The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1900-06-13

MISS Mae DeIlc NEAN1 IN - - -
quest of number who heard them, re-
produced below:
CLASS HISTORY.
BY MISS MAE BELLz KENDRIcK.
On the third day of Septe lnber,
eighteen hundred and ninety, nearly
ten wears ago, the Dawson public
school opened lis doors ana began its
years work.
That day is one well worthy OF re-
membrane Only because il mark
ed the beginning Of the public school
system in Dawson, but especially be-
cause it marked the beginning Of the
class Of nineteen hundred.
On that bright september morning
there might have been seen on the
school grounds students Of all ages
and conditions: all full of hope with
hrioht visions and dazzling dreams OF
the future.
Some were seeking to enter the
HIGHER grades of the primary depart
ment. others the different grades OF
the grammar school, while some few
even aspired to the honor and dignity
OF the high school, but by far the most
of US were contented to enter first
Grade and learn our \ B C's.
About fifty strong the class OF nine
DON hundred thus began its brilliant
career.
Most of our pioneer members have
left us; some have entered other insti-
tutions of learning; some have fallen
by the way8ide some few have failed
to climb the ladder with us step by
step, and as she stands before you TO-
NIGHT the class of nineteen hundred
has as lis nucleus only four of that
bright and happy band that constitute
ed it in eighteen hundred and ninety
Rut we have been reinforced from
wear to wear as we toiled along the
rugged path to knowledge, and the
class of nineteen hundred as it now
appears is not only the largest
but one of tAe brightest and best
classes that ever graduated from
the public schools-uneXcelled in the
past and with q bright future.
In attempting to give a history OF
the class Of nineteen hundred, such a
brilliant lustre centers around its
past that the historian, unintentional-
ly, may have failed to keep within the
limit of truth; but, if 50, her only eX-
cuse is that in endeavoring to do JUS
tice to such an inspiring theme she
NAV have failed to see the limit,
In our schooroomz record is one
Of which we are proud. Our remark
abe aptness to learn and studlous
habits have made US the wonder OF the
school. In laboring together year
after year, from grade to grade, we
gained so much knowledge that the
wonder grew how our poor heads could
hold all we knew"
Fully realizing that life is no idle
fancy, and that whatever S worth do
ing at all is worth doing WE'LL" we put
forth our greatest efforts and recOg"
nized but one result-success We
have tried to work so that on looking
back we see no wasted time, lost OPP
portunities, nor neglected advantages.
Knowing that lack of definite aim has
been the chief hindrance to success
in many lives we have kept ever be-
fore us a high standard, and have Ia
bored to attain it, endeavOring to ver1-
fly the old Roman maxim, Labor
vincit omnia."
But our success is not confined to our
studies alone. Every Friday afternoon
brilliant members of our class may 'be
heard reading essays that are sclntll-
lating with wit and strong in logic.
In excellent behavior it is said that
we have meyer been surpassed. Our
dignity in the classroom has been
something surprising.
So far we nave shown only sunshine.
Dark clouds are sure to sail over the
clearest and brightest sky. School
life is not bed of roses for the aver
age student. Hard work has fallen in
the path of most of us. Yet we can
not fail to cherish always tender rec
objections of the days We have spent
together during our studies here.
With what pleasure do we now recall
every incident in cur history; our
struggles with chemistry; the long
sultry afternoons we labored with Vir-
gil and Caesar; our efforts to solve the
mysteries Of trigonometry, and last but
not by no means least that evil genius
----1--------------