The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1883-06-26
"AVISE L'FIN. +"
Interesting Closing Exercises of
Pilot Grove Collegiate Insti-
tCte.

The closing exercises Of the Pilot Grove
Collegiate Institute were of unusual inter-
est, and we:e largely attended by the pa
irons and friends Of the institution. The
exercises consisted of written and oral ex-
arira'ions. exhibition and concert The
~r.t,en examination proper occupied an
entire week, day being allotted to each
class in the collegiate department. The
various classes thus examined acquitted
themselves Very creditably.
The examination papers are marvels of
neatness and correctness, and elected much
favorable comment.
The examination in the higher branches
was very exhaustive aud critical, but the
pupils were amply prepared for the test
and showed degree of proficiency rarely
attained. In fact, it might not be putting
it too strong to say that they we've abso-
lutely perfect.
After the written examinations q
day was set apart for oral
examinations This was free
fOr-all contest, any patron or friend, YVES
given the privilege OF calling for any class
he Nj hit select, aid examining them at
will. Several classes we're called out and
questioned, but every question was readily
answered and every example readily solved
by some member of the class. The result
of this exercise served only to strengthen
the favorable opinions formed from the
written examination.
Oral examination over, then came the
matinee in which the pupils of the prima-
~ departure nj took a leading part, aud en-
tertained the audience with a number of
declamati,ns and ,ecitsriOns, interpreted
with instrumental music by the more adj
vanced pupils. The little folks did we'll,
and showed exclusively that they had not
been idle for the past ten months. Tues
day evening a very large audience assem-
bled to witness the exhibition. The
exercises consisted vi ESSAYS,
ora,ions, select readings, vocal and
Instrumental music. The entertainment,
although lasting until a late hour at night,
was listened to with marked attention
throughout, the audience giving evidence
OF hearty approval. The concert on the
following night seemed to be regarded with
even more favor than the previous enter
tainment. AT very early hour a select
audience OF about 400 persons were in the
room awaiting The opening exercise. The
programme offered rich attractions in quar-
tettes, duets, solos and chOruses, besides
some select reading. The music, although
of high order, was charmingly rendered
and heartily applauded by the audience.
The young ladies were literally loaded with
floral testimonials In fact, several OF them
were unable to carry their numerous gifts
from the stage. Before the close Of the ex-
cises Prof. H. Haynes, of BoOnville, deliv-
cred short address, in which
he took occasion to eulOgize
the Pilot Grove school and said that the
concer, was the best that he ever attended
in his life. Considering the reputation OF
Prof. Haynes, this can be considered as a
very high compliment. The programmes
for the series of entertainments are simply
q resume of the various exercises had dur
ing the school year. Not moments time
is taken from the regular school work to
prepare Tor them, feature differing some
what from the custom of some schools
At the close Of the concert gentleman In
the audience arose and moved that the con-
OF the audience be rendered to
Prof. johnson for the successful school just
closed, and the entertaining concert. The
motion was carried with perfect unanimity.
The enrolment for the year past was %,
So OF which were from q distance.
The records of the school
shows steady growth since
its first organization. Situated in . pros
peaous villsge of intelligent and moral
people, with q strong support from the sur
county. Pilot Grove Collegiate
Institute is fixed fact. Here young men
are free from the temptations that surround
them in city, while board can be had at
much lower rates. The president OF the
school, Prof C. 8. johnson, is q ripe
scholar of large experience. Prof. w. F.
Johnson il young gentleman of culture
who has chosen the business of teaching as
a profession, and is fast taking position
with the leading educators Of the day.
Miss Lizzie PendletOn will continue in
charge of the music department. With no
disparageQent of others, Miss
Pendlrton is perhaps the most successful
music teacher in central Missouri.