Every so often, for no particular reason, my mind wonders back to my junior high school days. The school was Herman Ridder Junior High on Boston Road in the Bronx. It was an imposing building near Crotona Park with a huge conical shape. It specialized in teaching the sons and daughters of immigrants and easing their entrance into America, the golden land. It was named for a famous newspaper publisher.

There was a course called "Civics," which explained the workings of our democracy. None of my three children ever took a class called civics. Of course we also took English, trigonometry, social studies, history, a foreign language and physical education.

The principal of this institution of learning (grades 7 through 9) was Maxwell Litwin. He was a small man with twinkling blue eyes. He established one peculiar rule - when he entered the auditorium, the entire class had to rise and sing his favorite song. Somehow I still remember it.

"Just a song at twilight when the lights are low

and the flickering shadows softly come and go.

Through the heart be weary, sad the day and long

Still comes to us at twilight, love's old sweet song.

Love's Old Sweet Song."

It was very touching. One teacher of great renown was a southern lady who spoke with a southern drawl that was very foreign to a boy growing up in the Bronx.

Her name was Dr. Mary B. Gilles and her kindness and grace left its mark on thousands of boys and girls who graduated from Herman Ridder Junior High School.

I still remember the school song, which was sung to the tune of Cornell's (Far above Cayuga's Waters.)

"98 our best and brightest,

thoughts about thee cling.

Page of our life's book, the whitest,

Hail to 98.

Raise the banner, speed it onward

Up to heavens gate.

Hail to thee our Alma Mata

Hail to 98."

It was a memorable three years. I learned a lot. As you can see, I remember the songs and I can recall those wonderful junior high school years.