Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-07-05
Graduation Exercises.

The Annual Commencement of Alma
High School took place Friday evening,
June %, The class OF 80 consisted of
the following members: Misses Addie
McLaron, Nettie Kress, Winnie Grf-
fin and Mr.. Claude Forten.
Through the kindness of Alma Col
lege the College Chapel was obtained,
with its artistic and tasteful deco
rations.
The stage was finely ornamented
with notices, pictures, blooming plants
cut flowers, etc. On the right stood a
large easel, covered with moss and
bearing the inscription, "Class of 'S9",
worked with dases; on the left stood
a ladder consisting of four steps,
covered with moss, bearing the class
motto: We Would Climb Higher" +" also
worked with daises. These embems
were surrounded by plants and cut
flowers in profusion.
Especial mention should be made of
those kindly sent by Mrs. Pulfrey, Mrs.
Turck and Mrs. Whipple, also of the
profusion and elegance of the bouquets
sent forward as each pupil retired
from the stage.
The hall was early filled to over
flowing not even leaving standing-room
for the many waiting to gain entrance;
thus many were obliged to return home
The exercises opened with an Over
ture by the Union School Orchestra,
ably assisted by Messrs Amsden and
Rudgers.
This was followed by Invocation by
Rey. Lewis Stuart of Alma College
faculty. English and American Gus
toms" by Claude Forten was handled
with a g ace and energy which be-
speaks W III for his future. Prof. Days
cloruS class, consisting of twelve young
ladies and gentlemen from the lower
grades Of our school, rendered "Scatter
the Gems of the Beautiful in a man
ner which brought forth hearty APP
plause. Miss Addie McLaren, although
suffering from a severe indisposition to
such an extent that made speaking
most difficult, rendered "The Micaw-
bers of To-day" with a grace and for
titude which bespeaks admirably for
her capabilities, and which called forth
the praise of her hearers.
On account OF Miss McLaren's indis-
position the quartet was omitted, THIS
was disappointment to many, as
much time had been spent on the vocal
music. The nice selection Leaving
Home, a duet by Misses McLaren and
Rice, following by chorus, Sweet
Home" was one of the best on the pro-
gram. This was also omitted. The
deficiency was ably filed by Miss Fred
die Pierce who kindly rendered piece
of instrumental music.
Comment is unnecessary on the rem
dering Of the Death Bridge of the Tay
by Miss Winnie Griffin. We are all
aware of her talent in this direction
but we believe that she never presented
a piece of such difficult nature with
more complete and brilliant success.
We have but few among us who are
her equal.
Music by the orchestra was followed
by the essay ITO BE or Not To BE" 10y
Miss Nettie Kress This truly difficult
subject was handled by Miss Kress
with a grace and ease which would be
an honor to many professional speakers
and which, if persevered in promises
fair towards greater possibilities and
success. The vocal Solo 1.-The Wood
Nymph's CALI was gem in itself, and
it was with much regret that Miss Nc
Laren could not supply the treat in
tended.
Mr.. Geo. w. Brown, director of the
School Board then presented the di-
plomas, accompanied with few well
chosen words; after which the orchestra
gave their last piece on the program
and the audience retired after giving
undivided attention through the heat
and crowded state of the room.
The thanks of the officers and teach
ers are due to all who rendered valuable
aid in making the event a success.
Below we give in full the essays; also
the words of advice given by Geo. w.
| Brown.
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