Seven years ago I came to Township High School District No. 207 as Superintendent of Schools. Maine West was opened that same year. Both the school and its superintendent have grown in stature over the years.

It is my sincere hope that my efforts have added to the fine quality and reputation of this school. I am certain that Maine West has contributed greatly to the enrichment of my memories of Maine Township.

DR. EARLE W. WILTSE
Superintendent of Schools


I would have preferred to slip out of Maine West in June with no fanfare, for I die a little every time I think of leaving and every time someone mentions it to me. I wanted to abide by the command of the poet who wrote "Carpe diem" and make the most of my last days unmarred by the thoughts of departure.

But it is not right that I leave the school without proper expressions of appreciation to my many friends. When I left Morgan Park High School in Chicago to become a housewife in Park Ridge, the principal paid me a compliment I have treasured.

"You can leave the school with a clear conscience," he said. "You have never neglected a student."

The reverse of this statement is true here at Maine West. No student has neglected me. All the kindness and good wishes and steady hands that have helped me endure an incredibly difficult year! There has always been someone to carry my books or help with the elevator or encourage me.

I cannot allow myself to wish for more time at Maine West. I am taking away so much‑so many pleasantnesses ‑ the picnics of the Latin Club in the fall and the melange of togas and tunics at the banquets in the spring; memories of wonderful moments of rapport with students and parents and the give and take of pleasant comaraderie.

I must not say good-by. I wish you well. Keep in touch.

My big old house in Park Ridge will always have the latch key out.

Valete.

MRS. VALRIE HACKETT
Latin Teacher

Now that the time has come for me to leave Maine, I know exactly how the seniors feel as they are ready to go on to new experiences. They can look back on four years at Maine, but I can look back on almost ten times that number. They have many new vistas before them, and I have many old vistas behind me but am looking forward to some new ones, too.

On the first day of school in 1959, we had a teachers' meeting in the morning at Maine East. In the afternoon, all of us who were moving drove in a procession to Maine West. That drive gave me an inkling of what my feelings would be when I would drive away from Maine West for the last time as a regular teacher. As the time draws near, I am beginning to feel that same tug at the heart that I felt in the procession heading for the new school.

Of course, I will miss my associations with students, teachers, and other employees. My students have changed from year to year, but the employees have remained relatively constant. I have been fortunate to work under the administration we have had here and have here, from the principal on down to the business education department chairman.

As I look back on my 39 years at Maine, I can truthfully say, "I am glad I passed this way."

To the students I leave this message from a song: "Make your good better and your better best." To everyone I say, "Come see me sometime in Honolulu."

MISS RUTH H. SMITH
Business Education Teacher