The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-06-15
Staunton Female Seminary.

The annual commencement exercises loon
place at Staunton Female Seminary, Rev. j..
1. Miller. PrincipaD Tuesday evening. The
hall of the Institute was filled with spectators,
the arrangements in the room neat and simple,
and the exercises very entertaining, though
comparatively brief.
PROGRAMME.
Overture eth''-Rossini-M Net
tie B. Idle, was splendidly performed. An APP
propriate prayer was delivered by Rev. Mr..
Minnick, Immediately afterward. Solo-"The
Sword of Robert Lee''-Idc-was sweet!y
sung by Miss S. X. Dreller. Then followed
the address of the occasion by Rev. G. d.
Brenheim, of Wilmington, North Carolina.
His theme was Female Education, which was
handled with great practical effect, just such
an address is was eminently suited to the oc-
deal in flights OF fancy, or rounded periods of
defamation, or sallies of wit. Life was too
serious for such indulgence. He hoped what
he would say would prove profita-
bic to the young ladies, for lie was moved by
parental feelings in presenting his thoughts to
he had attended ceremonies where his daugl-
tiers had been honored with diplomas. Female
Education was something more than the mere
cultivation of taste for fiashy dress, and os-
tentatious display, and following up the
thought, he drew vivid picture of the hollow
ness and wickedness Of that system of train
ing that aimed primarily to the acquire
ment of Establishments which breed only dis
content, embarrassment and final suffering.
The development of the intellect, the system
attic and severe training of the mental facul-
ties, so as to comprehend the duties and mis-
sion of life, that usefulness in all the spheres
that woman moves, might become the arnbi-
ton Of the student, was one of the great ends
of Female Education. But the central and
controlling purpose of teaching and learning
should be the cultivation of the heart, the
adornment that the christian graces furnish.
He developed this thought with clea-ness,
force, and much feeling. The address through
out, was admirably adapted to the occasion.
impressive in its delivery, and Astounding in q
wealth of moral beauty that stirred the higher
emotions. and touched the hearts of parents and
children,
Duett--ssPcnn Waltz Masters A. Snyder
ard A. Miller aged about twelve years, was
rendered with surprising effect. evidencing
the eminent qualifications Of the instructor in
the musical department, Prof. Ide.
Distribution of Certificates of Distinction
and Diplomas was next in order. The Prn-
MI
adopted in the Institute and the rule that
governed in comforting these distinctions. A
certificate comprehended not only proficiency
in studies but faultlessness in department.,
and awardments were only made when char
acter was in harmony with the mental attain
ments.
Duett-"Souvenir de Palamo''- Misses
Minnich, F. Ripley and Waltz. dreams OH
the Ocean, Misses Bernheim and Dreher,
were browning testimonials to the efficiency
and assiduity of Prof. Ide,--and to the applica-
ton OF his pupils.
'rlle Parting Address of the Principal, Rev.
j. l. Miller, although brief, showed the kind
the deep nteres. manifested in those who had
been placed in the care of the Institution.
Trio and Chorus Blest is the tie by Mrs.
Hamilton's vocal class followed, when the
was pronounced by Rev. Mr..
BernIeim. Thus closed tile sixth scholastic
year of Tie Staunton Female Seminary-fui-
nishiug ample evidence of its progress liz use
fitness and growth in reputation.
Prof. Miller has adopted the true method of
instruction, according to our apprehension
He seeks for practical, useful results, more
than for ornamentation. He aims directly at
the development and cultivation of the men
tai as well us the moral attributes, and those at
tainments that are notwithstanding with the
pupils through Life. a source OF comfort and
in all the vicissitudes that the
future may have in store. There could not
have been more perfect harmony in word
and action, than was contained in the address
of DR.. Bernhcim and the method of teaching
in this Seminary. One would have supposed
that the speaker had attended the school DUR
ing the entire session, so thoroughly did his
idea Of what Female Education should be.
with What was SO reigiDusly taught
Prof. Miller has been extremely fortunate
too, in securing the service of SO thorough an
instructor in music as Prof. Ide Not only
is he perfect master OF his profession, with the
Others. but he is a gentleman in every sense of
the word, with mind well-laden and finely
cultivated.
Those pupils that attained the maximum or
written examination are entitled to distinctions
in the following studies:
English Grammar-(Mss Bowman. Alice
CIemmer, Nettie Ide, Annie Patterson, Fannie
Ripley, Susie Shields, Adolph Snyder, Mary
Wierman.
Arithmetic--(A Miss B.)-Annie Clemmer, Lila
Terry, Sallie Zehring..
Arithmetic-(Miss Hahn)-Annie Dice, Ella
Pecry. Mary Wierman.
Algebra.-Annie Dice, Ella Pecry, Emma
Rinker, Alice Terry.
Geometry.-Eila Peery, Emma Rinker.
Trigonometry.-E Peery. Emma Rinker.
Natural Philosophy Dice, Manta
Myers, Anna Patterson, Ella Peery, Lila
Terry, Mary Wierman.
Mental Philosophy.-E Peery.
Latin,--Annie Dice.
French.--Annie Dice, Matte Paul, Ella Peery.
Instrumental Music.-Nettie Ide, Matte
Minnich.
Vocal Music.-Sadie Dreher.
enmanship.-Annie Dice, Sadie Dreher,
Alice Terry.
Punctuality.--Katie Hughes.
Names of those who received 100 on oral,
and So on written examination:
Geography. Bellamy. Josie Coiner,
Annie Cfemnfer, Anna Gr1bert, Ella Lickliter.
Estclle hardwood, Matte Munich. H. Pfffer-
ling, Nora Shields, Ada Staples. Salie Zehring.
Arithmetic-(J. Hans Glass. -Lucy Brown.