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EVENTS OF THE YEAR

Certain events of the year must be recorded as they reveal many of the extracurricular activities which do much to enrich the more formal program. Perhaps the outstanding event of the fall took place on October 25, when the pupils were especially invited by the Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier Wasp, then in Boston, to visit that notable ship. Buses took more than 200 pupils and fifty-six staff members to the pier in South Boston. Upon arrival models of the ship were made available for the pupils, so that they could see with their hands the overall design of this great vessel. After that sailors took the boys and girls about every part of the ship, and it was an experience which they will long remember. Serving of ice-cream and cookies and continuous music by the ship's orchestra made it a real party.

Through the latter part of September and October, field sports were prominent with both boys and girls. Every pleasant afternoon the girls prepared for their Annual Field Meet which was held on October 10. At the same time, the boys, on their playing field, were busy practicing football, and conducting a series of games between two teams, the Whites and the Blues. These teams were made up of the Upper School boys interested in football. For the others a program of sports activities was provided. Scores were carefully kept throughout the football games, and at the end of the season a cup was awarded to the winning team, the Blues.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

The fall activities culminated in the Christmas concerts held this year with audiences overflowing Dwight Hall, on Friday evening December 14, Sunday afternoon December 16, and Tuesday evening December 18. At the close of the Tuesday night concert, and on the following morning, the pupils dispersed to their homes for the holidays, returning January 3. Some parts of the concert program were recorded before vacation, and on Christmas morning, at 9:30, they were broadcast over the New England Regional Network. This pleased many people who were not able to attend the concerts, and members of the chorus especially enjoyed hearing themselves sing, as they listened in at their homes on Christmas morning.

Perkins again took part in the Greater Boston United War Fund Drive, and through contributions from practically every member of the staff and every pupil, $946.33 was raised. This is a definite contribution on the part of members of the school, as Perkins has never been a member of the Community Fund, and does not in any way benefit by the contributions made to this source. Likewise, the pupils and staff took part in the Red Cross drive for funds, and reported contributions totaling $465.00. Through the Junior Red Cross with which Perkins is affiliated, twenty-six Christmas boxes were sent abroad, and in the spring three hundred cans of food were collected for overseas relief. Pupils in their classes made sweaters for Mrs. Burtt's school for the blind in South China, and wove rugs which were distributed to local veterans' hospitals. Also, through the year, two pupils from Perkins represented the school at the Junior Red Cross Council for Metropolitan Boston, and at the spring meeting Francis Cordeau, who will be a senior next year, was elected vice-president for the coming year.

Two study programs of unusual interest were initiated this year. The first, for and by the pupils, was a study in international relations, which was carried on through the year. During the fall months and early winter interesting programs covering China, India, and Russia were presented. Representatives of these countries at the school told of the customs in their lands, and special exhibits were set up. During the spring months the Latin American countries were featured. Throughout the year a great deal of classroom study and assigned reading was integrated into the program.

CLASSES FOR THE STAFF

The second educational venture was a series in adult education classes for the benefit of the staff. The committee, made up of Mr. Coon, Mr. McGreal, and Miss Thayer, arranged for three classes to be held on Tuesday evenings during the winter months. A course in music appreciation was led by Mr. Edward W. Jenkins, a course in artistic expression featured painting, sculpturing and other forms of art, under Miss Frances L. McGaw, and a course in metal work was conducted by Mr. John B. Butler. More than fifty members of the staff participated in this program, which concluded with an exhibition of work done and entertainment in the Lower School Hall on Tuesday evening, April 9. The staff also held a square dance on February 18, and the regular annual Staff Party was held on March 8, the Lower School being host.

Throughout the year the Music Department carried on its program of recitals and concerts, featuring the pupils studying in this department, and also the pupils who are under the training of our advanced students in the Pianoforte Normal Course. The recital of seniors and juniors was held on the evening of March 1. Recitals by intermediate pupils were held on January 25 and May 23, while recitals by advanced pupils were held on February 1 and May 28. A concert of secular music was presented by the Upper School Chorus on Friday evening May 3, with John di Francesco, Perkins '40, as baritone soloist. On the evening of June 11, a violin recital was given by Roman Mochernuk, a post-graduate student, assisted by Harold Schwab on the organ and violin. The Music Department's spring program culminated in a Pop Concert in Dwight Hall on the evenings of June 6 and 7. This is quite a departure from the usual program of the Music Department, featuring as it did much popular music rendered in a strikingly dramatic setting. The concerts were thoroughly enjoyed by the large audiences on both evenings, and the pupils had a fine time preparing for them. Proceeds from these Pop Concerts went to the Theatre Fund, which is used to buy tickets for the pupils to attend outstanding plays.