The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-06-15
ITS FIFTH COMMENCEMENT
Graduation Day Exercises of the Elkton
Academy.

ton Academy was held in Odd Fellows hal
on Thurday morning. The stage was artistic
ally decorated with the class colors, nile green
and white, iun unique effect being attained
through arranging reeds and other plants
over the stage and us IA drapcry over the
scenery. Along the front of the stage was Il
bank of daisies, maSnoas and other flowers
The exercises opened at 10 o'clock when the
school marched through the hall and occupied
seats on the stage. march was played by
Elliott's orchestra. of Wilmington, which also
rendered other selections throughout the pro-
gram. The large and appreciatvc audicnc"
present heartily applauded every part ami
the commencement in every sense passed of
successfully and creditably to the Elktou
Ac deny.
Tac graduates were: Miss Hannah Hartn"t
vale,lictorian, daughter Of Mr.. Michael Hart
net of Elkton; Il. Harlan Wells salutatoriap.
son Of Mr.. Joseph l.. Well, of E!Aton; Miss
Mary Smith, daughter Of Mr.. c. II. Smith, OF
Elkton.
THE PROGRAM.
Overture, "Extrayaganza' ...... Grucnwaid
March, Manhattan Beach. "...........S ousa
Prayer ...........,....... Rev. Mr.. Mowhray
Gavotte, 'Bcauty's Cunning. .CHinGlka
Salutatory Grafton. Marcus
Tullius Cicero. .......G. Harlan Wells
Essay. "Nanity Fair ......... Mary IL. Smith
Walt, "Reign of Love ............. Godfrey
Naledictory,
Essay, Egmont Hannah G. ilartnet
Intermczlo from CavaIlcria Rusticana.
Address. ..................M Mr.. Geo. A. Blake
Ballad, "At Bcnedicton''. ...... Mary Prrkin,
Walt. Haunt of the Nymphs' .. Bennett
PRESENTATION or HoNoRs.
Gold medals, a. awards for work during
! the year, were prcsented
First Honor, highest average in all studies
-!Iannah Harnett. Design. Greek Cross.
Greei and Latin. Greek. including Memo
phon 1 books, Homer books, Medea.
Latin, including Caesar 4 books, Virgil 4
books, Cicero . orations and the Cato Major
& Harlan Wells Design. Treioil.
Science, Natural Philosophy, Book Keep
ing and Physical Geography. lIonors equally
between Henry l.. Scott and William Me-
y ,mcc Design Scroll.
Penmanship- Guy johnson. Design Quill
in Circle.
! Arithmetic Miss Helen Pirrson. Design
Maltese Cross.
Higher Mathematics Miss Covington May
Design Boston Ivy Leaf.
German. including Macrchen, Tell, Egmont
| Mary Stuart, Nathan the Wise, Men Vol
| Barnhem, and the Dwarf Nose. Design
Roman Cross. Hannah Hartnett.
English Composition Miss Mary Saith
| Design Greek Cross.
MIR. BLAKE's ADDRESS.
The address by George \. Blake, Esq, WA.
well chosen and equally well received. He il
| part said
We must have caught hut little of tn,
| spirit OF this occasion did we not voice tn,
feeling which it inspires. The busy hours o
another school year have swiftly flown, bear
ing its rivalries, successes and failures int
the region of the misty past. Into this hou
we fain would have come naught but tn,
pleasurable anticipations of vacation days
II those anticipations shall disappoint or fal
far below our fondcst hopes or brightes
dreams, how true picture of the real an,
wider life.
We congratulate those who, having fin
ished the prescribed course, to-day become
graduates of these schools. AS we see then
pass out into the unknown beyond, wher,
both Joy and sorrow thickly bestrew theil
way, our hearts excaim: MAY Gods bless
ing attend their steps, His love fill theil
hearts and their lives reflect His honor anG
truth"
We take Just pride in the report that the
public school building is filed to its utmost
that the overflow has sought shelter at tn,
Academy tand that soon, we are told, West
Elkton will be graced with structure large
enough to relieve the crowding Of the present
building and, we hope. beautiful enough tc
atone for its Astounding ugliness. There il
a peculiar satisfaction in witnessing this in,
terest in, and regard for, the public schoo
on the part of our citizens. l say this be.
cause there are some timid souls who fear
lest the public school system of this country
through open opposition or crafty undermin-
ing, will be overthrown. But whence this
fear and whence this foe? Know you not
that the public school system of the United
States is as much an integral part of our ma
tional life as tie constitution itself? Where
is there an individual, where a political party
or Il religious sect, so blinded by self interest,
or fool hardy through prejudice. that it
would-or dare would-lay hostile hand
upon the peoples schools.
am afraid that the people of Elkton and
vicinity do not sufficiently appreciate the fact
that here at their doors is an institution which
offers the possibilities Of an advanced course
in English, the ancient and modern Ian
guages, the sciences and the essentials Of a
sound education to all who have the time
and the limited means necessary for its pro-
curement.