1940 to 1950

Of December 8, 1941, Bert Swanson (class of '42) wrote:
"I rode the bus to school from Swede-Hallow, where I soon learned that not everyone agreed with President Roosevelt's prediction that, 'We are going to win the war, and we are going to win the peace that follows.' That morning, I was shocked to find myself scuffling on the floor of my drafting classroom with a Japanese-American. From the events that followed I learned that not everyone is what they appear to be."
George Morihiro continues: "On May 12, 1942, Fife High School gave about twenty of us Japanese-American seniors a special graduation ceremony. We were awarded our diplomas and then Yuki got on the stage and presented to the school an American flag from all of us who were leaving for the internment camp. When Yuki was nearly finished presenting the flag she started to break down and cry. But as I looked around the auditorium, everybody was crying or had tears in their eyes." One third of the graduating class were Japanese-Americans. (Click here to see the video of Graduation 2002 honoring FHS 1942 Japanese/American graduates.)

In 1941 the classroom across the hall from the high school principal's off ice was remodeled into a restroom for the women teachers and a Red Cross room for the girls. The first school nursed was hired in 1944. The first school bus mechanic was also hired that year. The upper floor of the old high school was remodeled and became a music room.
Students and community members were tired of watching football games and track meets in the rain. In 1945 -46 the students and community members decided to raise the necessary funds for a covered stadium. This was quite
an undertaking. The total cost of the stadium was $14,075.00. The field also got lights at this time.
During the 1940's after-school sports for girls came into being. "After-school sports serves as an outlet for excess vitality and pep, and it also creates among the girls a spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, smooth coordination of muscles and mind, and other qualities vitally important in the development of the personality of an all-round girl. (1942 Trojan.)
Mr. Bert Kepka was the principal during the early '40's. He was well liked by students and the community. (Click here for more about Mr. Kepka.)
During the 40's Fife High School was the headquarters for the Fife Civilian Defense. The air raid warden often showed moving pictures of the effects of explosive and incendiary bombs. During this decade many Fife High School young men were enlisted in the military. Much of the news of the time concerned these military heroes. Several young women also served in the military. A plaque was presented by the Fife Alumni Association listing the names of all those who served their country.
In 1944 the first radio broadcast from Fife took place. The Fife/Clover Park football game was heard by those not in attendance.
The first driver training class started in 1947 with a car provided by Titus Ford. The removal of the old high school was contracted at $50.00 in 1948 - 49. The contract for construction of the new high school was awarded to Lewis Construction on January 14, 1949.
The Torch Club was organized in 1948. It is a national organization that recognizes students with high scholastic ability. Pins are awarded to all students who have achieved the set goal. In the late '40's the Fifonian became the Trojan Tumpeteer and was published weekly. To complement the Trojan Knights, the Trojanettes were formed. One of the jobs of the Trojanettes was to keep the trophy case "clean and free of dust." The Letterman's Club became an organization active in promoting school spirit. (Continue)