Mexico And The Schooling Problem: In the past decade, ending with the year 1929, Mexico has taken a long step ahead in the matter of public rural school education. Today, that nation so old in many ways, yet comparatively young in many others, has established four thousand rural schools within its boundaries, from the Pacific Coast to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Rio Grande to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Where's The School Song? Last year the startling information was published through the Editorial column of the Oracle that Bangor High did not have an original school song. This was news to nearly all the school and directly, attempts to were made to procure a song, which should be composed by a member of the High School. Four were published in the Oracle. None has proved wholly satisfactory to the committe of judges, so the matter was laid aside.
What's In Bangor High School For You? When the doors of this high school were opened to you early in the fall, into what path did you step? Were you headed merely for an education? Is your road going to lead straight ahead to graduation, or will it, rather, wander into the corners and byways of school activities, leading you to spots, here and there, where you shall obtain bits of knowledge which will be of priceless value in future years? I for one, am inclined to believe that the wandering way is to be of more benefit than the one which embraces mere booklearning. For as one travels, the priceless nuggets of experience, picked up in various out-of-the-way places, represent more than experience; they mark the individual. When you leave high school, there shall be stamped upon you the indellible mark of an alumnus of Bangor High.
To the Class of 1929: In a few short weeks you will receive your diplomas. These diplomas will certify that you have completed in a satisfactory manner a prescribed course of study in Bangor High School. Your diploma will assist you in being admitted to higher institutions of learning but it alone will not keep you there. It may be of great value in getting you started in business or in placing you in industry, but your true value will be determined by the kind of service rendered.
Who Flunks: When a pupil does not pass his quarter's work, who flunks? The teacher, the parents, and the pupil, himself, should work together for the betterment of the pupil. From the cradle, the parents have governed the upbringing of the child; from the earliest kindergarten days, the teacher has modelled his brain that he may partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge; the child, himself, from the sixth or seventh grade has been capable of holding himself in hand.
The Junior Exhibition: The Junior Exhibition, which has been held annually in this High School for many years is a worthwhile phase of the school program--here the student's voice is trained to enable him to meet an audience and his pride and self-confidence are tested to the utmost.
More School Songs: The statement that our school song was not original, in the editorial "School Song" in the January issue of the "Oracle," was quite a surprise to the majority of the student body, as well as some of the faculty and others who read the "Oracle." We know of several other high schools that also have the same song; this in itself would be sufficient reason for changing ours. In response to the aforementioned editorial, two anonymous songs have been submitted to the Editor. However, there must be a few poets in the school not heard from, so as an added incentive, the "Oracle" will award a suitable prize to any member or alumnus of Bangor High School who passes in a suitable song. This offer holds good until a song is accepted, unless readers of the "Oracle" are notified of a change.
School Song: Bangor High School badly needs a new school song; the familiar song that has been sung for many years at football games belongs to Columbia University and may be found entire, words and music, in the song books of that University, with the trifling difference that we sing "Bangor High School" instead of "Columbia." This may be news to some people, but the "Oracle" vouches for its truth. Now, poets and sports, get busy and write us a snappy song of our very own!
Get A Head Start On College: A great many of us intend to enter some higher institution of learning next fall. To do this, some of us are required to take examinations next June, while others are striving to attain certificate grade covering their four years' work in Bangor High. Early preparation is the best way perhaps the only way to achieve admittance to college. Primarily, each student must fully understand the requirements of the college he intends to enter; having done this, his chief object should be the completion of these requirements. Principal Taylor, as in the past, is only too eager to discuss with each member of the three upper classes, what the college of his choice expects from his high school course; and he will gladly help us in every possible way. It is the duty of everyone who has college in mind to consult with Mr. Taylor at the earliest moment.
The Quest Of The Best: A new school year has come, and we look ahead to see what we can do to make it a profitable one. The Senior is now embarked on his last year, and should make it the best of his four years in Bangor High. The Junior has passed the halfway mark in his high school career, and now aspires to be a Senior. The Sophomore has passed the first stage in his four years, and should seek to make a steady increase in his progress. To the Freshman, Bangor High School as he first enters it is something vastly different, overwhelming. We of the upper classes should do our best to help these newcomers fit into their new surroundings. The sooner they understand what it's all about, the quicker they will be doing their part, and looking forward to becoming upper classmen.
This issue of the "Oracle" is dedicated to the Class of 1928. In a very short time you will be leaving Bangor High School, either to take your places in the world outside of our ranks or to enter some higher institution of learning. We hope that your four years have been pleasant and profitable. You have received in actual value in proportion to the amount of effort put into your work. Our best wishes go with you in the years that are to come.
The High School Band: At the beginning of the school year in 1916, there was a call for candidates to form a High School Band. Due to the efforts of Mr. H. D. O'Neil and Mr. Hall C. Dearborn, both members of the Bangor Band and Symphony Orchestra, a band of about twenty-five members was formed. Imagine a band without basses or trombones, and with very few clarinets! That was what Mr. O'Neil, as conductor, had to work with. But in spite of this handicap, a band was organized, and the First Annual Concert and Dance was given in the spring of 1917. Funds were also obtained by the late Horace M. Pullen, who was intensely interested in the project. He was always "a very present help in trouble" during his life, and did much to insure the permanent organization of the Band.
The New Athletic Field: The "Oracle," having followed with eagerness the discussions of the City Council and Committees concering the bill for the completion of the new Athletic Field, wishes to express the pleasure of the students of Bangor High School in its successful passage.
The New Athletic Field: About two years ago, a club was formed by some of the graduates of Bangor High School. These graduates were men who had won their letters in the major sports of the school, and they called their club " 'B' Club." Although they were active for only about six months, they accomplished a great deal in this short time. These men had played football and baseball on the "athletic field" at Bass Park and they had run on the dirt track there; therefore they formed this club to acquire an appropriation for a real athletic field in the city budget for 1926.
New Year's Resolutions: How many of us, when we make a New Year's Resolution stand to it? Not many. Most of us make a resolution that sounds real nice and brave, and then promptly forget all about it. It would be better for us not to make any resolutions at all than to make eight or ten of them and not keep them. Let's make two good resolutions and stand by then. First: I hereby resolve not to be late this year. Second: I hereby resolve not to be absent this year unless because of sickness. That sounds pretty good, and it benefits us in more ways than one. If we are late, we get a comeback and have to spend the best part of the afternoon in the detention room.
"Ring In The New": We have many new things this year--principal, coach, teachers, and, last but not least, a revised Oracle. Mr. Taylor came to us from Gardiner, with a record of good discipline that would be hard to equal. Here at B. H. S., he has made us step lively, and above all, quietly. Chapel is much changed, and the change is all for the better. If any one talks, nine times out of ten he is spoken to. Next time, we are told, we shall see Mr. Taylor about it. Lots of little things, hardly noticeable in themselves help to make the school more quiet.
Class Ode 1927. Words by Lawrence Mann--Music by Dorothy Bradford. The hours have gone; the glass has told its course, And we leave Bangor High, in sorrow bowed. Yet go we forth into this world of strife, Exultant, joyous, full of vigor, proud. For "Truth, Honor and Knowledge" is our sign To keep us always seeking higher things; To make us love the good, the beautiful; And help us reach the goal that triumph brings. In tears we leave the haunts of our dear school, Within whose walls we ever learning sought; As exiles, launch we forth into the deep, Far from the place where our good work was wrought. Then forward, forward, ever striving on, We'll use the knowledge learned under thy rule. With pleasant, yes, with sweetest memories We hid thee fond fare-well, beloved School!
The class of 1927 is in sight of its once far distant and seemingly inattainable goal. In a few short months its members will complete their high school course. It is time to consider what we wish to do in the future, to select a vocation. Everyone should give serious thought to this. High school has prepared us for further study. Further study does not necessarily mean going to some higher institutuion of learning. There is ample opportunity for further study at home. College merely removes the responsibility of self-education. Formerly lectures on many vocations were given in high schools. The students had a chance to witness demonstrations of various industries. Actual contact with these things was of great benefit to them. It is far easier to choose a suitable vocation and one for which you will fit yourself, if you see a first-hand demonstration of it.
For the past few years it has been the custom for the students of Bangor High to go to City Hall to see the inauguration of the Mayor. That this is a privilege the students have lately become aware. When it first became a custom the behavior of the students during the inauguration was nothing to be proud of. But in recent years more interest has been taken and at the last inauguration on January 3, the school conducted itself admirably. We were proud to see the student body take the initiative and be the first to rise in token of recognition as the Mayor entered the room. There is something fine in seeing the inauguration, and the interest it promotes in polities and in the consideration of questions of public interest is very beneficial to the students. Such privileges as these encourage good citizenship.
An Education: What is an education? We think that an education is not mere book learning. Of what use is knowledge unless you are able to apply it? The man who is well educated is the one who gets the most out of school life. Confining oneself to any one branch of study is not getting an education. An education in our opinion means an all round development in mind and body. It is hard to get but once captured it is priceless.
Foreword: With this June Number, comes the end of Volume XXXIV of the Oracle. The Oracle being an annual volume of nine numbers, cannot, of course, be justly judged by any one issue. For the sake of unity, get together all nine numbers. For the sake of coherence, arrange them in order--and bind in a durable cover. For the sake of emphasis, have stamped on this cover: ORACLE. This is a volume for which the students of Bangor High School, who are the publishers, may well be thankful, for, financially, it has been an unfavorable year.
How The Debt Was Paid: The Oracle Board is indeed very happy at the early and complete clearing up of the "debt" that was incurred during the past year by the Oracle Board with their printers. We could not confidently have hoped to raise the sum this year. But a general spirit of generosity has made possible this settlement as the following account will show. We most heartily thank the home-room organizations, the group of girls, the Bluebottle Vaudevillians, the school clubs, and, especially, the J. P. Bass Publishing Co., for their interest in the welfare of the "Oracle."
Baseball: With the beginning of the spring term of school comes that game of games--baseball. We hunt up our gloves, balls, and other baseball equipment and make a beeline for the diamond. Everyone, young and old, is stirred alike with the excitement which is brought by the nation's favorite sport.
This month is the time of the year when the Juniors shine forth in the lime-light at the Junior Exhibition. We have purposely included with those who take part in the Exhibition; the pictures of Miss Greene and her successor, Miss Plaisted, in our Who's Who department. Those who have an interest in music will be pleased to know that henceforth a special department will be reserved for it.
