The Newtown bee., 1892-07-01
WESTPORT.
THE HIGH SCHOOL EXERCISE

WESTPOHT.
 THE HIGH SCHOOL EXERCISES.
 Anthem. Praise the Lord" High school.
 Latin salutatory, Anioinette c. Cable.
 Essay, Hidden" Annie Warren.
 Oration, "Aerial Navigation" Samuel G. Meeker.
 Essay. "Luck," Christine A. Upson.
 vocal Trio, o,"Distant Chimes" Laura D Cor ham, Edith E salmon, Antoinette .. Cable:
 Essay. "King Arthur,s Knights of the i Essay. Pictures" Edith E. salmon.
 Song, "summer Again" ain, High school.
 Essay,"Search for the Holy Grail, Laura D. Gorham.
 Class prophecy, Antoinette c. Cable.
 Essay, "Musie," with valedictory, Alice D. Parsell.
 Presentation of diplomas, Horace Staples. Principals report with presentation of certificates.
 Class hymn
 Class of 1892: Antoinette Corneilia Cable, John Lonson Coley, Laura Downes Gorha m, samuel Gilbert Meeker, Alice Dell Parsell, Edith Salmon, Anna Taylor Sherwood, Chris tine Augusta Upson, Annie Warren.
 The graduating exercises of the Staples High school passed off very pleasantly, Wednesday afternoon, June 22. A large and appreciative audience filled Assem- bly, hall to overflowing. The hall was tastefully decorated with flowers, ferns and flags. The platform was occupied by members of the executive committee, the teachers, High school pupils and members of the graduating class. In the program of music by the High school and essays and orations by the graduates all acquitted themselves in a very cred itable manner.
 The seven young lady and two young men graduates acquitted themselves very creditably. The valedictorian was Miss Alice D. Parsell, who deserves much credit for her share in the exercises and who also beautifully accompanied the piano with her violin. The salutatory was given in Latin by Miss Antoinette C.. Cable; the class prophecy, also read by Miss Cable, elicited much mirth from the audience. Rev Mir Relyea presented the graduates for diplomas and the founder, Horace Staples, awarded them to all the class.
 MIR STAPLES'S SPEECH.
 My dear young friends: It seems quite out of place for me to present to you these testimonials of what you have ac- complished in this high school. The ex- ecutive committee may have designed to show the broad contrast between the schools 80 years ago and that of the pres ent day by making this appointment. Eighty years ago, our district schools did
 
 ply used Webster's spelling books and, for reading books, American Preceptor and Morse's geography. Seventy-five years ago, the English reader came into general use for the best scholars, also at that time, Daboll's arithmetic. The school houses in those days were about 15x1S feet, ceiling six feet high; man of ordinary height could not stand erect with his hat on. Our district school houses have become much improved, the last 4Oyears and High schools have been added. When we contemplate what has been done in this High school, the last eight years, it gives us unspeakable pleasure and leads us to consider the wonderful contrast of the present with 80 years ago. It also leads us to rejoice with your parents and guardians in see ing this interesting class of graduates presented for the reception of your di- plomas. While the honor is conferred on me of presenting them, allow me to urge and entreat you, one all, never to be guilty of doing mean thing. Be sure to fulfill every engagement. Always ex- act in department, cheerful in every un- dertaking, submissive to every disap- pointment or affiiction and diligent in ev- cry calling. Let it ever be proclaimed that all graduates of this High school will surely be honorable in all their var ious undertakings. Remember a wise man has said, "Seest thou man diligent in his business; he shall stand before kings" Certificates for entering the High school were conferred on members of the first class in the grammar department by the principal, Mir Pratt. The principals report was very interesting and shows much progress of the school during the past year. The stage was tastefully dec orated; at the back, a large flag, belong ing to the school, was artistically drap- ed and, in relief against it was ladder, at the top of which was the class motto, 'sSolum Optima, ''-only the best. The exercises showed that every mem- Der had studied faithfully and diligently. l The essays were ably written and reflect l much credit. The principal, Prof Pratt, ! offered prize to the class for the best | essay in composition and delivery. It was awarded unanimously to Miss Edith E.Salmon by the committee appointed by the principal.
 The principal presented certificates of honor to the following members of the first class in the preparatory department Dorothy Adams, Lulu Kemper, Clara Wakeman, Alden Salmon, Walter Peck, Frederick Wood. Prizes were given Dorothy Adams and Alden Salmon for passing best examinations for entrance to High school.
 Altogether, the day was one long to be remembered by the graduates and their friends, giving to all who were present no uncertain indication that the school is l.u- \