Memories
Stories and Pictures from Back in the Day
Eugene Levey
Assistant Headmaster
A gentleman of indefinable strength of character - and our friend. One who assisted us in the arduous goal of learning. He exemplifies a concerned teacher and friend. The class of 1972 is honored to dedicate our edition of the Mirror to Mr. F. Joseph Levey.
As quoted from "The Mirror 1972"
Tell us your memories of Mr. Levey
Protest Fever
Submitted by Jim Donnelly Aug 19, 2015
I remember an event that happened in 1970, likely in May or June of our Sophomore year, or the fall of our Junior year.
On May 4, 2015, the Kent State University Tragedy occurred, where Ohio National Guardsmen fired 67 rounds at students protesting the Cambodian Campaign during the Vietnam War. Four students died and nine others were wounded.
Protests, student walkouts and building occupations were spreading accross the U.S., young people were standing up to the "powers that be," making their voices heard.
For a brief time, that spirit came to Waltham High School, maybe for just a few hours for some.
One day, word spread through the school that there would be a "rally" in the cafeteria some time that morning, perhaps 10am. The cafeteria filled up at the designated time, a handful of self-appointed leader-type students stood in front of the crowd, building protest fever amongst the rabble.
Then there was discussion as to what exactly our group was protesting: the war, the man, oppression; it became confused. The tone shifted to protesting things closer to home, within Waltham High School. One of the protest items proposed was the quality and choice of school lunches which got loud "peas and carrots" support from the crowd.
At that point, one of the hippie-dressed and haired students came forth and said "No man, this is supposed to be about Kent State and the War!" He didn't get much support, and maybe a few boos from the crowd. Things got muddled. I think there were teachers watching from the halls, perhaps concerned, perhaps bemused, but they didn't try to break up our little rally.
Then a plan was hatched to stage a walkout that afternoon, at a designated time. When the time arrived, many students marched out of school onto the athletic field. There may have been some more student speeches, but mostly milling around. The students who smoked, smoked.
After a bit, word spread that the administration / teachers commanded us to come back into school. The students complied.
And that was that.
Add your memories or commentsI remember an event that happened in 1970, likely in May or June of our Sophomore year, or the fall of our Junior year.
On May 4, 2015, the Kent State University Tragedy occurred, where Ohio National Guardsmen fired 67 rounds at students protesting the Cambodian Campaign during the Vietnam War. Four students died and nine others were wounded.
Protests, student walkouts and building occupations were spreading accross the U.S., young people were standing up to the "powers that be," making their voices heard.
For a brief time, that spirit came to Waltham High School, maybe for just a few hours for some.
One day, word spread through the school that there would be a "rally" in the cafeteria some time that morning, perhaps 10am. The cafeteria filled up at the designated time, a handful of self-appointed leader-type students stood in front of the crowd, building protest fever amongst the rabble.
Then there was discussion as to what exactly our group was protesting: the war, the man, oppression; it became confused. The tone shifted to protesting things closer to home, within Waltham High School. One of the protest items proposed was the quality and choice of school lunches which got loud "peas and carrots" support from the crowd.
At that point, one of the hippie-dressed and haired students came forth and said "No man, this is supposed to be about Kent State and the War!" He didn't get much support, and maybe a few boos from the crowd. Things got muddled. I think there were teachers watching from the halls, perhaps concerned, perhaps bemused, but they didn't try to break up our little rally.
Then a plan was hatched to stage a walkout that afternoon, at a designated time. When the time arrived, many students marched out of school onto the athletic field. There may have been some more student speeches, but mostly milling around. The students who smoked, smoked.
After a bit, word spread that the administration / teachers commanded us to come back into school. The students complied.
And that was that.
on this story.
