Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-06-25

IHE WAIEHb
 CONVENT OF NorRE DAME. Exercises Presided
 Ovor by Bishop McMAhon.
 Garlands of flowers, festoons of evsr- green, fragrance of many blossoms, . | body of youux ladies1 from the tot of 5 | to the miss of IT, the music of harps and was the scene that greeted | the eyes of the audience which as- | sembled in the graduating hall of the Notre Dame convent last evening. Priests, parents: teachers and friends young lady graduates.
 At half past seven the word was given and immediately the pianos, harpe and organ struck up the grand march, executed with 54 hands, to the strains of which Bishop McMahon and retinue of twenty-five priests entered the hall and took their seats at the front of the platform.
 Miss Katie Monohan of Bristol, who had the honor of giving the salutatory, stepped to the front and m g few choice words welcomed the assembled visitors and thanked them for the encourage ment their presence presented. Here little tot, Clara Ellis, was led in front of Bishop McMahon carrying a bouquet al- most as large as herself; and in isping the convent halls and presented to him as a token of the scholars esteem the bouquet she bore. This little incident provoked a laugh and was received with applause by the audience, while the bishop, batting the giver on the head, ac- cepted the offering.
 The song, Welcome" by chorus of all the scholars followed. The presenta- elementary and junior departments oc- cupied the next number of the pro gramme and as each little miss received her prize and an encouraging pat on the head from Bishop McMahon, her work to gain the prize was richly rewarded. Music of eight pianos followed, exc cuted by sixteen young ladies with ef- feet and expression.
 The juvenile operetta, "Grinelda, the Little Sweet Singer" was one of the pleasing numbers on the programme. The sorrows and troubles of the little | singer from her entrance begging for pennies to purchase something to eat, down to the discovery of her long lost l sister, were portrayed in an interesting manner by little Eileen Bersick of New York. The young miss possesses a sweet ! rher part, brought tears to the eyes of many. Miss Nora Rourke as Eileen's sister was likewise proficient and acted her part equally well.
 Music by the pianos came next and the very difficult rendition of Light Hearts" was excellently given and ap- plauded.
 The presentation of premiums to the pupils of the intermediate department | f0M sv, hor olo ed some recognition for some study in which she was proficient.
 l The "Pleiades," cantata, was prob ably the most thoroughly enjoyed of any number on the programme. The scene opened with seven young ladies each wearing a crown and surrounded by her attendants, each representing some virtue and all claiming the honor of being named as queen. Miss Fannie humillity; Marie Herringer, charity; Kittie Guilfoile, resignation; Mary OConnor, zeal; Anna Sullivan, faith; Fannie Welton, gratitude. Each spoke l of her respective virtue and it's merits and claimed for herself the general crown. Sweet charity was the last to extoll her merits and SO truthfully was her description given, that with one ac- cord the others bestowed on her the title and crowned her queen. Singing by the queen and her assistants closed the first l act.
 A harp duet between Miss Susie O'Neil, daughter of Representative John O'Neil, and Miss Gallagher of New Haven
 was a pleasant feature between the acts and the medley of Irish gems was ex. ecuted with musical tact and skill.
 The second act represented homage paid to the queen by the seasons spring
 summer, autumn and winter. Each
 season representated was accompanied by the constellation attributed the sea son, and each bore banners with tho
 names of the months and also o1
 the stars comprising each season Then followed a description by one o
 position, and history connected with thu , stars named. In conclusion all joined il a chorus of the season.
 The grand overture "L1talien CT ,, Algerie," 34 hands, was one of the musi cal features of the evening.
 The presentation of medals to tn,
 pupils of the senior department cam'
 next. Marie Herringer received thu honors of her class, a gold medal, ant also received another presented by Re- H. Treanor, for composition. In tn superior course Misses Mary O'Conno 3 and Mary Cullum each received medals D The contest for the gold medal fo 3 religious instruction rested between . these two young ladies and as each wa ? equally proficient it was necessary t 2 draw for the prize. Miss Mary Cullun was the lucky one and received tn '- medal, while Miss O'Connor was award
 ed handsome book. The gold meda l. for general proficiency, presented b, v Rev H. Treanor, was awarded to Mis- a Susie O'Neill who also received tn l. honors of her class. The gold medal fo d excellency of conduct, presented by tn 2 Fannie Bowe. The gold medal fo # vocal music, presented by Rev Fathe l. Murphy, was awarded to Miss Mar