River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-12-26
GRADUATING EXERCISES AT THE
NORMAL SCHOOL.

On Thursday the 10Th inst, the grad
uating exercises of the first class in
the elementary course at the Normal
School in this village, took place in the
Normal Chapel. The class consisted
of nine members, some of whom intend
to finish the higher course. The exer-
discs of the afternoon were opened With
prayer by Rev. Mr.. Blakeslee, sfter
which came the programme of the
class.
The first piece of the afternoon was
by Mr.. Brohough, who gave well
worded paper on the Progress Of Sci
emce, in which he touched upon some
of the most important events m this
field of knowledge. After which Miss
Vannatta gave practical illustration
of the manner the pupils of thisschool
are taught TO teach small children.
She showed creditable degreeof self
possession and skill in the difficult
modes of interesting and instructing
primary pupils. The second speaker,
Miss Kingsley, read an essay on Ac-
ton, showing its presence in every de-
partment of existence, and urging the
necessity of unwearied industry in
all who would gain success.
Miss Mapes gave her method Of deal
ing with pupils of the intermediate
school, and both teacher and pupils
made a favorable impression on the
audience. Miss Mapes' essay was up
on ambition, in which she referred to
the different varieties, and gave illus
trations.
Miss Saunders showed her method of
developing the idea of tense in the
minds of pupils of the Grammar room,
and gave to the uninitiated an idea of
the drudgery which teacher has to
endure in teaching some parts of
grammar. Miss Saunders essay treat
ed of the advantages of real educa-
ton, and showed that it does not con-
sist entirely If a knowledge of books;
but properly embraces the physical
and moral nature Of the Individual as
well as his perception, memory and
judgment.
Miss Wales insisted on care of the
small duties of life and an honest and
faithful performance of or every day
work.
Miss Trautman read the class poem,
in which she exhorted her classmates
to labor earnestly and well in their
chosen profession and bear up bravely
under it's many discouragements, re.
membering that they had the sympa'
thy of the many friends they were
leaving.
Mr.. Gray urged the necessity for the
thorough preparation for the coming
duties of life and the improvement OF
all oppo rtunities.
Miss Tibbetts was not present but
was given certificate with her elias;
mates as she had complied with all the
requirements necessary to graduation
Regent Andrews and Chandler ad
dressed the class and audience, anC
Pres. Parker in an earnest manner
briefly reviewed the work of the schoo
and presented, with some well timed
remarks. the certificates TO the class
which completed the formal part Of
their graduation. The music consisted
of singing, with Accomplishments by
Miss Clark upon the piano and Misse:
Bailey and Parker upon organs. TIT
exercises of the class were very cred
liable to themselves aud the school
Their essays and orations gave eyi
dence of good work and their mannet
of delivery showed thorough instruc
| ton in the art of expression. In tn
evening there was reception to tn
class and friends of the school in th
chapel, which was well attended an'
all seemed to enjoy it.