Corsican
Index || Corsicana High School
Index ||
1927 CHS Classmates || 1927
Corsican Dedication - News Article
To Mr. W. H. Norwood whose patience and sympathetic understanding of a student's viewpoint have endeared him to all of us; who ability to gain co-operation has created a school spirit worthy of note; whose advice and encouragement have added so largely to the success to this book - we, the class of 1927, dedicate this, the twelfth volume of the Corsican. BOARD OF EDUCATION W. P. McCammon -
President Mr. H. D. Fillers -
Superintendent of Public Schools Mr. W. H. Norwood -
Principal
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Leo Shivers
CLASS HISTORY CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III Officers:
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We Sophomores of 1926 - 1927 have a record of which we are very proud. In the fields of athletics, of social activities, and of scholarship we have won more than our share of honors. We have among our number, Glen Wells and Harper Willie, who are good all-around athletes and have made athletic records which many higher classmen might envy. Nor can we forget Eldon Megarity and George Morwood who are now in the Junior ranks but who starred for the "Sophs" during the first term. We have led the social activities of the school inasmuch as we have elected Elizabeth Harper as the queen of the carnival. It is interesting to note that it is the first time a Sophomore has been elected as queen since the Corsicana High School has been built. Our most important achievement, however, is in scholarships. In the course of last term only fifteen pupils failed to pass. We have also had a great number of Sophs represented on the honor roll and the scholarship club, of whom we are justly proud. If, as Juniors and Seniors, we keep up the wonderful record that we have made as Sophs, we will have a scholastic record which we will be willing to compare with that of any other class that has ever entered Corsicana High School. Officers:
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CLASS HISTORY The record of the Freshman class of 1926 is one to be envied by any class. When something was to be done the Freshman did it. We were fortunate in having very capable and willing officers and advisors to help us over the rough places. The Freshman attendance at all games, football, basketball, and others was large. Not only were we there but we made our presence known by rooting for the team. A great many Freshmen came out for the various teams, and although none made the teams they tried hard. The class entered whole-heartedly into anything for the good of the school. We sold tickets and tags for the various entertainments and plays at the high school. We worked hard to put our Princess of the Throne of the High School Kingdom and finished third in the race, something rather unusual, as the Freshman always expected to finish last in anything they attempt. On the honor roll of the year probably more Freshman names were found than of any other class. The same is true on the list of pupils who were not absent or tardy during the term. We tried as best we could to co-operate in any way possible with the school authorities and to help in any way we were asked. As long as the Freshmen kept up the record they have made so far no one need fear for the Senior Class of 1930. Officers:
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The dramatic instinct is as old as the human race, and the Dramatic Club, which was organized in 1924 by Miss Bonner, furnishes Corsicana High School students the means for developing and expressing this instinct through the study and presentation of modern plays. During its three years of existence the organization has been unusually successful, both in presenting school talent programs and in bringing prominent artists before the public of the city. Among the signal achievements may be mentioned the sponsoring of programs given by Mrs. Katherine Oliver McCoy and Miss Jessie Milsapps, both well known interpreters of dramatic literature. Each year the club has made a specialty of producing groups of one-act dramas, such as "Five Fascinating Features," in 1925 and "Three Thrills," in 1926. The society entered the One Act Play Tournament for high schools, which was held in Dallas this year, and emerged with honor, although without winning first place. At each regular meeting of the Dramatic Club a modern play, playwright, or some phase of dramatic presentation is discussed. This course of study has proved to be cultural and entertaining, as well as instructive. As the "Corsican" goes to press plans are being developed for another group of one-act plays and for a program which will be given at the end of the school year. The club wishes to extend to Superintendent Fillers its sincere appreciation for his kindness in acting as special advisor.
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The alpha Delta Society, successor to the Bryan Debating Club, was organized in September, 1926. The purpose of the society is to promote interest in debating, declamation and public speaking in Corsicana High School. Because of the enthusiasm and diligence of Miss Ann Culver, sponsor and critic, interest has been maintained at a very high point during the past year. Many excellent programs have been given at weekly meetings. The club's 1926 carnival stunt, "City Court at Bounding Billows," was a decided success. A social feature in the form of a wiener roast was enjoyed by the members of the club. The Alpha Delta Society sponsored Lieutenant Dinsmore in his lecture on the "World War." Officers
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The A. Y. L. I., a society organized in 1915 for the social and literary embitterment of the high school girls, takes its name from Shakespeare's "As You Like It." Each Year some special type of literature is selected for its members' study, such as balladry, folklore, Southern literature, and drama. This year the club's time was devoted to the study of the modern short story. At each meeting the program given related to the life and works of some modern short story writer. The programs are interspersed with an occasional reading. This term the one entertainment allowed the club was given at the First Methodist Church in the form of a Hallowe'en party, at which the Hi-Y boys were entertained. Funds for the annual expenses of the club are obtained by the collections of dues and fines from the members. A booth was maintained by the club at the annual High School Carnival, which proves to be a source of profit. The club members this year exhibited their earnestness and ability in the maintenance and operation of the club's affairs, not only in the above mentioned ways, but also in the sale of post card pictures of the football squad. Officers
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The purpose of "La Tertulia" is to give the members an insight into the true spirit of the Spanish Language. Toward this end programs dealing with the customs art, and literature of Spain are given bi-weekly. The Spanish language is used exclusively at the meetings of the club; thus the members are enabled to become adept in the use of conversational and idiomatic Spanish. It is only through such practice that one can appreciate the true picturesqueness of this language. Throughout the last school year the club has had many enjoyable programs, one of the most interesting being given by three Spanish girls from the State Orphan's Home. Spanish music has been an attractive feature of most of the meetings, and Spanish games and contests never failed to hold the eager interest of the participants. A Spanish play is to be presented this spring. It has the suggestive title, "La muela del jucio," meaning "The Wisdom Tooth," so we are all anticipating a very entertaining and clever performance. Each year it has been the practice of the "La Tertulia" to present the school with some appropriate gift. Last year this gift was in the form of a very good copy of "The Pirate," by Grossman. The club members have been particularly fortunate in their sponsors who, through their own zeal for their subjects, have been able to maintain a very high state of interest at all times. Officers:
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The Latin Club was first organized in 1920 by the Latin students in order that they might gain a clearer understanding of the Romans and their language. Until 1927 the first year Latin pupils were not allowed to join but this year they were issued an invitation to become members, and many of them eagerly responded. These new members were duly initiated at what proved to be one of the most enjoyable outings any group of C. H. S. students had during this successful year. It is the custom of the Latin Club to leave an appropriate gift for the school each year. In the Latin classrooms are reproductions of "A Reading From Homer," "Cicero In His Oration Against Cataline," and "The Vestal Virgins," as well as a large bust of Caesar. In 1926 class left an exquisite statue of Mercury, which rests on a beautiful white pedestal. The 1927 organization, with Miss Agnew as leader, has had an unusually profitable year and only hopes to leave as lovely a gift as Mercury is. Officers:
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The purpose of the Home Economics Club is to further the interest in home economics and to furnish a broader field of activity for the club members. We have had many interesting programs on such subjects as appropriate dress, balanced menus for all occasions, a health lecture by one of the physicians of the city, and a tea for the mothers of the club members. An additional activity which has served to stimulate interest of members was the home project work. To receive the one-fourth unit for a term of club work, each girl must take part in the club programs, must complete her home project, be present at the meetings, and must make an average of B in the home economics department. Last year the Home Economics Club furnished the breakfast room. This year they have given the football boys a banquet; next year they hope to add equipment to the laboratories. Officers:
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The Dyne-Valence Club has just finished a most successful year under the leadership of Mr. Willard. The object of this club is to give an opportunity to all students who wish to gain a greater scientific knowledge. Many phases of science were taken up and studied by the club. Some of the lectures were given my Mr. Willard or some other speaker in order that the members might gain a complete understanding of the scientific matter. It has not been the tradition of the club to leave a gift to the high school, but this year it was decided that the D. V. would leave something which might aid the science students and the D. V. Club members. The club, with the aid of the other science students, is now attempting to buy some books in order to establish a science library. This will aid the club in preparing interesting programs and in research work, for the lack of science books has been a great drawback to the club. Officers:
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Younger [Tommie Younger], our line captain this year, was perhaps one of the best centers that ever donned a C. H. S. uniform. On the defense he was a terror, especially on plays through his part of the line. He is a hard fighter, a clean player, and a good sport. Tommy was presented a watch by Mr. Penland as a symbol of appreciation of his services as the man most valuable to the team. S. M. U. gets him next year. They are fortunate. It would be hard to find a better back field captain than Curley, [Clyde Halbert] "The Phantom Fullback." He was not so fast, but his tremendous driving power ripped the opposing lines to shreds. As a line crasher as pass receiver he was unexcelled. His hard tackling will be remembered for some time. S. M. U. has strings on him. The arrival of J. A. Pierce in Corsicana began a new era in the history of our athletics. He has instilled in the hearts of his men the will to play hard and fair, to be gentlemen on and off the field, and to have a supreme love for the game. He has gained the respect of all hhis men and best of all he has brought with him a heritage of victory. We are proud of Pierce. Managing a football team is no small job, but Dewitt and McCammon handled the business to perfection. They saw that the field was kept in perfect condition; advertised all the games; kept the uniforms cleaned and repaired; in fact, did everything except coaching and playing of the game. They aided the coach in keeping up the morale of the team. The high school owes its business managers a vote of thanks. Willie, [Harper Willie] our left half back, was an excellent punter. He rarely failed to out distance the opponent. End runs were his specialty because of his speed and shifty stride. He could throw and receive passes to perfection and, if he caught one in an opening, it meant a score. His ability to return kickoffs was uncanny, and when on the defense, his motto was, "They Shall not Pass." Morwood, [George Morwood] right end and co-captain elect, was probably our fastest man in uniform. Downing men in their tracks and breaking up plays before they got started was easy for him. His speed enabled him to receive passes and run interference perfectly and his grit and fight made him a football player that is hard to find. He will be back next year. McNutt, [Jack McNutt] quarter back could do several things besides call signals. He could tear up a line, cool an opponent, and place kick a ball as efficiently as anyone. He had the advantage of being short and fast, which aided him to shake off opponents with ease. His nerve was admirable and he was a true follower of good sportsmanship. he will play with us for another year. Wareing [Leslie Wareing], tackle, ws fierce, aggressive, and not a man to be trifled with. He had a peculiar habit of getting through the opposing line and stopping play after play. On the offense, his man was always well taken care of, namely on the ground with Wareing on top of him. His contract calls for another year at C.H.S. he should do big things. Lowry [Maxwell Lowry], another tackle, was the prototype of Wareing. He was a demon for punishment but he generally gave more than he took. He charged low and hard, was never caught asleep, and ruined many of the opponent's pet plays. He made many extra points by his accurate place kicking. Lowry will wear the blue and gold for another year. Bill Smith held down one end of the line perfectly. Though he was small, his pep and knowledge of the game, combined with his ability to handle himself, made his adversaries pay him due respect. This was Bill's first year in football, and, as he played like a veteran, he shuld be a star next season. Gries [Edwin Gries], our tiny substitute guard had pep and grit seldom found in players twice his size. He was our smallest linesman, yet he hit his man with a force that was astonishing. next year he should be bigger and better. "Jeff" Lumsden is our other co-captain elect. Without a doubt he was the smoothest working guard in the district. Crouching, charging, carrying out his man, was second nature to him. He was fast, hard hitting and accurate. One man never kept him out of a play and two men often failed. he was hard to stop. His cool headedness should aid him in leading the team to many victories next year. Filling the shoes of Halbert was a difficult task, but Morey did this efficiently. Speed enabled him to skirt ends at will, and nerve took him through the line time after time. When he led the interference the man carrying the ball could be sure of gaining ground. He will grace our gridiron another season. John Ross was one of our surprise players this year. As he had never played before, people were naturally dubious of his ability. His natural ability, however, brought him through with flying colors. Naturally large and rangy, he made a tackle that was hard to beat. With this year's experience, he should make a terror next year. Running low, fast and following his interference, were Wells' long suits. He was fast and when he got into the open, it meant trouble for the adversaries. Passing and punting were also hobbies of his. His interference running was sensational, and when he hit a man, the man stayed hit. Indeed he is a versatile football player. He will wear the colors again next year. Neely was one of our steadiest players and hardest fighters. Engrained in J. C. was that admirable quality - tenacity. Thoughts of giving up never occurred to him. He fought to the last ditch and winning or losing, he always had words of encouragement for his teammates. His playing at end was not sensational or spectacular, but calm, steady - persistent. Brownlee started the season playing at end, and though he played a game, he was clearly misplaced. In mid season he was shifted to half back and it was here that he hit his stride. He alternated punting with Willie, and his weight coupled with his speed enabled him to run interference well. He was a good ground gainer and often opponents failed to finish the game due to his aggressive tackling. Felix had the hardest struggle of any man on the team. The day of every game found him suffering from injuries, but his indomitable will carried him on in spite of these handicaps. He played his position, center, creditably. His knowledge of the game was a constant help to the team, and his everlasting grin helped immensely when the boys were discouraged. Eldon trained hard and played consistently. Often his foe, mistaking his "baby face" for innocence, hit the dirt wondering just exactly what had happened. His tackling was accurate and he took care to see that his man was out of the way. Glory should be his next season. Often the headwork of our diminutive quarterback, "Jew," saved scores and sometimes games. To compensate for his small stature, he was gifted with speed and a shifty sidestep. With these he eluded would-be tacklers easily. He passed well and ran interference second to none. When he gains a little weight, he should make good college material. "Dopey" was J. F. 's running mate and he played his position, left guard, equally as well. He was heavy and very fast. Entering every game fighting mad, he caused lots of trouble across the line of scrimmage. One thing satisfied him - victory. He fought hard, clean, and consistently. He would give up at only one time - after the whistle was blown. "Red," our heavy weight linesman, was a power on offense or defense. His speed, considering his size, was unbelievable. He tore holes in the line that made gaining ground easy for the backfield. The opposing backs dreaded t see him crash through the line because it spelled disaster to that play. When Red gets mad it's time to move - was the opinion of the visiting teams. Clyde may have been a Christian, but it was never noticed that he loved any of the boys that he played against. Playing guard, he showed that he was perfectly capable of dealing misery in large quantities. Hard knocks bothered him not at all. He has two more years in C.H.S. - this should be bad news for other teams.
FOOTBALL RESUME The Bengals started off the season with a bang, taking a double header from State Home and Teague to the tune of 20-0 and 12-6 respectively. All the men saw service in this affray. The next victim was Kerens. She bowed gracefully to the small end of an 84-0 score. Two touchdowns in fifty-eight seconds was the record made by the Tigers. The first class A competition encountered was Mineral Wells. When the smoke had cleared away, the Tigers were favorites by a 51-6 majority. A blinding rain accompanied us to Hillsboro and when it had ceased, the playing field was a sea of mud. That day we fought - not Hillsboro, but the mud - and conquered 12-0. Everyone was priming for Waxa before leaving Hillsboro. The great day came. Waxahachie was in town. The team had vowed that there should be "no regrets," and before one of the greatest crowds in history, the Blue and Gold Warriors wiped out a disgrace of twenty-eight years standing. Like a hurricane, the team crashed its way through all opposition and ripped Waxa's offense to shreds; then amassed that glorious score 31-13. Waxahachie deserves nothing but praise for her gallant fighting. Denton, the next obstacle, was not disposed of so easily. The first half ended 6-0 in Denton's favor, and had it not been for an inspired rush in the last quarter the score would have remained the same. The game ended with the teams tied 6-6. In the next game the Tigers learned a new way to spell doom - C-l-e-b-u-r-n-e. Battling against aerial attack that was unfathomable, unconquerable, the Tigers were defeated 26-7. It was not a disgraceful defeat, however, for the Tigers fought every minute of the game and, when they lost, they took defeat in the C. H. S. manner - like gentlemen. The last chapter of our football history for 1926 was closed by the T. C. U. Freshmen when they defeated the Tigers 31-0. This however did not dim the glory of the Tigers in the least. The record made by them will remain untarnished as an example of the Tigers' ability, Pierce's coaching, and Corsicana support.
O. P. Douglas has been with the Tigers for five years. In that time he has, beyond doubt, proved himself one of the premier basket ball coaches of Texas. During this time he has produced two teams that played in the finals for state honors; once in the Interscholastic League, and again in the A. A. U. meet. This year, after losing seven regulars by the graduation routine, Douglas produced a team that played in the finals for district honors. He has a way of whipping a green team into condition; then instilling into them that unconquerable never-say-die spirit that wins more games than any other one asset. Though Douglas coaches track to perfection, his method in coaching basket ball is ultra perfect. His protégés move about the court like they know what they are doing, and they are not fooling either. The guards dovetail perfectly and the team passes with speed and precision They are small but exceedingly fast. In fact, they are a credit to Douglas' superb coaching. Our peppy little business manager, Jack Castles, did his share of the work admirably. He took care of all minor details of the season's activities. Few people realize the necessity of having a good manager. Upon the manager rests the responsibility of getting a square deal at all times, of making arrangements for all road trips, and of aiding visiting teams in any way possible. We owe quite a bit to Jack for his untiring efforts. Thanks Castles ! Bill was one of the few better men who returned to the Tigers from the previous season; he had lettered in 1925 and again in 1926. This experience was valuable not only to Smith himself, but also to the remainder of the team, for he was constantly helping the inexperienced players with hints about their play. He enjoyed the supreme confidence of his coach and his fellow teammates. When Captain Morwood was out of the game, Bill was acting captain. In his play throughout the season, Bill was a constant star, for besides scoring consistently, he served as a "feeder" to other players. Many times Corsicana was aided by his accurate passes. J. F. Lumsden is another star offensive man, who had little experience prior to 1927, but he learned basket ball well and played in accordance. He seldom scored a large number of points, but was very valuable on the defense, and his passes gave Price, Smith, and Wells many "crip" shots. Whether Lumsden will return to the Tigers for 1928 is not yet known, but if he does he will be welcome. Glenn Wells played his first year as a regular on the basket ball team, but one could never perceive it from his play. He was a star in both offense and defense, and gave his greatest concentration to the game at all times. He was a high scorer in practically all games, and lent much assistance to other members of the team. Against Athens and Rural Shade, Glenn shone in particular. He will form a part of the nucleus for a very strong team next year. Captain George Morwood finished his third year as a member of the team of C. H. S. Nothing but sincere praise can be tendered him, as he played a spectacular game at all times. he could dribble a ball, pass to his teammates, and check a shot faster than any man in his district. His speed enabled him to play rings around his opponents and his foot work on the floor was the sensation of every game. His services have been invaluable to C. H. S. in more than one sport. Ed Price, playing a regular position at center, was the individual leading scorer of the Tigers. If anyone can be called the outstanding member of the team it is Edwin Price. His mastery of the game would make it safe to predict All-State honors for him next season. In nearly every game he played, Ed was the leading scorer both teams, against Midlothian scoring twenty-eight points or twice as many as the Cougars. Felix White was a great running mate for Captain George Morwood at guard. He was the offensive guard and was as good a shot at the basket as any forward on the team. His value in this manner, however, was not superior to his worth as a defensive player. Though he lacked size and weight, his grit and tenacity pulled him through in great style. Felix is another man who is invaluable in several branches of athletics, and when he leaves us, he will be greatly missed.
BASKET BALL RESUME The Corsicana Tiger basket ball team had a very successful season in 1927. The team played its first games against the strong Athens team that later won the state championship. C. H. S. won the first but lost the second and also a return game played at Athens a few weeks afterwards. Denton was the next opponent and both the Tigers and Eels won a game each. They also divided a series played at Denton in February; thereby Corsicana broke even with the runners-up and won one game of three played with the state champions. Kerens was defeated badly for the Navarro County Class A Championship, as was Rural Shade for the A and B championship of the county. Neither of these teams has an offense or a defense that could compare with that taught the Tigers by Coach O. P. Douglas. Midlothian and Burleson next fell before the onslaught of Corsicana. These teams were the champions of Ellis and Johnson Counties, respectively, but showed poor advantage against the Tigers. Blum, winner of honors in Hill and Bosque counties, was the next opponent. The game was played in Fort Worth in the large T. C. U. gymnasium. Corsicana was slowed down perceptibly by the size of the floor, while Blum, an outdoor team, gained speed. The Tigers trailed from the beginning and seemed too confident of victory until it was late in the game. When they realized that they were being beaten, it ws too late to rally. Blum thereby won the district championship, and went to the state tournament. The individual members of the Tigers gave their best efforts throughout the season. Six members of the squad received letters as awards for their play, Captain Morwood, Smith, Lumsden, Wells, Price, and White were the honored Tigers.
Girls' Basket Ball Resume Upholding the traditions of C. H. S., the Tigeresses went through the season with but two losses. The team worked hard and too much credit cannot be given them. It will be remembered that thought the boys' team practices on the Y court, the girls were forced to practice outdoors. This is a hardship which few people ever take into consideration. The girls, however, never complained and worked incessantly to produce the winning team of which we are justly proud. The girls' basket ball team was fortunate in having Miss Hill to coach them. A large part of the credit goes to her tireless efforts to make the team what it is. Another factor in the success of the team was the inspired playing of the captain, Beatrice Crouch. In each game, she demonstrated thoroughly the manner in which a guard should play. Their games proved their ability
Tennis Resume As the years roll by, tennis is rapidly becoming one of the major sports of the high school. This is due to the large number of people who are interested in developing individual skill and physical ability. Another deciding factor in the popularity of this game is that it is equally enjoyable to both boys and girls. For this reason, we are devoting to it a full share in the athletic section of our year book. This sport is ably coached by Mr. D. B. Weatherby and Mrs. J. M. Sewell. They put their proteges through strenuous workouts and issue training rules similar to those of any of the other major sports. These coaches have worked tirelessly to produce tennis starts worthy of representing our high school. They have succeeded admirably as is evidence by the fact that the Lewis brothers, Lendon and Walter, were winners in the tennis events at the county meet of the Texas University Interscholastic League.
Track Resume Starting out with a squad of men with practically no experience, Coach Douglas worked wonders. He put the boys through strenuous practice and made them train hard. There were no stars; every man had to be developed. No one could have performed this task more creditably than Douglas and none could have responded with more enthusiasm and sincerity than our track team. The results of the county track meet show how these boys responded. Out of the fourteen events, Corsicana lost but two first places and very few others. In the dashes, Fagin took the 100 and 440 with ease, and Millerman demonstrated how a 220 yard dash should be run. Not to be out-done, Newland and Wineburg brought in blue ribbons for the mile and half mile respectively. Displaying beautiful form, Corsicana, represented by Frost, Newland, Younger, and Millerman ran away with the mile relay. Megarity and Montfort divided honors in the two hurdle races. Displaying what brute strength and training can do, Younger heaved the javelin and shot off the field while Montfort was instructing the competitors in the art of making a discus fly to parts unknown. This splended showing entitles us to keep the J. A. Pierce Cup for another year.
Baseball Resume Coach Pierce has demonstrated and is demonstrating at the present time that he can coach baseball as well as football. Starting out with a few regulars and a goodly number of rookies, Pierce has developed a hard-hitting, clean fielding aggregation. They are training hard, and no doubt they will do honor to the Tiger name. Ed Pierce, star center on the basketball team, is captain of the team. Playing at short stop, he is in a good position to keep up the life of the team. He is ably assisted in this by White, Jackson, Graves, Wells, and others. The pitching staff has as its mainstay, Wm. Parrish, a veteran hurler. As the season is yet young it is difficult to forecast the result of the schedule which includes: Waxahachie, Kerens, Mexia, Highland Park, Ennis, and the Corsicana Oilers. We believe, however, that they will come through with flying colors and add more laurels to the brow of C. H. S. At present, the team has lost but two games. The scores of the Highland park and Waxa Hi games were: C. H. S., 9, Highland Park 10; C. H. S., 4, Waxahachie, 10. Better luck in the future !
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