April 22, 2008, will mark the 70th anniversary of my high school graduation. It seems incredible that so much time has gone by since I left my dear old alma mater, but I graduated in April 1938, and dates don't lie.
I have many fond memories of my high school years, and certain situations that took place during those years come back to me in memory as though it were only yesterday when they occurred.
I recollect that during my high school days, my classmate, Connie Blaine, threw a couple of "wild" class parties where we kids had a high old time. We had refreshments and drank heavily (I think it was soda pop). We indulged in gourmet food (probably popcorn and pretzels), and we engaged in wild games. We played "Pin The Tail On The Donkey" and "Spin The Milk Bottle." Connie made a good hostess, and a very pretty one.
I recall some amusing incidents that involved teachers. I remember a funny situation that had to do with our principal, Carl Harmon, and a student named Helen Hunt. There was this guy who wanted to borrow a certain textbook from Mr. Harmon, but Mr. Harmon had loaned the book to Helen Hunt. So, he told the guy, "If you want the book, go the Helen Hunt." Well, the student was shocked at Mr. Harmon's remark, for it sounded like Mr. Harmon had told him, "If you want the book, go to hell and hunt." The student told somebody that. After a moment, he chuckled to himself as he suddenly realized that there was a Helen Hunt in Leesburg High, and that Mr. Harmon hadn't told him to go to the bad place, but to go to Helen Hunt to see about the book.
I liked Mary Wallace, who taught me English and literature. She was formerly Mary Thayer of Warsaw, and a brilliant and dignified lady. One day, Mrs. Wallace was standing in front of our class and her skirt fell to the floor, revealing a delicate pink underskirt. Quickly, Mrs. Wallace stooped over, and pulling up her skirt, she uttered disgustedly, "This is my most embarrassing moment! That's what I get for using a safety pin!"
Then, there was Leroy Austin, who taught physics. One morning, while we seniors were congregated in the assembly, Mr. Austin came in and wrote instructions on the blackboard regarding the lesson for the day. After he had finished writing, the entire assembly broke out in uproarious laughter, for, on the blackboard, Mr. Austin had written, "All those taking physics this morning, bring your own paper."
Yes, I shall always remember those wonderful, long-ago high school days in Leesburg, when we students worked hard at our studies, and also enjoyed some happy times whenever funny things occurred and we could laugh to our heart's content.
