The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-06-15
City Free Schools Closing Exercises.

We have noticed, each week, the progress
the Commencement Exercises OF the CITY Free
Schools, and the satisfactory results OF the eA
animation. While there iaye been consider
able number of the friends 81 tile schools, WIN
have attended, more or less, on the occasion O.
the exercises each day, the want of Il proper
hall to accommodate all who might desire K
be present is severely felt. We do not know
that any arrangements are in contemplation tt
remedy this inconvenience, but hope something
will be done before another Year, to ftTnisi
ample space for all to attend.
On Friday last, Mrs. NJ. G. Dillon's class
First Grammar, underwent an oral examine
ton, first in Arithmetic, then in Grammar ant
Geography. The examinations were minute
and exhaustive, Mrs. Dillon and Prof. Ladd
both testing the thoraughness OF the acquire
ments of the pupils in the several studies nam
ed. The readiness with which all questions
were answered, the general accuracy OF tt!.e
answers, and the evident knowledge Of the
scholars of what they were being examined
on. were surprising and gratifying. The meth
cd of instruction is very comprehensive, and
embraces a wide range Of information very
important to be impaired. In all, Mrs. Dillon
proved herself the tllorugh teacher, devoted to
the profession. Whether in Geography, Histo
ny, Grammar or Mathematics, the children gave
evidence of habitual application, and a con-
seriousness that they knec what they had been
given to learn.
DR.. Brown, the vocal MUSIC Instructor, ex-
amined tae School also, and it is scarcely neces
sary to say, that in this branch of learning,
the pupils gave the most gratifying assurances
of their progress. Not only in the concord
of sweet sonnds,'' but in tile art of declana-
ton, was the care bestowed by the instructor
made manifest. This portion Of the studies in
the city Schools is very interesting, and con-
tributed to the Development and cultivation of
the esthetical in our nature, where all the fine
emotions find their source.
The exercises were ended by few remarks
from Prof. Ladd, appropriate to the occasion,
and in testimony to the fidelity Of teachers and
pupils Guri1s the scholastic year.
On Monday last, the Scholars of the Junior
High School Department, taught by Mrs.
Thompson, were examined, and acquitted
themselves creditably. Some Of the pupils
were not so quick at answering as others, but
all seemed to thoroughly understand the studies
gone over. The decailners, especially Miss
es ,GillocA and Smith, and Masters Houshour
and Allen, did very well, whilst the singing,
under the direction of DR.. Brown, was excel
lent.
The examination of the High School depart
ment, under Prof. j. II. Leckey, which took
place on Tuesday, was most satisfactory and
gratifying exhibition Of the. thorough train
ing, and practical requirements of -sl,e more
advanced pupils of the school. 10 every
question. both in Algebra and Latin, the an
swer was given promptly and clearly. The
examples were worked out rapidly and cor
rectly, and the TRANSACTIONS read with ease and
little hesitation. The most popular of the ex-
ercises in this department was the deeama-
tons. The question ''Should fictitious wri-
ting be suppressed" was debated by some doz-
en- young disputants, each of whom deserve
special mention for the admirable grace and
oratorcal talen displayed. A marked feature
of the debate was the perfect harmony Of
word and gesture 10 teach a boy to ges-
ticulate properly and gracefully is ~ task not
easily and not frequently accon pli>hed. Or
dinarily, you will notice tha6, while making
some very touching alusion to CAe 'sbeautifnl
blue dome of heaven" OF to +he an9aTs or to
supposed to be above him, he may
possibly raise his hand perpendicular to his
body, but his eyes will inlustliously contcm-
plate the flores of the flooring, and his entire
countenance denote a solemn inquiry into the
mysteries of next week. With these young
speakers, however, there was all absence of that
and hesitation which are the
usual coEcomitauts of maiden efforts, and
their graceful gestures were in perfect accord
with voice and expression. DR.. Browns la
bors in this field have certainly been crowned
with success. and have added much to the in
terest and popularity of the schools. The
excellent, particularly the duets of Misses
Gibbs and Gillock. At the close of the cxer-
cises, Prof Ladt, Superintendent, congratu-
lated the scholars on their rapid advancement
during the session and their department. gel-
orally, and paid high compliment to the fl
deity of Prof. Leckey. Major Bell, President
of the Board Of Trustees, expressed his gratifl-
cation at the success Of the school under its
present efficient management, and at the
progress made by the pupils.
The written examinations are Eow in pro-
gress and will emf ON Friday. This exami-
nation is for promotion from one department
TO another. Next year, it being the last of a
term of four, there will be graduating class.
None who has att ed these exhibitions,
can fail to accord to the Public Free Schools of
Staunton their heartiest approval, for it has
been amply demonstrated, that they are an
institution of which any community may we'll
feel proud.
The following are the names of the pupils
who received distinctions in the various
schools:
High SCHOOL,. II. Leckey, TeacAer.-For
attendance and scholarship. Masters Hender-.
son Bell, w. Hardy, John Gopde, r. Clarke,
James Taylor, II. Gilkeson, II. Ker. Misses
Ada Smith, Eva Smith, Minnie Clarke, Flor
ence Wright, Willie Dawson, NJ Fagan, Liz
gle Goode, Annie Dillon, r. Stratton, and
Fannie Stratton.
Niddls High Schooz-Mys. Thompson, Teach-
Prizes.-Miss Josie Gibbs, anu
A .,.ttf ntoS-