The Newtown bee., 1891-06-26
WESTPORT.

CLOSING WEEK AT STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL.
This school, founded and maintained
by the generosity of Horace Staples,
closed its seventh year, last week. On
Tuesday evening, the senior class of the
High school held class day exercises in
Assembly hall with an interesting pro-
gram which was admirably carried out.
Miss Pearl A. Epson read an essay upon
1.-THE Work of One Woman" in which
she endeavored to show how much has
been done by Mrs Helen III. Jackson, by
her life and writings, to better the con-
dition of the American Indian and induce
legislation favorable to his future pros
poets. The class orator, James E. Pratt,
gave we'll delivered grafton on "Lord
Give in India" Fred E. Toquet read
the class history and Miss M. Corbin AL
bee the class prophecy in an acceptable
manner. Miss Emma Cusick rendered
Becker's "Spring Time effectively.
Messrs Backus and Woodwork, also
Misses Cable and Albee, gave fine vocal
duets. The piano playing of Misses Cor
ham, Cable and Boyce was a pleasing
feature of the entertainment. The flag
drill by the young misses of the prepare
tory class was novel exercise and was
heartily applauded. Considering the
threatening weather, the attendance was
all that could be expected. The class Of
81 may be assured that, as theirs was
the first attempt of the kind in the histo-
ry of the school, the venture was mark
ed success.
Assembly hall was again well filled on
Thursday afternoon at the graduating
exercises of the senior class. The will
ing hands of their schoolmates had deco
rated the hall in a very attractive man
ner. On the platform were seated the
venerable founder, Revs ii. S. Still,
Il. j. Relyea, J. +. Coley, Mr. d. A. Sal
mon, ex-Principal T. G.. Stearns and 9TH
ers. Occupying the center and directly
underneath their motto sat the four can
didates for diplomas, while to the right
were seated the members of the High
school. The exercises, which were I'M
der the direction of Principal Pratt, were
interesting and gave great satisfaction.
After singing by the High school and
prayer by Rev B. j. Relyea, an address
to the graduates was given by Rev II. S.
Still. Other remarks by Revs Relyea,
Backus and Colby followed. Miss NJ. G.
Albee of New Haven gave the valedicto-
ry. Horace Staples, in comforting the
diplomas, said; Nothing could grieve
me more than to hear of any of you, my
young friends, being inattentive to the
duties of a useful employment. Whatev-
er you may choose to follow, be resolved
to be honest and persevering. Never
lack in vigor or resolution. Be diligent
and determined, never deceitful or false.
Follow out these principles and you will
prosper. Remember, you will always be
Liable to trials and, sometimes, they will
seem apparently too severe to be borne :;
but, in the end, they may prove to be
your greatest blessings. Always rely
upon divine goodness. Every kind of
business must have care and attention
and, to make it prosperous and agreea-
able, should be conducted with a love for
your work. You should feel an interest
in 5sais High school and, hope, will al
wafs exercise watchful care over it,
that it may be blessing to the present
and future generations. l need not tell
yGu the pleasure it gives me to see what
this school has done and is doing. |
hope sincerely you will always take
pleasure in seeking the prosperity of this
scaool and that every citizen of Westport
will use all proper means to make it one
81 the most useful institutions in the
country and that all our citizens may join
in wishing you and all former and future
graduates prosperous, useful and wor-
thy journey through life.'
On Friday evening, the graduates gave
their friends reception at the school
building, which was we'll attended and
proved to be very enjoyable affair.
The school thus places upon record
another year of prosperity. May its re-
spected founder long live to see the
work of the institution which he has es-
tablished increase in usefulness and ex-
tent.