Ilion High School - Class of 1939

The Utica Observer - June 25, 1939

Ilion Seniors Score Perfect Marks in Regents

Article 4

Ilion - Unusual feat of scoring 100 per cent in five subjects is the combined achievement of Donald Watkin and Richard Frank, high Brightest boys in a galaxy of senior stars Watkin rang up a perfect score in three subjects and Frank in two. Watkin, valedictorian was perfect in chemistry, American history and intermediate algebra. Frank, a special honor student, had 100 per cent in advanced algebra and chemistry.

Brightest boys in a galaxy of senior stars Watkin rang up a perfect score in three subjects and Frank in two. Watkin, valedictorian was perfect in chemistry, American history and intermediate algebra. Frank, a special honor student, had 100 per cent in advanced algebra and chemistry.

Watkin's knowledge of American and general history has already won him considerable honor. He was the first local student ever to win first place in the League of Nations annual essay contest. As a reward he was given a trip to Europe, was a guest of the League at Geneva and was received by numerous high officials of European nations.

Frank is considered an unusual student by his teachers. His senior record is such he is entitled to make his choice of any college in the country to complete his education. He is the first local boy to receive a Harvard scholarship which, however, he will not use. He has accepted a Swarthmore College scholarship. He will major in chemistry.

That he is not an officer of the graduating class is probably explained because his first year in high school was passed in Germany and his record is not available. Method of grading pupils in Germany varies so much from the American system it should be difficult to reconcile them, authorities say.

While Watkin and Frank were sailing through the Regents tests, others encountered stormy going. The number of graduates will be lower that expected, it is believed.

At least one protest has been forwarded to the Board of Regents by a member of the high school faculty. Frederic Fay Swift, head of the music department, complained that three of the questions on comprehensive music did not pertain to the syllabus as taught in the Ilion school. Some years ago he made a similar protest and was sustained.

It is explained that only a few schools are required to take tests in comprehensive music since only Ilion and a few others have a three year course in the subject.