The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-07-09
For the Post.
EXAMINATION - BOLIVAR FEMALE
ACADEMY

EXAMINATION - BOLIVAR FEMALE
ACADEMY.
The writer of this article had the pleasure
Of attending the annual examination of the
Female Department of Bolivar Academy, at
jacksonville, on the LIST and End inst. The
exercises were conducted in The Presbyterian
Church, which was well fitted up for the oc-
casion; being tastefully decorated with ever
green's and flowers, and over the platform
was the words, very ingeniously formed with
cedar sprigs, "Thou, God, seest me-"
This school is under the charge of Prof.
s. N. Gaines as Principal, (aided by compe-
tent assistant teachers,) gentleman whose
education, courteous demeanor, and apt man
ner Of imparting instruction, well qualify
him for the position and was forcibly i'm
pressed, during the examination, with the
importance he gave to his pupils; understand
ing the general principles, and to give rea-
son for the things they were reciting, and not
merely repeat by rote, answers to the ques-
tons propounded, as is often the case-more
especially in the education of females. The
first day was principally devoted to the ex-
animation Of the primary classes; the second
to those more advanced, and the afternoon of
that day almost entirely to senior or gradua-
ting class. The questions asked were gener-
al Land seemed not to be confined TO selected or
particular subjects; and feel sure that but
give expression to the sentiments Of those
present, in saying that the pupils acquitted
themselves with much credit. Not only in
giving correct answers to questions asked,
but showed that especial pains had been Ia
ken TO make them comprehend what they
had studied.
The proceedings of each day were enliven-
ed with an occasional song from the class in
vocal music.
On the evening of the last day a concert
was given by the class in instrumental mu-
sic. This class was under the care of Mrs
Alice Donald, recently from New York.
This was her first session at this place; but
judging from the proficiency of her pupils,
the good arrangement, and the success Of
the performances Of the evening, we were
convinced that she was Il very capable and
efficient instructress in her department. In
fact it has rarely been the good fortune Of
the writer to be present where all passed off
so well, or where each ones part was better
sustained. During the evening original es-
says were read by the members of the grad
uating class, to-wit: Miss Sue Z. Coffin,
"rhe future of East Tennessee" Miss NJ
NJ. McCallie, "To Morrow" Miss Carrie
Stakely, "None are entirely Happy" Miss
NJ. E. Stakely, "The Past and Present." Miss
Fl. NJ. Johnston, "Who are the truly great o.
Miss Molie Riggin, sour Hopes" Miss Nam
ME r. Cooke, "Valedictory." These compo-
sitions were we'll written, read in handsome
style, and were spoken of in high terms by
those who had the pleasure of hearing them;
and as there was q differece of opinion upon
there relative merits, will! not presume to
decide-where all was admitted to be good
which was best
Prof. Gaines delivered very good ad.
dress to the graduating elass,-thc names Of
which, seven in number, are given above
presenting to each a diploma. The exercises
closed with the delivery of Miss Mamie
Cookies very interesting valedictory.
Good order and attention marked the pro-
ceedngs, nothing occurring to mar the har-
mony or interest Of the occasion; and was IA
vored with attendance of respectable and
attentive audience. This school is in highly
prosperous condition, numbering during the
last session over sixty scholars, and the pros
poets for the next session are, we understand,
quite flattering, and we feel sure that under
the present arrangements, it is still bound to
succeed. A SPECTATOR.