Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-06-21
COM HIGH SCHOOL
Graduating Exercises Of the
Class of '95.
a Splendid Class Numbering Twenty
Seven Members,
A" OF Whom Participate in Public Exer.
cises, Thursday.


49, Cony High school, were held in the
opera house, Thursday. They were of
unusual interest for several reasons. The
class Is the largest In the history of the
school, numbering 81, of whom II took
the regular college course eight the classi-
cal and eight the English course
The class as a whole has manifested
deep interest in their studies and 1t is felt
by the teachers that every member has
done creditable work, while an unusually
large proportion of them are brilliant
scholars. A feature of the exercises that
commends itself was that every member
OF the class was given public part and 1t is
no exaggeration to say that there was not
mediocre paper among them. To do this
necessitated an ali day programme and the
interest that was manifested by the large
attendance both forenoon and afternoon
Indicated that this feature is appreciated
Besides, the opportunity thus afforded to
every member is one that perhaps cannot
be too highly estimated. 1t not only gave
occasion for excellent drill but will be a
pleasant event in the recolloctions of all
and Is calculated to serve in a slight de-
gree as an incentive for more to pursue
their high school education to its COM
pletion. This is especially desirable un-
der the excellent instruction afforded at
this school. and it is gratifying to note an
increase both in the number of those who
pass from the grammar schools to the high
and also In those who graduate from the
latter.
The exercises began at 8 30 A. M.
About the front of the stage were very
pretty floral decorations, including ferns,
palm and other beautiful potted plants.
During the greater part of the day the
boxes were occupied, from one of which
were flung banners of the incoming senior
class. All the members of the gradual
ing class had seats upon the platform, to-
gether with the teachers of the school. In
the lower box at the right were noticed
Hon. c. f. Nash, Rev. ]. NJ. Wyman and
Hon. A. d. Russell of the board of direc
tors. During both the forenoon and after
noon exercises the parents, relatives and
other friends of the graduates had reser yed
seats in the audience. In the afternoon
the auditorium was filled, ladies predomi-
mating, and the coloring of their costumes
helped to make the scene both animated
and pleading The girls of the class were
very becomingly gowned, excellent taste
rather than lavish display charcterizing
the dresses.
First on the programme was selection
by Higgins orchestra and the prayer
offered by Rev. J. NJ Wyman.
The salutatory lin Latin) was very
finely delivered by Ralph Bartlett Fol
som, who is president of the class and
enjoys the distinction of being its young
est member. He followed his salutatory
with finely written essay on the subject
OF "Self Made Men and Nations" clearly
demonstrating the fact that the most
eminent and successful men in science,
literature, art, discovery, and invention,
as we'll as in professional life have come
from the ranks of the poor and those who
have been of humble BIRTH But by ener-
CIV. hard work and a thirst for knowledge
have gained the top round in the ladder
L., # md Wiz jG
also true of nations the enduring empires
have been great empires, which from the
smallest to beginnings have developed into
the greatest and most powerful OF nations.
Miss Alice Louisa Clancy had an essay
that was as original as It's subject, -
Gronp of Old Ladies'" and delightfully."-
written. She pertinently quericd In the
Introduction why an elderly woman
"whosc wit has been made keoner, whose
manners have been polished, whose whole
nature has been refined aud strengthened
nv the experience of years should not
make as interesting and delightful hero
ine'' as the fair young maiden, and notcd
n tendency of late to choose older heroines.
Reference was made to the old lady
beroines of Sara Orne Jewett and the
main thought is admirably illustrated
with little sketches from this Group OF
Old Ladies'" depicted by the gifted pen
of this charming novelist
r. WAS an excellent essay Miss Josephine
Thomas Ward had on Influences, "a sub
iect which she treated to the delight OF all
IN attendance. Character building she
dwelt upon at length, referring to the
many influences that take part therein OIL
ten unrealized by the person subject TO
them. To build a fine character she said
the beginning must be made early IN life
and no detail be overlooked that would
.end TO AN all round development
That important subject, =" The European
situation" was the topic, which Harry
L. Weber spoke upon. At the close Oh
th,s 10th century thousands of armed men
.1I 20