Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-06-24
LABOR'S LAURELS.
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF
THE HIGH SCHOOLS.
An Interesting OccasiOn-Our Girls
and Boys do Themselves Honor
SaIutnGorfes, ValedIctories and Re-
eponses-OrIgfnaI Essays-Annua
Address and Distribution OF Di-
nlonnaa


eponses-OrIgInaI Essays-Annua
Address and Distribution Of DE-
plOmas.
The twelfth annual graduation exercises
of the High School at Chatham Academy,
took place yesterday at the Savannah Thea
ire, which was crowded with the parents
and friends Of the pupils. The parquette
was occupied by the students Of the Boys
and Girls High School, the graduating
classes occupying the front seat reserved
for them on the stage.
Captain George A. Mercer, Vice Presi-
dent, presided in the absence Of Colonel E.
c. Anderson, President, who was detained
by business North. Among those present
on the stage were the members Of the board,
Rev. T. G. Pond, Of Albany; Rev. j. E.
L. Holmes, pastor of the Baptist Church;
Rev. J. o. Branch, pastor of Trinity Church;
Rev. W. R. Boyd, of the First Presbyterian
Church Rev. G. H. Strong, rector of St.
Johns Episcopal Church Rev. DR.. w. s.
Bowman, pastor of the Lutheran Church !;
H.F. Train, E:q., Principal Of the Boys
High School: w. s. Bogart, Esq, Principal
of the Girls High School. and Superinten-
dent w. Il. Baker Col. John Screven, ora
tor OF the day: Col. j. L. Warren, Judge
r. n. Reid, Capt. Robt. Falligant, Alderman
M. J. DOYLE, Messrs. j. J. MCGOWAN, David
Wells, NJ. A. Cohen and others.
The exercises were opened with PRAYER by
Rev. DR.. Bowman. The song, 40 Bright
Merry Smiles,n was then sung very sweetly
by the graduating class.
THE sALUTAToRY.
The honor of delivering the salutatory
devolved upon Miss Mary Ida Baker, who,
IN the following capital style, discharged
that duty very acceptably and creditaoly;
In olden times. on the assumption of the toga
viriIis by the Roman youth, that impor tant
event was celebrated by imposing ceremonies.
at which friends and kindred delighted to be
present to tender their CONGRATULATIONS we
gather within these walls to-day Tor some
what similar purpose. The tolls and pleasures
Of our school life are over, and we are now to
enter upon the stern duties OF life. We, TOO
are honored with the presence OF friends. who
bestow upon us smiles or approval ana words
Of encouragement. The wise guardians OF our
education, vino have established these excel
lent High Schools, have turned aside from their
grave duties to hear our parting words and TO
bid us God-speed. Kind teachers, to whom we
owe a debt Of gratitude we can never pay, are
here to gladden. with their presence, Bloom
ing youth and gray haired age have come alike
10 IeSflTy Lnelf luls W US AuOos
pOrtant occasion.
We greet you all, dear friends. You, Mr..
Vice President, who, in the absence or our
honored head so gracefully fill his place. You.
esteemed members Of the Board, noble coadju-
tors in the cause Of public education. You,
loved teachers, to whom we give the parting
hand this day. You. Mr.. knight of the Quill, "
whose partial judgment and faciie pen have
done much to stimulate the young aspirants
for literary distinction. You, loving school
mates who are to fill our places and
to follow in our footsteps; and you, too, dear
friends and visitors, who lend your genial
smiles and speak your words OF sympathy.
Welcome, thrice welcome, to you ALL We
promise you no rich feast Of reason, such as
you would expect from those who long have
trod the paths OF learning; We lay before you
our simple offerings-the first fruits gathered
from the fields of literature. In so doing, we
beg you to remember:
''Who does the best his circumstance allows,
Does WELL acts nobly; angels could no more. "
This is graduation day, the day towards
which we long have looked with w1stful eyes
and swelling hearts. We remember what
thoughts thronged our minds as, one year ago,
we heard the last words OF salutation and part
ing from those who stood where we now stand.
Yes, the goal of our desires has at last been
reached We go forth to-day into the broad
world with high hopes and lofty aspira' ions.
Thanks to the gentlemen who so well laid the
foundation of our benefcent system OF public
schools. we trust we are at least fairly equip
ped for the conflict which awaits us.
It is in part publicly to testify gratitude for
the generous provisions made for the youth Of
our city that we appear before you on this oc-
casion.
We invoke your lenient Judgment as you
listen to our first efforts before the public.
Pardon us If a tnge or sadness gives COM
plexion to much of our exercises.
Callous indeed must be the heart that feels
no sorrow at leaving the scenes and joys OF
childhood DAYS. To-day we part with kind
friends whose delight it has been to counsel
and guide us in our scholastic course. We turn
away from companions with whom many
pleasant hours have been spent. We will miss
the familiar sound CT the old bell which called
us TO our daily tasks. The happy half hour of
recess, time dedicated to gossip and small talk,
Of course free from all scandal. will no longer
be enjoyed, no more delightful long lessons TO
learn, no more Latin decleasions, fatiguing
even to school girls tongue TO
memorize; no more abstruse mathematical
problems to solve: nay, nc more ten
der reproofs so reluctantly given by kind
teachers; no more dement's kindly placed
upon our cards to remind the friends at home
that the luckless girl has given vent to an ire
pressible spirit for fun These are to be things
Of the past and we cannot altogether say that
we are sorry. yale, vale, longum valep
It is hacsneyed saying os,;d that school Sn 90
must confess to some degree Of increjuity
on that uoint With all the regrets that We so
freely expressed. there are few who are willing
TO return and resume again the routine OF
school lie While, therefore pleading guilty
to a feeling akin to sadness, We will hope that
happier DAYS are before US than even those we
leave behind. Other things will demand our
thoughts and other duties claim our attention,
and we hope by a courageous discharge OF
them that we NAV prove ourselves worthy OF
the great boon which has been bestowed upon
us. -
pleasant words which are to fall from other
los have performed the simple task assigned
to me. and close, dear friends. as began, by
extending in behalf of myself and sister
graduates most hearty welcome to you all.
ORIGINAL ESSAYS.
The first of the series of the original es-
GAYS by the graduates was then read. Mas
ter William D. Champion, in a brief but well
conceived paper. egtolled the versatility and
| magnitude of the "Mind of Shakespeare"
He was followed by Master James Q. Cope,
who, IN an original and foreible style, de-
picted the advantages of q purpose Ia life,
and urged uDon his hearers to Live for
Something" Miss Annie c. Ryan then gave
the audience an insight into the mysteries
of "School Girls Chances" with vivacity
that was particularly pleasing and ELECTED
the heartiest applause Of the interested and
delighted listeners. Miss Mary L. Sagurs
gave pleasing description OF the Journey
OF Life" and was fOiiOGed by Master Willie
W. Osborne, who optly deemed "Public
OpinIon,u and pointed out its influence
for good on individuals and cOmmuni
ties, This series OF essays was closed by
Master Edward B. Moylsn, who presented q
very admirable and capital essay, entitled
"Tslent and Tact" which displayed consid-
cradle thought snd originality and called
forth the approving plsudits OF the appre-
ciative and pleased audience.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARNOLD SOCIETY.
Principal Bogart here announced that the
next in order Of the exercises would be the
twelfth anniversary meeting OF the Arnold
Society.
Miss Minnie Doyle then took the chair
and called the sociSty to order. The reading
of the minutes of the last meeting ives dis
pensed with.
On the call for reports, In the absence OF
Miss Dora Proctor, Corresponding Secre-
tary, the following letter from her was read
by Miss Nettie WilbuTi
ST MARYs GA June 20, 1882
Dear Members of the Arnold Society:
At last the time has arrived when, with many
FegFets am compelled to release all claim to
an active part in an association which / so
much love. From TO-DAY she ties which bound
me To you as member of Bhs Arnold So
ciety" can no longer exist, but are entirely
severed. True, still entertain the hope Of
being present at the monthly meetings, but
hereafter it vii be i'm the formal manner of a
visitor, and not as an AFnoldian; consequently
do not feel the same degree Of pleasure. l
will not try to express how l regret that
absence from the city prevents my assembling
with you on tilis very suspicious occasion, but
with this send my best wiShes hoping that
prosperity may always attend the society, and
that it viii continue to thrive Very respect
fully, DORA +; PROCTOR,
Retiring Corresponding Secretary.
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