Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-03-23
middlebury.

Inc attention or our community has
been called the past week, especially tc
the closing the winter term of our graded
school and the examination following
| The schools have been we'll filled the past
winter and indeed through the past
school year. With teachers who have
given their best efforts to promote the in
telleotual growth of their scholars, and a
corresponding effort on the part of the
scholars to acquire knowledge, the differ
ent schools have not disappointed the de-
sire and expectation of the patrons of sthe
graded school enterprise. Mr.. A. j. San
born, Principal, has labored faithfully in
endeavoriug to elevate the standard of
education among us, and also to bring
the scholars to consider the great import
ance attached to faithful use of means
given for successful storing of the mind
with useful knowledge.
Three days were employed in the fnarA-
full and critical examination of the pupils
in the different schools, closing with Fri
day afternoon. AT the close of these ex-
ercises all the schools were assembled in
one spacious Hall, where the standing of
the several scholars was read to the hun
dreds of parents and friends there gather
ed together. The exercises were opened
with singing by class of young ladies
and gentlemen led by Miss Tilden, who
has instructed the schools in music. The
several teachers then read from their re-
cords how high or low in the scale adopt
ed the several scholars stood. But few
reached the maximum 100, while very
large number were between 30 and 100,
thus showing commendable proficiency
in their studies. At the close of this
stage of proceedings,a young man stepped
forward upon the stage, and presented to
Mr.. Sanborn a splendid silver-plated
pitcher inlaid with white porcelain and
very heavy, and of NEST beautiful finish
and style of workmanship. This beauti-
full present was the gift of the scholars,
and was kept SO profound secret that
Mr.. Sanborn knew nothing of the move
until before the hundreds he was handed
the article in question. Thus taken COM
pletely by surprise, he stood moment in
perfect establishment, when with his eyes
suffused with tears he rallied and in a
few we'll chosen remarks, addressed the
scholars, expressive of his love and affec-
ton for them all, and sincerely thanking
them for the precious gift SO generously
bestowed. He was deeply moved with
emotion in which the large assembly par
more or less. | think very high
ly of Mr.. Sanborn as a teacher, but GER
tainly my admirationgwas exalted in his
and bearing on this interesting
occasion.
He has not only we'll cultivated mind,
but warm Christian heart, and he has, I
am happy to believe, gradually increased
in the regard and affection of not only the
hundreds of scholars over whom he has an
oversight, and whose good he so assidu-
ously labors, but of our citizens generally.
May kind Providence bless and preserve
him for very many years in health and
strength, to labor for the good of the ris-
ing generation. After he had closed his
Mr.. Cilley, the able and accom-
pfished Principal of the Brandon school,
being present, was called upon, and gave
rs, in rich but by far too short speech,
'ome general views upon education, COM
the schools upon their general
appearance and the proficiency they had
acquired in their stndies. His speech was
full of thought and finely expressed. AS
man once said about Henry Clay, I
thought Of Mr.. Cilley when he was speak
ing, every word weighed pound" DR..
Kitohel followed Mr.. Cilley with some
excellent remarks, in his usual terse, ex-
,ressive style. We were then entertained
With an exhibition of gymnastics by the
mailer scholars, between one hundred
ind two hundred in number, under the
direction of Miss Hackett, accompanied
With music on the organ by Miss Tilden.
t was very fine exercise, and brought
lown the house with applause. Indeed, it
vas SO acceptable that it was repeated in
inc style. In the evening sociable was
leld in the hall, which was crowded by
hildren and patrons of the school. An
Their presentation was made to the jani- ;
or, Mr.. 81. D. Cushman, of silver spoon
older. He made no speech upon receiv. ]