Class History

 

The sources provide several class histories, detailing the experiences and activities of different classes at Marlinton High School. Here's a breakdown of what the sources reveal about class history:

General Class Progression and Experiences

• Students entering Marlinton High School are initially called "Freshmen" or "green horns".
• Freshmen are often described as timid, uneasy, or scared.
• After their first year, students become "Sophomores," feeling that they have traveled far and learned much.
• As Sophomores, students often have the goal of making worthwhile contributions and winning friends.
• The Junior year is described as one of increased confidence and activity.
• The Senior year is seen as a final preparation for life, with students having a deeper sense of responsibility and a desire to leave a worthwhile record.

Class Activities and Traditions

• Initiations: Freshmen often face initiations from upperclassmen, which can be scary or involve pranks.
• Elections: Each class holds elections to choose class officers such as president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.
• Class Plays: Classes often put on plays, sometimes as a senior class tradition.
• Class Rings: Juniors often receive their class rings.
• Class Colors and Flowers: Some classes chose colors and flowers to represent them.
• Carnivals: Some classes organize carnivals as a form of entertainment and fundraising.
• Dances and Social Events: Classes hold dances, banquets, and proms throughout their time in high school.
• Fundraising: Classes would raise money through various methods such as selling tickets, candy, and putting on plays.
• Yearbook Staff: Students are involved in the creation of the school yearbook.

Specific Class Examples and Events

• Class of 1939: Ninety-six freshmen entered MHS and elected officers, experiencing a "gruesomely-painted initiation" by sophomores.
• Class of 1942: This class had many activities throughout their first year, including a skit-and-sweater hop and ordering their rings.
• Class of 1943: This class was facing the important problems of WWII and many were going to be involved in the war effort.
• Class of 1946: This class had a play called "I'd Rather Be Right".
• Class of 1947: This class was entering the unknown of high school and was compared to ships entering the sea of knowledge.
• Class of 1948: This class was described as a tribe of braves and squaws making their way through high school.
• Class of 1950: This class embarked on an "Exploration Expedition" of Marlinton High School.
• Class of 1951: This class was described as "Knights and Ladies" going on a pilgrimage through high school.
• Class of 1952: This class had 72 members, evenly split between boys and girls.
• Class of 1957 Began their last year with many class meetings and a senior play.
• Class of 1959: This class had 81 "green freshmen" entering the halls of Marlinton High School.
• Class of 1965 This class had a 40 year reunion in 2005.

Themes and Reflections

• Journey Metaphor: The high school experience is often portrayed as a journey, pilgrimage, or exploration.
• Importance of Friends and Community: Class histories highlight the importance of working and playing together with classmates.
• Growth and Change: Students reflect on how they change and mature throughout their high school years.
• Looking to the Future: Senior classes express their hopes and fears about the future as they approach graduation.

These class histories from Marlinton High School showcase the various traditions, events, and milestones that the students experienced together. They also provide insight into the school's community and the way that students perceived their journey through high school.