Germantown High School * Philadelphia, PA. * Class of 1957

Hildy Wils

Memories of GHS

---A solid foundation for life was laid down at Germantown High School. I am forever grateful for that. ---Education and discovery of the world around me began at John Story Jenks Elementary School, continued at Roosevelt Junior High School came into sharp focus at GHS. ---Germantown High School... ---It was a place that, to me, seemed so intimidating because of its size. I recall the first orientation meeting in a cavernous auditorium one September day in 1955. ---In retrospect that auditorium was but a tiny chamber in the cocoon of awakening, self discovery, knowledge, skills, understanding, experience, mental and moral development that GHS would provide. ---I did not know that then. Sitting alone and a bit frightened at the prospect of high school, I wondered what the next three years would bring. ---As those years unfolded they provided a fine education, poignant memories, first love, first heartbreak, good friends (with whom I wish I had stayed in touch but, through the miracle of the Internet, I am now corresponding with) and an introduction to journalism. ---I always liked to write. Somewhere stashed in the stacks of memorabilia of the 1940s are yellowed copies of the first "story" I ever wrote. It was published in the John Story Jenks Herald. ---I cannot remember the year, (1946?) nor can I remember the subject but I was published. ---So, at GHS, the seed for a career in writing that was planted in elementary school was about to blossom. Norman Klein's English class was the vehicle. Do I remember the basics of news writing that he taught? ---No. ---But I do remember Mr. Klein, sandy haired, coke bottle glasses, always nattily dressed, who, when he was describing the romantic novel insisted that we not equate "romantic" with Elizabeth Taylor. (Why do I remember that?) ---The days were filled with talented teachers who made the mundane exciting, teachers who prepared us so well for the future. ---Hours preceding--and sometimes following--classes were dedicated to orchestra practice and rehearsals for the main event--graduation--and some less remarkable occasions. I will never listen to Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" without recalling that huge GHS auditorium. ---Nor will I ever forget our own June 1957 graduation when we sang, in unison, "When you walk through the storm keep your chin up high and don't be afraid of the dark...at the end of the storm is a golden sun..." ---That just about sums up what GHS teachers instilled in me, an admonition that I have always held close to my heart.