As Christmas quickly approaches it seems to recall to mind that famous night when the angels opened up the heavens with the song of joy "Glory be to God in the highest and on Earth peace to men of good will".

"On Earth Peace to men of good will" what a sad commentary are these words on our present.  Oh, yes, this Christmas we do have peace from war at least for the most part; yet, have we peace of mind?  Peace, peace; but there is no peace". How well the words of the immortal Patrick Henry apply today.

Eastern Europe groans beneath the heel of the desperate Russians.   Communists-led strife threatens in France and Italy.  Starvation takes its dread toll from India and China, while civil war lays waste to the land.  In our own United States the Negroes are oppressed by some of the so-called "upper-crust".   People from pole to pole scream "There is no justice".  Yes, Pax, pax, sed non sunt pax".

Charity and trust, which are the essential elements of a food and lasting peace are missing...why?  Maybe it  is because there is not an abundance of men of good will.  Our State Department has bartered, bargained and slaved for a just peace, yet Russia will have none of it. (Veni, Vodi, Vito)  At last we have realized that we can not compromise with evil.  It is a fight to the death.

Many nations have discovered we are not cowards.  Ask Germany, ask Italy, ask Japan, and if Russia does not watch her step we shall soon be asking for her verification.  We Americans desire peace with all our hearts, yet we shall not accept it at the price of our liberty.  Our forefathers died for the right and we shall not betray their sacred trust.  Our very soil made red with their blood would rise to repel the traitors of such a peace.

We have faith in our Army, our Navy, our Air Force; we have faith in our President and our congress, but above all we have faith in God, the author of liberty .... In God We Trust.           Mike Buckley

    EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

As Mr. Smith, "Red", says we are really lucky kids.  We've got one of the nicest clubs in town and we can do anything

Now there are certain people who start the wheels rolling and keep them rolling in every phrase of life.  In our little club this is also true and a great many people are keeping our wheels in order.  You all know these people who have worked hard for our Neet Nac, but it only seems fitting to mention them again here.  Mrs. McEldowney,  Mr. Smith,  Mrs. Schanze, and Mrs. Cook are only some of our benefactors.  From among the students I can think of no one who deserves more praise for his work than Ernie Meredith, chief cashier, but not to slight the aid of the co-chairmen, Chuck Cronin and Tony Craver.  But those people who figure most in keeping the wheels rolling are you, and you, and you!  You are just as necessary to the smooth running of the club as any member of any board or committee.  Just remember, kids, this is your club and you can make it or break it !!                         Shirley O'Hanlon

           OUR PRINCIPAL SAYS

"I am forced to believe that our extra curricular activities program is far too extensive for the average student.  You have been given all of these activities to take up the time after studying that would otherwise be idle .... only pupils with an "A" average can afford to waste any studying time for outside activities.

The Neet Nac canteen is a fine place and you should spend as much time as possible there, but please put your studies first, you must govern yourself accordingly, so please think it over."                                 Kitty Fox

       THE NEW YEAR OF JAPAN

With New Year's coming around, you can expect to see some very big celebrations on the part of the Japanese. New Year's is the greatest holiday of the nation.  All you and old, rich and poor, prepare to welcome the new year.  Certain ceremonies are gone through in every house.  All are happy.  Kites shall mount the skies and young people shall begin their courtship's.  It is the happiest time of the year.   The feast lasts for five days and is full of interest and happiness!!   So to you all.        

HAPPY NEW YEAR!                  

Editor-in-chief ....... Chuck Stodter
Associate Editor .....Virginia Browne
Feature Editor ........ Shirley O'Hanlon
Society Editor ......... Sharon O'Hanlon Sports Editor  .......... Roland Moss
Art Editor ............ D A Granholm
Business Mgr ..... Fred Hiett             Circulation Mgr .... Bev Trout         Senior Class Rep ......... Dick Diller
Junior Class Rep ......... Carol Browne
Sophomore Class Rep ... Hazel StodterFreshman Class Rep ........ Pat Meyer
Printing Chief --- Robert Moore, John Joyce
Reporters ...... Mike Buckley, Kitty Fox, Marlene Deelstra, Pat Fox, Ann Cook

              SENIOR SCOOPS

The other night I was talking to Biff Barnes over an enjoyable chess game up at the Neet Nac and I was informed that the senior class was in need of funds and it was suggested that we ought to have a party, inviting the whole school, charging admission, which would go towards building a reserve fund and meet expenses.

Such a party could be given after every basketball game and all the fun and enjoyment of the evening could be had for a nominal fee which would go towards a worth cause - senior class.

I also remember from a while back that the seniors were supposed to have a party because they selected the winning name for the school paper, but so far nothing has been done about it.

There was a discussion as to what kind of a party to have and when to hold it, etc. but it seems that everyone has lost interest.  I say, let's have a hay ride or an all day picnic at Enoshima or some other place but let's get on the ball and make some definite plans about this.      D D

              JUNIOR JIVES

The juniors have two new arrivals, Margie Ratterman came about three weeks ago.   She comes from Denver, Colorado and sailed on the USAT Thistle.  For after school hours, she likes bowling and playing the piano.

The other addition is Bill Rees.  He was born at Fort Riley, Kansas, but, being a true Army Brat can really claim no particular state. (He should talk to Tardy). He has been in Yokohama for two weeks. (I wonder what he thinks of it, Huh veterans?)

SOPHOMORE STUNTS

We of the sophomore class, are very proud of Roland Moss for winning the touchdown and the extra point in the game between YHS and 229th Ordinance.  We have had no knew pupils but have lost several of our classmates.  The lucky, if you want to call them lucky, people who have departed include Carolyn Buck and "Tex" Weisler.

Danny Dugan is taking "Tex" Weisler place as class president.   Good work, Danny.

Bill E. and Fletcher B. had more or less of a "discussion" in our homeroom Monday but the settled their differences and are good friends again.

          FRESHMAN FROLICS

The freshman class was sorry to lose one if its homeroom teachers, Mrs. Decker, but would like to extend a hearty welcome to the new teacher, Mrs. Nagle.   They also have changed English teachers, Mrs. Schurtz has taken over both sections of English I from Miss Craigmiles since she had a full schedule.

The freshman girls are taking an active part on the basketball team and are looking forward to the coming games.

The girls also enjoyed singing Christmas carols at the Grand Hotel and anticipating singing at the Yokohama Club.

Although the ninth grade is taking part in basketball and glee club, they have been studying for the six weeks' tests, but look forward to the coming Christmas holidays and good times. P M

          KNOW YOUR FACULTY

Mrs. Wilson, the tenth grade homeroom teacher,was born in Madison, Wisconsin, However, claims both Maryland and Wisconsin as home states.  She came to Japan on the USAT Shanks and has been here since June.  She says she likes Japan and "on the whole" she likes teaching here.  Mrs. Wilson will probably be here until about June 1949.  We hope she will enjoy the rest of her stay in Japan. A C         

         ORDNANCE - 9  YHS -7

YHS was again turned back from the winning column of November 29 by the 229th Ordinance Reserves in Lou Gehrig Stadium.

Aftr receiving the opening kickofff the Ordinance ream marched to the high school five yard line before a fumble ended the threat.  From there on through the first half it was a stalemate between the two strong defensiuve teams.  However, in the second quarter a series of end sweeps brought the Ordinance to the "Red Devils's" three yard line where Webb went over.  Early in the third quarter the Ordinance team again scosred when they blocked a YHS kick which rolled into the end zone.

With only several minutes left to play in the Ordinance team, which had been held deep in their own terrritory by th fast charging high school line, ther a pass which was intercepted by the "Devils" right end who scored standing up.  Kurdziolek passed to Moss for the extra point.

The two outstanding defensive factors which kept the high school out of trouble throughout the contest were Biff Barnes' usual fine defensive game and Fred Kurdziolek's punting.

           "MINOR" ACCIDENT

Last Saturday was the big day. Yep, there was a touch football game in the large yard in back of the Neet Nac.  All the boys turned out for the event.  The teams were led by Tony Craver and Bill Everett - and, incidentally , Bill's tem won. (The score - well, it was rather one sided - was 38-0)  However, there was a casualty, as there always seems to be to top off this sort of thing.  After a very tedious play, Hardy found he could hardly move his arm so Bill Willis and Fletcher Buckley rushed him to the dispensary.  What was the matter? Poor Hardy had broken his right arm. (Now he put one over on the teachers - he can't write).  As everyone has noticed, his arm is in a cast with names scribbled all over it.  Hardy doesn't seem to mind too, too much, though - except for the fact that he's going to have to wear it five whole weeks.

YHS basketball season will open with the initial fame against St. Joseph College on January 8th.  All high school games will be played in the elementary school gym.  The girls will also play a preliminary game against and opponent who is as yet unannounced.

Tony Craver will be the business manager of the basketball team and will be in charge of arranging games, Transportation and facilities for the coming season.  Anyone interested in scheduling games should contact him.  Tommy Watson will be the student manager.

The physical education program started December 8.  Ed Iverson is in charge of the classes.

It should be noted that any girl who finds it necessary to be excused should contact Mrs. Wilson, who has kindly offered her services to the team.

Following is a list of receipts from the football games:

Oct 18th - 598th Eng - $547.00        

Oct  24th - 2nd Major Port - $471.00          

Oct. 31st - Hg, 2nd Port - $201.25          

Nov. 14th - 12th Sp Sv - $395.70          

Nov.29th - 229th Ord. -- $171.60           

Total            $1780.55 

Of this amount over $1000 has been expended for basketball equipment and football equipment for next year.   R M

He:  Guess who it is.  If you don't guess who it is in three guesses, I'll kiss you.  She: Jack Frost, Santa Claus, Mother Goose!

Chuck:  My girl's very dove-like.  Dave S: Soft and cooing?    Chuck: No pigeontoed!

Son: Did you get up with a grouch today?  Father: No, she got up before me.

Dick B:  I dreamed I was dancing with you last night.  Sharon: Did you?   Dick B.  Yes, and when I woke up I found it was the maid hitting me on the foot with a broom!                 

The Glee Club was formed shortly after school began this year with Mrs. Staley as its leader.   It is expected, however, that Mrs. Shurtz will take over the Glee Club since she will have more time.  So far, it has had only two officers....Shirley O'Hanlon as president and Pat Fuller as librarian.  There are about twenty -eight girls in the Club.  The "mixed chorus" part of the Glee Club was first intended to have girls and boys, but the boys must have been scared off or something at the presence of so many girls.

As you all know, the club first sang at a Thanksgiving program in assembly here at school.  It was next asked to take part in a Christmas program on the second of December at a luncheon given by the Ladies Club.  It also has been asked to spread the Christmas spirit by singing at the 555th Hospital on the twenty-second of December.    J McN

            DRAMA CLUB NEWS

A week or so ago saw the organization of the Drama Club.  Under the direction of Miss Malone the club is practicing a Christmas play, "Home for Christmas"  It is a play that will be given at the 155th Station Hospital and other places during the Christmas season.  The club hopes to give many plays in the near future as it you are interested, please contact Miss Malone.        K F

           THE LIBRARY CLUB

Thanks to the handicraft and ingenuity of the members of the Library Club, YHS has taken  on the holiday season not only in spirit, but in dress, also.  We all want to thank Ginny Mountz and her committee for the "sharp" appearance the Library has been given. (Betch' they knew that Santa remembers his helpers).  And that's not all they have been stirring ... sweaters or pins or pins or sweaters ... that is the question!  the last I heard, they had decided to send back to the States for pins, but nothing for sure as yet!                         B T

    OPENING OF THE NEET NAC

Thanksgiving night was a wonderful night for all the teen-agers in Yokohama.   The Neet Nac had its formal opening, and needless to say there was much excitement concerning the "Event".  An orchestra was playing, people were dancing, and the party spirit was all over the club.  Photographers were snapping pictures

General Byers was there to formally  open the club, and I'd like to stop to thank him for being there that night.

The following Sunday, the club had open house for all the parents, and many were the names that were signed in the Guest Book.

Since the opening of the club, not a day has gone by without someone being up there playing the juke box, eating, and might we add doing homework.  To use the time worn phrase "We never had it so good".              Virginia Larkin

            FADS AND FASHIONS

On Fridays blue reigns supreme in the Senior Class.  Bev is usually seen in a navy blue sport dress and Chuck sometimes wears a flashy blue tie.  There seems to be some argument as to whether Fran's long-sleeved blouse is blue or purple.   Either color, it's really purty!!

The other day a green flash was seen in the hall, but on second glance it turned out to be Tardy in a green sweater with knee stockings to match.  Green seems to be popular this week:  Marlene stepped forth in a green corduroy suit: yep, the new length, too!  And did you notice Danny's green and white reindeer sweater?  Isn't turquoise pretty when worn by Madge with a stunning gold belt?

Ginny M looks mighty cute in her plaid blouse.  On the same day Iva wore a long black cardigan sweater.

Have you ever seen so many attractive ski sweaters?  To mention just a few outstanding ones:  Bob Slade's brown and white one, Herb Dimon's white one, and John Joyce wears a sharp red one.

Did you all notice Tardy at the Neet Nac Sun. night ..... or didn't you recognize her in that darling rose suit and another hair style!

Oh, yes, before we close, we must mention some more "gang-bugs".   Of course, everyone agrees that Madge, D A, Peggy, Ginger W., and Shirley O'H. look cute in them!!!

And to finish this column up right, let's mention Pat Platt and that adorable grey jumper and yellow blouse.

E D I T O R I A L

Does your report card look different lately?  Mine does!  Only it isn't for the better.  Understand, please, that this is not a gripe on my part over my failure but it is more a prod to those like me who did miserably.  It should be noted that quite a few of  the so-called "big wheels" around the school did not show their importance by appearing on the Honor Roll. As a matter of fact, some were so far distant that they shouldn't even be eligible for extra curricular activities.   It is here that I should like to declare myself in the hope that the others like me will be likewise.  If I don't make the Honor Roll by the end of this semester, I will willingly resign as editor of this newspaper until the time when I do make it.  It is my opinion that a person holding such a position as I hold now should show his or her ability to said position by proving a little intelligence through grades.  Let's go, fellow students, it's a race!  Let's participate in those athletics and activities with a free mind, knowing that we are really eligible to participate.

Taking the spotlight on the Personality this week a a cute gal who is hard to beat with her winning smile and amiable personality.  She is the secretary of the junior class and claims Boston, Massachusetts as her home.  Her favorite pastimes are ice skating bowling, and swimming.  Of course, she has a favorite song, which is "Rhapsody in Blue". Nice taste, huh?

She also participates in many activities ..... in the Glee Club, Annual Staff, cheerleading, and she is on active member of the Junior Journal.   Boy!!! Where does she find the time?

Another clue to her identity is the fact that she is an all "A" Honor Roll student .... and I guess ya' all know that she leads the honor roll this six weeks!   Well, has anyone guessed who this little "chick" is ?? ...... yep, that's right, "Ginger Larkin!!".

Physical education classes have started for the girls.  Our first class was on Wednesday, the 10th.  We had coordination exercises, and then played volley ball.   A few of us had trouble at first, but we're doing well now.

The girl's basketball team has been meeting after school for practice.  Lt. Glaab said our first game would be on January 9.  We are looking forward to it with loads of interest.       M McE

             UP AND COMING PARTIES

Seems as if all like is one big party.  You guessed it ... just millions...well, 3 0r 4, planned for the holidays.  First ... the Seniors are going to finally getting the party they earned by naming the school party.  It's going to be on the afternoon of Dec. 10, during school hours .... (those luck Seniors)!  And on the night of Dec. 19 is going to be a gala Christmas dance at the Neet Nac, and, it will last as long as the dances at the Officer's Club.  Sound like lots of fun in store for all ... huh, Kids?!!       D A G

Well, the Neet Nac really took over the social life of Yokohama  High in a big way.  The opening event was the formal dance Thanksgiving, as everyone knows, and proved to be a joyous affair. Everything from the swish of gay formals to the super malted milks helped to make it a gay occasion for all.

The Neet Nac has turned out to be ye ole "Hangout" and I might add there couldn't be a better one, huh, kids?      S O'H

Have you heard any good jokes lately?  Well, if so, would you kindly submit them to some member of the Yo-Hi Echoes staff?  Well, imagine, seeing your own work in print!  So-o-o, be sure to submit your joke.

                 SNOOPER

My, My one picture of Nellie G. isn't enough for Chuck C.  He has two of her in his billfold!

Herb D. is doing his best to make Margie R feel at home in Japan.

Come now, Donna, the stag line of males is still pretty long.

Flash ... Biff B was actually seen dancing with someone besides Ginger L.  How about that, Peggy?

What's this we hear about Honey and Dick Diller??? Ha, ha, as if I did not know!

I may be mistaken, but it seems that Ernie and Patsy are sorta drifting apart.   Don't let that happen, you two, you make too cute a couple!

Who's this cute little Tokyo girl that Bob Slade is so interested in?  Don't make any slip ups, Bob, there's another lad, (Tom Mullan to be exact) waiting right around the corner.

Hey, Sharon, .... how many hearts have you broken with those great big brown Irish eyes? ... Let's hope Dickie's won't be next.

Shirley O and Fred H exchange most loveable smiles in the hall.

Walt may take Ginger seriously some day when gives that cute "Walt, I think you're soo-o-o cute!" (As if he doesn't already)

Bells, bells, bells .... are all the girls (Madge, Judy S Peggy etc.) wearing them so the boys will notice, or do they need to????