Mark My Word!
By RAY MARK

We all marched quietly and in order, is says here, to the auditorium. The blue curtains concealing the stage were doing just that so we weren't quite sure just what was going to go on. After putting our books under the chairs and craning our necks to see that our little chums were comfortably settled, we looked expectantly stageward; after a few moments, the curtains parted. A score or more of well-dressed young men were revealed. Each of them had on a white sweater. The sweater had on a blue insignia.

Charles Peckenpaugh led the assembly in a pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the republic for which it stands. This ceremony has become impressive and real since we got in on the "big fight."

Bob Gaines, M.C., presented Jim Hammond, who spoke on the origin of the Y.M.C.A. This, then, was the annual meeting of the Hi-Y boys. After Jim, came Dick Carter, who explained the insignias worn by the boys--"White for purity of mind and soul, red for courage, and blue for loyalty."

After Harry Holton played an original composition on the piano, Bruce Palmer gave a reading entitled "Boys Make Men." I had always thought this rather obvious, but his reading cast some new light on the subject. Alden Rogers presented the theme of the club: "Service to others as a means of benefit to self."

Christian Norman, area leader for the Hi-Y, then introduced Paul Morritz, who spoke concerning student and educational conditions in China. Over there adults greatly respect and revere the educated young people; students are considered a vital necessity to China's future welfare. This is as it should be.

Conclusion: The singing of the Hi-Y boys' hymn.

It isn't enough that we have amateur reporters at school. Now some fellows are letting their hair grow long and writing what they fondly hope is poetry. Poetry! Ha ha. Poetry? Example:

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Tires are scarce,
Sugar's gonna be, too."

Auburn won the singles and doubles in a recent tennis match with the Sumner squad, but lost in the mixed doubles.

Mr. Hicklin was passing out checks--good ones, too--the other day. They were the prizes awarded to contestants in an essay contest sponsored by the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a local newspaper. No plugs allowed. John Kanda, a junior, received second prize, Lorraine Houser, junior, received third prize. They gave me the prize for the 64 dollar question, but it undoubtedly was a mistake. They'll probably want their check back.

Miss Hardy is a very original person. She can think up the most original typing assignments. Some people would call them silly. Now she has outdone herself. Now we have to write one page, two pages, or any number of pages on something or other. A very precise statement, Miss Hardy. But not very well understood, I'm afraid. Because there are numerous questions awaiting you next class time.

Hash

Speiser and H. Trosper are social by pairing these days. Overheard in a study hall: "I'm so broke I couldn't make a down payment of a free lunch." Ho, hum, I intensely dislike knowsy people. That can be taken two ways. Or not at all. Women buying shoes: "I take a four, but my feet feel so good in sixes that I'll try an eight." How true, how true. One of life's little problems: Getting composition papers in on time. Also overheard: "I wouldn't take her to the cheapest dog fight in town." Wouldn't or couldn't? I didn't suggest the title for this stuff. If you have any newstuff for this column, let me know.

Until next issue, then, I remain your high school reporter, who thinks our soldiers would make fine ball players. Anyhow, their Bataan average was plenty good. See what I mean? If you do, rush out and buy another handful of war stamps; or Buy Bonds to Buy Bombs.

FROM THE AUBURN (WASHINGTON) GLOBE-REPUBLICAN, MAY 1, 1942

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