The Volunteer, 1950

The 1950 Volunteer was presented as an anniversary issue celebrating the school’s first 25 years in the building on Edghill – the building we still call home.

A brief look back is offered through photos from the first yearbook, graduates from the class of ’25 are named, and a heartfelt note from the current seniors all show that PDS acknowledges its traditions and understands its place in the school’s history. 

The 1950 Volunteer also shows a school looking ahead to the future with hopeful optimism. Formal photos show students looking their best: girls wear coordinating light sweaters and strings of pearls, and boys look dapper in suit coats and ties. Many different clubs, organizations, and sports teams seem filled to capacity. The yearbook seems bursting with photographs: posed photos of athletes as they wear their team uniforms with pride, and candid snapshots that reveal the lighthearted side of everyday life. Though the fashions have changed since then – gone are bobby socks and saddle shoes – what remains the same is joyful spirit of students enjoying life with each other at their school.  

One interesting tradition to note is the Girls’ Athletic Council, an organization responsible for planning a year-long, after school intramural sports program for girls. Under the guidance of PE teacher Miss Bernice Huggins, girls participated in swimming, tennis, volleyball, and basketball; those who played all sports received a letter. Female athletes have a long history at PDS/USN of being strong, capable, and accomplished, and it is interesting to look back and see their very beginnings.