The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-06-03
Public school commencement.

The annual commencement and gradual
ing exercises of the borough public schools
were held in the Opera House en- Tuesday
afternoon and evening Of last geek The
house was crowded on both occasions, and
standing room was ct g premium. in the
afternoon the program was made up of reci-
tations, songs, drills, and dialogues by chill
dren OF the minor grade schools and all who
took part acquitted themselves with credit
to themselves and honor to their teachers.
In the evening the stage presented scene
that viii not soon be forgotten by those pres
ent, and one that reflects the highest credit
upon the members Of the graduating class
and their instructor, Mr.. Gran Kendall. A
hum of approval and delight could be heard
all over the house when the curtain went
up, and it was several minutes before the
voices Of all were hushed, and the Rev
David Elder Craighead asked an invocation.
Flowers and ferns filed the wings and
were banked on the rear of the stage, while
the class colors, white and blue, were grace
fully intertwined among them. Onward
and Upward, the class motto in large white
letters on a blue surface, was suspended
from a dy overhead. and attracted general
attention. as the class of 1881 is the FIRST that
has ever had motto. White and blue rib
bons drapei the chandeliers, the chairs on
the stage, and were everywhere conspicuous.
The sweet girl graduates, Misses Lizzie
Sampsell, Mary Tayman, Lulu Walker, and
Halle Ogle, all robed in spotless white, and
fanked By the manly forms of John o. Mil
Ter and Orlo Knepper, occupied the center,
and they certainly presented a scene fair to
look upon. Six graceful, modest young la
dies and gentlemen nervously awaiting to
I'll the parts they had TO perform before the
footlights. and conscious Of the battle they
had won, surrounded by fragrant flowers
and the strains Of sweet music, caused the
entire audience to eKclaim, This is the
prettiest sight ever Witnessed in somerset. y
And they meant it, too
Il would be unfair for the writer to go into
details or 70 offer criticisms on any of the
! performances Of the graduates, since it must
/ be confessed that never has brighter, more
/ inteliigent.or better qualified class graduated
from our public schools. Each paper read
showed careful and iaboroHs study. and what
is more, showed that the young people had
been faithfully instructed and had been fully
prepared 10 enter niger institution Of learn
ing.
The diplomas were presented to the grad
uates by f. J. Kooser, Esq, President of the
School Board, at the conclusion of which be
addressed a few remarks TO the audience
He struck responsive chord when be sug.
gessed to the parents present that the high
school course should be extended anothel
year.
Rev. ]. 5. Hsrkey, pronounced the bene
diction and the public school days OF ih'
class of 81 were ended.
A delightful festare of the graduating ex
ercises was the music furnished by the Mo
zart Orchestra, of Johnstown.
That Mr.. Kendalrs services have been ap
preciated as principle OF the borough school
is perhaps. more fully attested since il ha
been learned that he has resigned the prin
cipslship and proposes entering the Law de
partmsnt of Harvard University. The char
acter and grade of our schools have bee
elevated each succeeding term the past hal
dozsn years, but il is only justice to NJ
Kendall to say that in no year has the ad
yancement been as marked as in the on
Just closed. The Board Of Directors and hi
fellow teachers all recogniz. this fact and a
the close Of the term both bodies voluntaril
gave him flattering certificates Of their AZ
, preciaticn ofhis services to the schools an
, OF their admiration for him as man. u
! Kendall, was alike popular with parents an
, school children and his determination
leave Somerset has caused genuine regret.