"JHS Writers Anthology 2007" Now Available

Five JHS students can now see the results of hard work on their novels with the printing of the "JHS Writers Anthology 2007." Together with Dylan Thomarie, the High School Library Media Specialist, the students spent five months writing and editing their stories and now get to see their creativity in print. Each of the writers received their own free copy and a copy is now available in the library for anyone to checkout. The 197 page Anthology is also available for purchase online at http://stores.lulu.com/jhslibrary or via Mr. Thomarie in the High School Library Media Center.

Never Too Late For A Diploma

For some people, Tuesday, April 3, was an ordinary spring day, but for Arthur Simonds and his family, as they gathered in the main office of the Johnstown High School, it was a very special one.  Mr. Simonds had been invited to the high school under the pretense his granddaughter was receiving an award.  What he didn't know was that he was actually the guest of honor.
 

Arthur Simonds, a resident of Johnstown and a World War II veteran, came from a large family of 14 brothers and sisters. His father died when he was very young, and his mother and older brothers managed their farm to sustain the family. As his older brothers were called off to serve in World War II, Mr. Simonds was forced to quit school in 1941 as a Knox Junior High eighth grader. He took over the farm, working it to provide for his mother and younger siblings. Then at the age of 18, he, too, joined the Army, serving overseas.

At that time he did not receive his diploma from Johnstown High School. However, the NYS Education Law, Section 305, states that a candidate serving during World War II or the Korean Conflict may receive a high school diploma based upon knowledge and experience while in the service.

Arthur Simonds always encouraged his own children to stay in school and bestowed the importance of an education on them. Because of this, his family arranged Tuesday's ceremony so Mr. Simonds could have his rightful diploma. With pride, love and admiration, his wife, children and grandchildren looked on as JHS Principal Michael Beatty presented Mr. Simonds with his long overdue Johnstown High School Diploma.