Los Banos Rotary Club History
Senior Group Tell Of School Plans

A cross section of the thinking, plans, and ambition of the 85 or so senior class students at the Los Banos High School was presented to members of the Rotary Club Tuesday noon as five of the students reviewed their high school years and educational progress, and told of their plans to continue their education at college and universities.

The students, Miss Charlotte Henry, Miss Mary Cinek, Kenneth Ebner, George Soriano and Lim Jew, were accompanied to the luncheon by the school's student counselor, Robert Williams.

Miss Henry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Henry of this city, came to the local schools as a seventh grade student, and on entering high school chose a full college preparatory course. Actively interested in the outdoors and in working with youth groups she plans to continue her education at the University of California at Davis, where she will study for a degree in physical education – a vocation on which the Davis University is now placing greatly increased emphasis. Relative to her school years here Miss Henry particularly praised her instructors, commended the wide selection of studies available, and also the emphasis that is given girls athletic activities.

Miss Cinek, who is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Cinek of this city, likewise praised the local school system and especially the libraries in both high and elementary school, which she said, is above average for schools of this size. As to future plans, she plans to continue her education, probably at the University of California, where the family is ranked as among the best instructors in this country. As a large school drawing students from all over the country and world she feels the more cosmopolitan environment and many fields of specialization holds greater opportunity for her than would a smaller college or university.

Kenneth Ebner, son of Mrs. Differently in his choice of schools Marion Ebner of this city, thinks and next September will enroll at Hartnell Junior College, Salinas, though his grades would permit entrance into any of the state colleges or universities. Two years in the smaller school, he said, with its greater opportunity for more individual help and guidance, and then he will decide on his career. At present he is interested in dentistry, but is withholding a final decision until aptitude tests and interests indicate more clearly in which endeavors he is most qualified.

A bit more certain of his future ambitions is George Soriano, a lifelong resident of this community and now president of his senior class. George, who is a talented artist, will continue with his studies in that line, with the goal of being a teacher,--possibly with a minor in physical education. His choice of schools is San Jose State, largely on the recommendation of his present art instructor, Miss Antonia Bollikis. After getting his Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching for a year or two, George hopes to return to college for his masters degree.

Possibly most appreciative of the Los Banos school system was Lim Jew, son of Jew Hin Soo of this city. Jew, born in China, joined his father here six years ago. Determined to learn our language he entered school in the seventh grade, graduated with his eight grade class, and decided to at least start high school so he could further improve his English. While the speaking and writing of our language continued to be difficult he became very interested in mathematics and the sciences. He made the scholastic honor roll the first quarter and has so placed in each succeeding grade period.

Today, with four fruitful years of high school behind him Jew is looking forward to further education at the University of California and a career in engineering.
Instructor Robert Williams spoke briefly before the student introductions, to predict gradual changes that he foresees in our educational system, generally pointing to longer school hours and school years, and a greater variety of subjects to be offered the student who is seriously endeavoring to prepare himself for adult life. "We are most certainly going to junk our American system of education," he said, "but it will be expanded and intensified with no sacrifice to our present programming of the social sciences."

Later, on questioning by members of the club, Williams stated that the local school is well abreast of the times in teaching of math and the sciences. He said the local high school offers five science courses, and is the only one in the county having three laboratory sciences which are acceptable for credit at the University of California.

Naturally, Williams said, the variety and number of courses that can be offered here is limited by the size of the school and community demand. Every effort is made to provide courses in which there is a definite demand by the students.

C. W. Bates, a member of Rotary's governing board, presided at the luncheon in the absence of President Ned Dickson.

April 18, 1958

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