Events

The page will contain the information about upcoming and previous events that are submitted by the classmates.

From June 4, 1959 Tribune Review:

312 Graduated by GGJHS

Outdoor Exercises Held Here

Many Students To Continue Their Education

By J. Wyant Rowe

Tribune-Review Staff Writer

With an invocation that “God’s smile be upon us” Greater Greensburg Joint High School graduated a class of 312 seniors - the first under the jointure - in outdoor commencement exercises Wednesday night at Offut Field.

Following a postponement from the previous night because of inclement weather, the hottest early-evening sun in Greensburg for several days shone throughout the program.

The pleasant setting was further enhanced by extended displays of potted plants and two large trellises of fresh flowers.

3,000 People Attend

Approximately 3,000 persons filled the uncovered bleachers for the tradition ceremonies.

Besides announcing that the GGHS class of 1959 has already been awarded scholarships and prizes totaling more than $64,000, Dr. Robert D. Fletcher, principal, told the audience that approximately 41 percent of the class intend to continue the formal education.

Supt. of Schools Robert F. Nicely, before formally presenting the class to receive diplomas, paid a brief tribute to the joint district’s board of education, which he said has already held 72 official meetings this school year, in addition to many committee sessions.

Two Student Speakers

The commencement theme was emphasized by the two main student speakers, who discussed the changing and also changeless aspects of America. Both students were among the class’s top ten in scholastic rank.

First speaker was Virginia Smith, who reviewed historical trends and events since 1941 to indicate the changing period in which the group has lived.

She referred to World War II and the subsequent ear of prosperity, development of an age of gadgetry, and the current educational and industrial emphasis on science.

Virginia told the audience of parents and friends:

“When you consider the almost snail-like pace of man’s progress in the last 1800 years of civilzation as compared with the tremendous changes in the 18 years of our lives it staggers the imagination.”

After referring to society’s gravitation toward religion “as a means of coping with its problems,: she then issued a challenge , “we must turn out qualified experts or be trampled in the rush.”

The second student speaker was Jay Eidemiller, who stressed the things that despite such outstanding worldly changes nevertheless remain the same yesterday today, and forever, such as: Freedom, moral law, initiative, perseverance, and opportunity.

In reference to education, which she defined as referring in the broad sense to the entire social process of a society, Jay pointed out that in changing times even this does not change.

She also mentioned spiritual values and declared; “God’s moral law is as basic as any natural physical law. When man violates either, he suffers the consequences.”

Jay said in conclusion: “so long as there are those who reach for the stars, the world will move on, but the basic fundamentals of live are eternal.”

Exchange Students Speak

Special student speakers at the commencement exercises were two foreign exchange students: Uta Jaiser, of Germany, and Gro Voldner, of Norway. Both spoke briefly of their unforgettable experiences in the United States the past year and had high praise for Greensburg and Greensbergers.

Highlighting the musical program for the evening was a trombone solo by David Hartzfeld, member of the graduating class.

The senior chorus, directed by Donald Meiser, sang Ringwald’s “O Brother Man” and “The Lord Bless and Keep You” by Lukin.

For the processional and recessional as the white-gowned graduates entered and left the field, as instrumental ensemble directed by Glenn Davis played, respectively, Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” and “War March of the Priests,” by Mendelssohn.

The prayers of the evening were given by Rev. Fred L. Hartzfeld, pastor of the local Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, whose son was a member of the graduating class.

Diplomas were awarded by William G. Burhenn, president of the joint school board.