The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-10-10
The valedictory Of Miss Mary Jane Brady


brought the exercises to close. Years of
patient toll and study were now to receive
their reward the goal is reached at last, and
the school girl of yesterday, q woman today,
is about to quit the scenes of her struggles and
triumph, to return no more. But as the time
of separation draws near, how strong Is the
chain that links the woman to the girl how
dearer becomes the friendship of her teachers
and companions. Alas farewell must be said,
old associations must be broken, and neither
the gold medal that gltters upon her breast
nor the victor-wreath that rests upon her head
can keep back the tears from her eyes or the
sorrow from her heart. In words that moved,
because they were true the fair young recipi-
emit of graduate honors addressed her teachers
and companions, bidding both o sad but tender
farewell. When the applause which followed
this address had subsidized, Rev. Father Cha
puts rose and, in a few happy and appropriate
remarks, congratulated the Sisters and the
young ladies upon the success that had attend
ed their efforts, and thanked them for the
really delightful entertainment they had at
forded us.
I know, Mr. Editor, that the custom is to
damn with faint praise" and to pass the
defects of all school exhibitions but 1 as
sure you that, in this account of st. Mary's
School and it's scholars there is no ex aggeration,
and venture to say that the school will bear
comparison with any in the country. Samples of
what the young ladies could do were exposed
10 public view and criticism. I saw well dra wn
and eolored maps, neatly written exercises in
all branches. and well kept accounts; aud
saw, besides, well made shirts, with embroid-
cred hosoms, every stitch Of which was made
- q r ~
ative studies, such as muslin and ax,fower
work, crochet work, embroidery, ETC., why.
there was a room full of b andsome specimens
This communication is getting very long,
and still there are some things yet unsaid. The
music, vocal and instrumental, was creditable
to both teacher and scholars. This department.
is under the charge of Nine. Kirschenheiter.
The first premium for music was awarded to
Miss NJ Zimmerman.
Every one was pleased to notice among the
young ladies on the stage one of the former
pupils of the school, and whose rich contralto
voice contributed not little to the success of
the choruses. Irefer to Miss Mary E. Stercken,
whose unfailng presence in the choir of ST..
Mary's Church has made her name and voice
| familiar to the whole congregation.
Besides the Rev. Father Vallee, pastor of
our parish, the clergy was represented by Rev.
Fathers Anstaett, Bichlmayer, Chapus, Blanc
CANT, Blaterer, Chabrier, Heslin, Mandine
and Miliet. 1t would be superfuous to speak
of the praise due the eight Sisters who have
charge of St. Mary's School and Asylum.
Thursdays exhibition afforded ample proof of
their capacity to teach, not only the head, but
the heart also; in other words, that whilst
their pupils receive thorough instruction in
all polite learning and accomplishments, they
are also taught that any action in life should
be ''ad majorem Del g5OriGm.' With this lesson
well learned, they leave the school to become
the pride and joy of parents, the real anges
dw foyer" useful members of society, and to
make this world better and happier one.
GERAD