Joseph Metcalf Junior High School

Foreword

The story of the life of any individual is the story of the outstanding events that he has experienced. For all of us, important days stand out as milestones on our journey through life.

Our first day in school, a visit to a distant place, a first party, a well-remembered vacation, going to the circus, the end of a war, promotion to juniored high school, taking part in an assembly program, election to some position of honor, First Communion and Confirmation—all these have special places in our memory, with each one assuming more importance than those that went before.

These, or similar great days, we have all enjoyed; and now we come to another outstanding event, the publication of this yearbook, the fourth edition of the "Metcalf Annual," the next milestone in the lives of the members of the Class of 1951, your last major project before graduating from the Joseph Metcalf Junior High School.

The publication of yearbooks at our school originated in 1948 with the idea that the last issue of the "Metcalf News" for the year might be in the form of a chronicle dedicated to the graduating class. The first yearbook was a simple booklet in mimeograph form and sadly lacking in pictures. Then came our first printed edition which included pictures of all classes in the school, and pictures of many activity groups. Last year's class introduced the composite picture pages with informal views of groups in the graduating class. In the publication of this book you have added many pictures; you have increased the number of pages; and as a real innovation, you have finally given us a book in which individual pupils' pictures appear on the same page with their write ups.

This is the story of our yearbooks, climaxed by the production of the "Metcalf Annual" for 1951. And need I tell you what a wonderful piece of work you have turned out? Does not this book speak for itself in a medium more effective than words, serving as a lasting testimonial of your achievements?

Yes, indeed! The planning of the book, the layout, the grammar and punctuation, the high type of English, the depth of thought, the kindness, consideration and close friendship underlying your writing, the many manifestations of school spirit, loyalty, and love for your Alma Mater, all give ample evidence of the talent, ability, leadership, perseverance and cooperation that are characteristic of you and your school.

As this book goes to press may I extend to you from the entire faculty a sincere wish that the future may bring to you the success and happiness which you so richly deserve.

FRANCIS W. MURPHY
Principal


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