Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-06-13
SHELBYVILLE.
commencement Exercises az the Col.
legiate Institute.

II
SHELBYvILLE, June 1.-THE com
mencement exercises Of the Shelbyvlle
/ Collegiate Institute were concluded last
evening. DR.. Wardlaw, the principal, has
exhibited that ildOmitable energy aud per-
seyerence which insuTes success, yet the
most sanguine friends Of the school were
not prepared for the exhibitions, which so
many people have Just witnessed, giving
assurance that, despite hard times and all
other difficulties, the Collegiate Institute
stands to-day second to no other Of its
kind in the State.
The examinations were satisfactory TO
parents who look 10 them as the true stan
dard Of efficiency aud merit, while the
commencement exercises afforded the rareSt
treat Of the kind that.we have ever had.
Of the eight graduates, seven live in cur
midst. Choicest music was interspersed
with the reading Of essays by the gradual
ing class, which came in the following or
der: SalutatoTy, HOver the Alps Lieth our
Italy," by Miss Abbie Wardlaw; "PeaIls
from Memoy's Treasury" by Miss Fannie
LipscOmb: "a Chiefs Amang Ye Takin'
Noes" by Miss Carrie Jet; "Beauty is
Everywhere" by Miss Mamie Byrn;
Standing with reluctant feet,
MAEAE AAAu lAN4A aAAAAANN A-AIEAI
by Miss Hattie Neil; Conversation" by
Jennie Scudder; Survival Of the Fittest,"
by Miss Jennie Fite, and the valeGictoTy by
Miss Eliza Thomas.
The presentation of diplomas was per-
formed by Hon Edward Cooper, in q man.
ner that highly entertained the assembly.
Miss Edie's concert, last evening, was an
occasion not soon to be forgotten. AT an
early hour the large courtroom was filed,
every available space for chairs being Occu-
pied, and when the class had occupied the
large and tastefUlly decorated stage, a more
brilliant scene is rarely enjoyed.
The programme contained tWenty-One
pieces, comprising an acceptable variety,
and the fair young ladies caused a stiffness
not often heard in so large an assembly by
their skilled fingers, cultivated and sweet
voices. II would require too much space
to make deserved comment on the different
pieces as rendered. One piece making
variety and creating much merriment, was
that of "Kitty Popcorn, by Miss Scudder
and others" Repetition of the "Bmlesque
Band" from last years programme, was re-
peated to crafty the great anxiety Of the
audience.
At the conclusion Of all but the s'sad
hour OF p1fLlDgs - J. MOOuFs Esq.
awarded the golden medal presented by Mr.. /
A. FriersOn, for the best speller in school.
The test being satisfactory to every one, it /
was matter Of surprise that a little girl,
Miss Varina Davis, daughter. Of DR.. Ward /
law, in her twelfth year, was the fortunate
one. After. this presentation by c. J.
Moody, Esq, in a manner creditable TO
himself and entertaining to the audience,
Judge COldWell came forward with prize
for the best French scholar, by Mrs. Nixon,
her teacher, and this was given to the
''sweet little girl"
DR.. WaTdlaW and wife have had a rare
treat this season. Besides this little girls
success their three older children have
graduated with first hOnOrs.
Next in order, Judge COldwell presented /
a gold medal to Miss Ella Espey for the
'sbest general behavior during the session"
This prize was awarded, however, by lot, /
the teacher being unable to determine
among FIVE good ones. The names Of the
other four are Misses Georgia Strong, Nam
ME Harrison, Lizzie Triee and Lena VIII
hottie. There was a similar prize offered
during the first i've months, and the fol-
lowing FIVE also determined il BY lot, and
were excluded: Misses Juda Wsrder,
Emma Shofner, Maggie COldwell, Yarina
Wardlaw and J. Little.
Success TO our schools is the wish Of all.