The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-05-27
A PLEASANT EVENT AT THE HIGH
SCHOOL.

mcctluS VI Uuc IlSu OCuOOl ilCcIdIy
Society, an excellent program was
rendered. At the close of the meet
ing, very handsome silver tea SER
vice and beautiful silver cake basket
were presented to Prof A. f. Bech-
dolt by the teachers and pupils of the
High school. Mr.. Samuel q. Schmitt,
in presenting the gift said: "Mr.
President, ladies and gentlemen: The
world believes in progress. This fact
has been demonstrated in every de-
partment of activity since man was
created and given the power to think
and to do. We need not go into the
details of Greek and Roman history
to trace from the beginning their pro-
greSs in art, literature and science.
We know that from simple folk they
became a learned and cultured people.
Progress has been mankind's watch
word, for we see this same impulse
toward higher things in the new
world. We see the founding of schools
in New England, the spread of popu-
lation throughout the United States
and the springing up OF schools in
every part of our fair land. 1t is
from the school that our intelligent
men and women come. Our High
School has, in the past seven years,
made record of which it may well
be proud. Progress has been our
watchword. Our rank as first-class
High School for the past six years is a
subject for congratulation. Our
library of well selected volumes is a
constant source of pleasure. Our fire.
quent and glorious victories on the
ball grounds are justly the cause of
elation. Our well-f1tted gymnasium
will carry us forward to further and
still greater physical achievements.
That most beautiful statue now
adjoining our spacious halls, won at
our recent forensic victory, will be
perpetual impetus toward renewed
efforts toward mental culture. Among
all the causes of our progress and pros
perity none has been more powerful
and influential than the preceptS and
example of our noble and beloved
Superintendent. A man of broad
culture, no task has been SO arduous,
no sacrifice so great as to cause him
to turn from any effort tending to our
advancement. The right man in the
right place, can truly be said of him.
We shall carry through life affection
ate memories of his kind teachings
and untiring efforts in our behalf.
And now, for teachers and pupils of
the High School, 1 present to Prof.
Bechdolt, as token of esteem and
affection, this gift"
To the complete surprise of all the
teachers, Mr.. Schmitt then, in few
well chosen words, said that to Miss
Ayres also, as token of affection, he
wished to present in the name of the
pupils this gift, taking from it's hid
ing-place handsome silver card re-
ceiver.
Prof. Bechdolt, in his genial manner
said: 1t is hardly fair to take a man so
by surprise. For sixteen years I
have lived here and been connected
with school work in this city since
the first year after the beginning of
the High School, except during five
years of the time During that time,
the place and the schools have become
greatly endeared to me. School work
has not only been part of my daily
living and thinking; it has been my
life. [ want to state that for what
ever progress has been made and
whatever the value of the school has
become, the credit is due to the prin-
cipal, Miss Ayers. This is case where
a woman, because she Is woman, has
not had her due, and [ desire above
all things to place the honor where it
belongs. Whatever glory rebounds to
ilO ohOulu OC llOH UuC law UudU l.
know good teacher when I see one.
My pride in the schools and their
work has been based upon the kind of
men and women they have turned
out. When entered the schools,
found manly set of pupils, and they
have been followed by a manly set.
Let me impress it upon you that it is
your attitude and character that will
determine the nature of the school in
the future. And our work done in
the schools is worth much or little in
proportion to this one thing-as it
helps to develop,a self-reliant and in
dividual character. Each one of you
is responsible for himself to his
Maker. And, as l have so often done
before, would urge you first of all to
make the most of yourselves. Indi-
viduality and strong characters that
OF which l am proud in the earlier
graduates of the school. l think that
many of these have not been looked
upon with the appreciation they de-
serve by the community in which they
were brought up. For instance, one
OF our graduates is now teaching in