The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-06-17
HIgh school Commencement.


House. Thursday evening. were of uniform ex-
cellence. and much genuine merit attached to
each presentation. The fourteen young ladies
and gentlemen selected admirable subjects. and [
treated them in concise. logical manner. avoid |
ing the too common fault of high school tau |
tology," at the same time rounding the sentences
with a graceful finish. 1t was very satisfying |
demonstration that the youthful graduates had
devoted themselves to the training of mind and
intellect during the years of their school life.
Well might they approach the memorable eve-
ming that should crown them with well earned
laurels. with flush of warm pleasure and well
might their parents and friends be proud of their
achievement.
The program was veritable selection of high
school gems. and very fitting indeed was it to
prepare the stage with floral gems for their re-
ception. It was beautifel union of nature and
art. and the inspiration of conscious fellowship
with the divine breath of universal life was felt
by all.
The musical part of tho program afforded a
feast to the audience. and the performances GER
tainly merited the reception they received.
Misses Poe and Fletcher exempIifed the part
nership of harmony" in the rich, pure tones of
the soprano and alto. These young ladies are
favorites in.the musical circles of our city. and
won fresh laurels Thursday evening. They re-
sponded to an encore.
The six young gentlemen composing the High
School Glee Club evidenced degree of cultured
proficiency that would do credit to many of the
professionals that have visited Ravenna in times
past. Their harmony was close. their time per-
feet, and expression good. Six more musical
voices would be difficult to find among amateurs.
and the way the audience applauded and called
them back, encoring the encores,was only equal
led by the cxcellency of the responses. until the
boys. caring to sing all night. gracefully in
cined their graduated statures to the sea of faces
before them, and retired from view of the disap-
pointed audience. They certainly contributed
well of their talents. and will long be remem-
| bered by all who heard them.
Miss Bertha Hamm sang very pleasing solo.
| and more than ever sustained the reputation of
her voice She was rewarded with an encore.
| Professor Glover sang magnificent solo, just
| before the valedictory. and prolonged the pleas
ure of the evening by second rendition fully as
good as the first. The singing of the school was
also high tribute to his proficiency as an able
instructor.
The salutatory, Take Heed How Ye Build"
by Mabel L. Webber. was essay replete with
sound thought. and well were it for every young
man and lady to heed the truths therein embod-
led.
How. What and Why" Grafton by Matte II.
Carter. was well delivered. and these interroga-
tories applied to life. well answered.
How Like Iron the Gates of Tomorrow" es-
say by Miss Maud Maxson. contained some very
excellent and original ideas. aptly applied to a
subject whose words epitomized truth of daily
experience to us all.
Eddie Loves Grafton. Might in Little Things"
contained much in little. and was very merito-
rious production.
Early Bird" formed the subject of Florence
j. Fairchild's essay. and the young lady grouped
together many fine sentences of useful thought
in her composition.
Perlina L. Marvin. in her recitation of "a
Russian Skating Party" discovered very superb
or elocutionary powers. and her number was
among the best of the evening.
Irwin B. Hall handled his subject of True
Education well. revealing mind well fortified
in the wholesome principles laid down in his
oration.
Life is City Full of Crooked Streets" essay
by Gertrude A. Wagner. was thoughtful treat
Use embellished by sch olarly diction
The Heights Are Not Attained by Sudden
Flights" was strong presentation of d familiar
truth by 0rsie NJ. Nichols. whose convincing
manner of speaking impressed it stronger than
ever upon the minds of her hearers.
Edward N. Proctor was the only colored grad
uate in the class. and the young man chose for
his subject. American Inventions" It was an
Grafton of much profit for any one to hear for h
handled his subject in the practical manner be-
fitting it. and gave succinct review of the great
achiey ements of American genius in this line.
Jennie B. Sapp entertained her hearers in her
recitation of The Ruggles Dinner Party" For
skillful delineation of the humorous and ability
to bring out the subtle undercurrent of fun un-
derlying production. she is exceptionally gifted
and well trained.
Maud Freeman. in her essay of Hobby Ri
ding. treated the audience to many new ideas
relative to her unique subject. and show ed fer
tile imagination and excellent faculty of marsh
aling together the leading thoughts of whatever
she has to talk about.
What Is Success ?" was wall answered by
Ambrose L. Cotter. in fine grafton, in which
the distinguishing merit was the perfect fitting of
part to part. logical stairway throughout. 1t
was thoroughly characteristic, and well received.
Miss Alice Conant then read an admirable es-
say on The Mission of the Ungifted." COM
position of fine merit. replete with beautiful
thoughts and valuable suggestions.
The remainder of the class then took positions
on the stage and listened to her valedictory-a
touching farewell to the scenes and associations
of the school room, and earnest admonitions for
the future.
Then came the presentation of diplomas, and
the school year Of 1901 was closed.
The Opera House was filled in every nook and
corner. Rev S. W. Meek offered the prayer at
the opening of the exercises