THE EULOGY--PART IV--GRACE AND PRESSURE AT AGE 15 - By John Dorn

THE EULOGY—IV—GRACE AND PRESSURE AT AGE 15

Kathy’s High School End-of-Year Reports (maybe written by homeroom teachers).  These reports were in her scrapbook (where, among other things, she saved the tape she used to make my high school class ring fit her finger. She probably saved the tape because she had lost the ring.  I would put a higher value on the tape than the ring). 

To me, the reports are priceless. The more I thought about them, the more I realized what they were saying, both directly and indirectly. Given the pressure that confronted her (in later years she told me that a priest had visited the home and told her she might have to drop out of schoo lto support the family) I celebrate how much she flourished between the ages of14 to 17.  It is during these years that we became friends (mostly at the Wagon Wheel) and then finally dated in the late summer before our senior year (it was a double date; we went to the movie "On The Beach"--“Waltzing Matilda” was a featured song).  At that time I had no clue she was dealing with the issues the nuns reference.  Two of her closest friends recently told me they, too, knew nothing about this until I showed them the reports.  I would only add that during the summers she worked full-time.

                                            THE FIVE REPORTS
9th Grade:  “From last year’s record it looks like she has generally improved. Quite sensitive, rather reserved and quiet.  Has a good sense of responsibility.  Does very well in art.”

10th Grade: “Kathleen’s father was taken to St. Peter early in year because of nervous sickness.  He had previously been in another hospital.  Kathleen was much affected.  Mrs. Ruddy has been very sensible about it and wants the children to recognize his affliction as a sickness. 
     Kathleen works in the evening at library.  Money is needed.
     Good worker. Very cooperative--Kathleen must be watched that she does not overdo it.

11thGrade:  Wants to do more than she can really manage.  Made a very good homeroom chairman.  Not always prompt in assignments.  Keen sense of humor.  Did excellent job in portraying “Eloise”(school speech competition) Cooperative, likeable.

Interview September 21, 1960—Interested in becoming a teacher of biology—says she would like to teach for six or seven years and then study to become a pediatrician—says she knows this can never work out, but she would be happy if it would in spite of all appearances—is practically supporting herself by working a few hours after school and on Saturdays at the public library—her father is now working again but finds it hard to support the family withou some aid on the part of the children—Kathleen has high ideals and wants to do the right thing—is popular and has been chosen as the Senior Class President.

End of 12th Grade: A good, clean-cut girl—chosen by class as their president, which shows in what esteem she is held by them—always willing to cooperate with faculty—takes corrections well and tries to profit by them—takes part in class discussions and comes forth with some really good ideas and conclusions—has high ideals and follows through—well-liked by the faculty and the student body—wants to attend the College of St. Teresa, but will have a rather hard time because of finances.