Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1891-06-17
Stephenson Seminary Commencement

gan at the seminary DulluihS HIludy HiSh1
with "The Court of Fame Miss Sadie
Campbell as Fame Before her throne ap-
peared, one by one as announced by the
Heralds, Representative Women, imperso-
mated by the young ladies of the Seminary
in charming and appropriate costumes
each to give some account of her career,
while Justice praised or condemned their
deeds and Truth drew useful lessons from
the conditions and achievements of their
lives We haven't space to mention the
various characters represented; it is sutfi-
cient to FAY that noted women who have
ruled in kingdoms or in homes leaders in
society, education, art, science, philanthro-
py, reforms of various kinds; and those who
"act we'll their part in the more obscure
places OF life-had an impartial hearing,
and their work and characters we're CAREFUL
ly weighed. When all had presented them
selves, those who were approved by Truth
and Justice were crowned by Fame, and
Charity threw her veil over those who mer-
tied no wreath. The little drama was care
fully prepared and admirably performed
to the great enjoyment of many invited
guests and the especial satisfaction of the
parents and friends of the young ladies.
On Sunday night, in the Presbyterian
Church, the services were appropriate to
the occasion The middle block of pews
for the most part was occupied by present
and pas. pupils, and the remainder of the
church was well-flled, if not crowded. The
pulpit was occupied by Revs. S. NJ. Engle,
Miles 5. Read and c. n. Campbell. The
sermon, an admirable one, was by Mr.. En-
gle-his text: Romans, xii chapter, 1st V.
The extreme heat of Monday, accumula-
ted and intense as night fell, did not seem
to abate in the least the interest felt in the
closing exercises; and the Seminary was
crowded with friends of the pupils and 9TH
ers who have at heart the prosperity of the
institution An inspiring march was played
by Mrs. T. c. Green (the teacher of instru-
mental music and Miss Lizzie Champion,
and the young ladies filed in and took their
seats on the platform Rev. Mr.. Read, of
the Baptist Church, offered prayer and
delightful programme, including selections
by the vocal class Mrs. DR.. w. F. Lippitt,
teacher, and songs by the primary class
Miss Nellie Campbell, teacher -creditable
to classes and teachers two beautiful in
strumental solos by Miss Lizzie Champion;
and piano duets by Misses Virgie Orrick
and Annie Washington Misses Mary Will
son and Laura Campbell; Mrs. Green and
Miss Wilson Mrs. Green and Miss Nellie
TurDer-all giving evidence of the most
careful and skillful training, and all tho
roughly enjoyed by the audience. A vocal
solo by Miss Nellie Craighill was one Ofthe
most attractive features of the OCCASION
Entertaining compositions were read by
Misses Maggie Mcknight, Amelia Harlan
and Daisy Shirley, and Miss Ora Turner
read passage from Kneid, translated by
herself into admirable English. I. G..
Green, Esq, was introduced and delivered
an excellent address, emphasizing the adj
yantages of the higher culture of mind and
heart. The awarding Of certificates and
prizes occupied considerable part of the
evening, and was, as usual, Of the greatest
interest both to the young ladies and their
friends. Prof. Campbell spoke earnestly
and impressively to the four graduates
Misses Keightly Timberlake, Ora Turner,
Daisy Shirley and Amelia Hopkins-and
presented their diplomas, after which he
addressed q few remarks to his patrons and
the citizens of Charlestown concerning the
future work of the school. Miss Keightly
Timberlake read a valedictory a song
by Miss Nellie Craighill and the vocal class,
and the benediction was pronounced by the
Principal.
President ingalls, of the Chesapeake and
Ohio Railroad-widely known as man of
affairs and soundly practical-was recently
quoted as saying that new towns ought to
grow up under the shadow of schools and
churches. The citizens of CharlestOwn-
while contributing as far as they can to the
material development of the town-ought
to take special interest in its moral and in
tellectual growth. A good educational in
stitution is worth more to us than a score
of piano factories and tin-plate mills. We
would rather see hundred brightfaced
school. girls in our town than a thousand
factory hands. Let every resident of Charles
Town or vicinity cooperate heartily with
all efforts that are made to increase or i'm
prove our educational facilities.
GENERAL CERTIFICATES.
General certificates were given to those
whose marks averaged 90 on all their stud
les. They were awarded as follows:
Nellie Turner 9S, Eliza Gallaher 81, Nan
ME Bentley sc, Luella zell %, Florence
Hopkins 90, Amelia Hopkins 95, Sadie
Campbell %, Daisie Shirley %, Lucy Crit
fifth 95, Laura Campbell 95, Keightley
Timberlake, Maggie Mcknight, Mary Will
son. Amelia Harlan, Sudie Moler, Lille
Hagley, Nellie Trapnell, Annie Washing
ton. Lou Midd,ekauf, Ellen Moore, Louise
Latimer Plea-ants Hopkins, Clara Hoof.
Lena Porter, Maria Taylor, Bessie Taylor
SPECIAL CERTIFICATES.
Special Certificates awarded to those who's,
! &c ~.