of Education, for mobilizing senior high school students. The purpose is to encourage effective preparation for and participation in wartime service. The Victory Corps is the answer to our enemies' challenge that we stand up and fight; it will enable boys and girls to serve more usefully after graduation, both in the war effort directly and indirectly in other related pursuits.

Behind the Bell: Do you realize that we are at war? Soon every girl and woman who is not now employed in a war job will be drafted, or at least called upon to volunteer for some service. Already women are replacing men in vital industries. They are classed today not only as housewives, but as draftsmen, factory workers, welders, farmers, lumber-jacks, laboratory scientists, doctors, mechanies, truck drivers, taxi drivers, mail carriers, chemists, and factory managers. This means longer hours, harder work, added cares and duties, less time for recreation, and less time for unessentials. But how can these women keep on unless they are physically fit? They can't and they realize it. Classes in physical training are being organized and conducted all over the country to condition and prepare the women and girls to take over these necessary positions.

Oracle and Sophomores, Inc.: On these days of initial success and abbreviated messages, we of the Oracle staff address to the class of 1945 a concise "Inc." And we do mean "included." Just as you sophomores are an essential part of our student body, so you are essentially included in the Oracle. In urging you to subscribe 100% to your school magazine, we are selling you Bangor High School. For the Oracle is the school. Yes, the student publication of any school represents that school as much as the writing of any man presents the man as he really is. The Oracle is the autobiography of B. H. S.

Foreword: For some, June, 1942, signifies merely the end of another year, and the beginning of a similar cycle in September; for some, June, 1942, opens doors of opportunity to further study or a position; but for the Oracle staff, June, 1942, is double in its significance. Primarily, it terminates the fiftieth year of publication--a record which few school magazines can hold up for all readers to see. In February, the Fiftieth Anniversary issue of the Oracle was devoted to a golden era of high school journalism. The bright flame of this past is but candle-light to the shining possibilities which are well within the grasp of Oracle staff posterity. History will go on trumpeting from the headlines, and school papers will continue printing student activities and Hokum columns and the harvests of young spring poets, not distracted by the blasts of the times, but echoing them, neverthe-ess, as they bear upon student life.

En Garde: It is April 1942. Spring is just around the corner. But this year the season of budding trees and flowers finds us engaged in the most destructive war which the world has ever witnessed. Before last December 7th, we in America seemed to be spectators of this world conflict, although our sympathies and material aid had been going to the Allies for some time. Then, suddenly, on that December day we found ourselves drawn into the battle through the treachery of the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Although our losses were severe, that tragic experience united the people of this country over night as nothing else could have done. Enlistments in the armed services immediately reached a new high. Production in war materials began to expand. An awakened America rushed to take her place beside other nations fighting for the cause of free people everywhere. Our lack of preparation, as a peace loving nation, made it impossible for us to obtain spectacular victories at the start, but our war production results will soon begin to tell.

1892-1942: All anniversaries are important, but the fiftieth anniversary of the Oracle seems to have special significance. The uncertain history of the "Oracle's" predecessors is set forth in another article in this issue, and the contrast in record is striking. Not one B. H. S. school paper before the Oracle lasted more than a school year. The Oracle has persisted for fifty consecutive years. This is not only unique for a school paper but is not altogether common in the professional newspaper field. A review of the past numbers of the Oracle plainly shows the effort which has been put forth to make it a consistently good paper. The years have witnessed changes and improvements to which we hope we have added our share. The future lies ahead and we are confident that it holds a rich promise of success for the "Oracle."

Christmas: Christmas has always been one of the happiest holidays for Americans. By older people it has long been observed as the birthday of Christ, while the younger folk have prized it as a day of gifts and joy. This year, with a large part of the world struggling for survival, there are few Christian countries left outside our own in a position to observe the festival. Indifference might lead us to celebrate this year as usual. But there are many who see a special significance in Christmas, 1941. They see the freedom of many peoples endangered. They see the struggle drawing closer to our own shores. They see Christianity itself hanging in the balance as the world battle goes on. These are sobering thoughts and only the unquestioning faith of those who share them can support the hope that some day order will again come out of chaos, right will prevail and a new and better world will be seen.

Few people realize what is taking place behind the scenes in the publishing of a school magazine. Before such a publication is ready for the reader, many hours have been spent in preparation by the members of the staff. In our school, thirty students make up the staff and are responsible in each instance for certain work assigned to them. Upon the thoroughness and effectiveness with which these students accomplish their objectives under the guidance of our faculty adviser, the success of the paper depends.

Foreword: The Bangor High School Oracle, in its true function, is a students' magazine, published for the students' benefit and entertainment. To that end, it has been the purpose of the current staff to include in the magazine those feat-ures which we believe to be of most interest to the students. There has, for instance, been an increase in the number of stories of teen-age boys and girls, in teen-age situations. More humorous poems, as well as serious poetry, have been added and the entire literary section made larger, in the belief that this was the section turned to after Hokum. The new illustrated Fashion Column seems to have been popular, and favorable comments have been received. In the process of enlarging the magazine, new features of interest have been added and other old features of value unfortunately omitted. It is our hope that future staffs, with the help of the students, may be able to strike a true proportion of representative features so that the Oracle may become truly a magazine of the school.

"So You're Going?" So you're going--where? After high school, what will you be doing? As far as we are concerned, that is a question for your own decision. What we are chiefly interested in is this: that when you have graduated from high school, when you have gone on to another step in life, you will have behind you a certain amount of useful experience acquired in high school; that wherever you go, whether to work or to college, you will be equipped with a certain amount of skill in making and keeping friends, in getting along with superiors, in managing your time, in choosing your activities--skill in life and in living.

Bangor A Culture Center: The American mind, today, seems primarily concerned with the war in Europe and with America's position in respect to it. In thinking of the war, however, we are prone to see only its dangers, the imminent possibility of an axis victory, the threat to our Western Hemisphere. What we are inclined to overlook, unfortunately, is the almost unlimited opportunities in certain directions that the war affords America and Americans. Not least important among these, perhaps, indeed, most important, is the definite cultural advantage. With scientists like Einstein and Freud, novelists like Thomas Mann, and very many other writers, scientists, artists, and musicians, with the cream of Europe's learned men and women fleeing here to be able to continue their work unhindered, and adding their numbers to our own, America is fast becoming the cultural center of the world. Indeed, with truth and culture virtually outlawed abroad, America is the last stronghold of learning.

The American Way: During the last few months, a great change has taken place in our nation and in our school. Our national anthem has found a new place in American hearts. Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" has come into its own. Our flag is being regarded in America with greater respect, and, what is far more important, with greater thoughtfulness. Never, in our experience, have the people of America shown such intense patriotism. What is behind this outward exhibition of patriot-ism? What do these external signs indicate? They indicate, first, that the American people, startled out of their complacence by the war, have been looking abroad at Nazism and Facism, and examining our American way of living in the light of other doctrines; that, as a result of this scrutiny, they have come to cherish their democracy as never before; that they have become keenly aware of its blessings and advantages--economic, social, moral, religious; that they have ceased to take that democracy for granted, as before they were perhaps prone to do; and, finally, that they have come to realize that hand in hand with democracy go sacrifice and responsibility.

New System: By this time, all of you have got into the swing of the new rotating schedule, and are no longer showing up in the wrong classes at the right times. You have also got used to bringing your lunch pails to school. Many of you, however, are still wondering what purposes were behind the change, and are curious to know why our old arrangement was dis-carded and a new system put in its place. As a matter of fact, the rotating schedule and the lunch pails are nothing more than manifestations and direct results of a deeper, more far reaching change. It all began when the schools became so over-crowded that some action was imperative. The question was, what action was to be taken? New grammar schools could have been built. A new high school might have been erected. Neither of these ever passed the possibility stage. Instead, an up-and-coming body of school officials, decided upon the arrangement that we now have: a 6-3-3 system, with six elementary grades, three years of junior high school, and three years of senior high school, the high schools to have longer periods and a longer school day.