Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1900-06-14
MANTUA TOWNSHIP SCHOOL
COMMENCEMENT.

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The commencement of the Mantus
public school was the most successful
ever held in that village, there being
ten graduates, seven from Mantua, two
from Emlyn and one from Barnsboro.
The church, where the occasion took
place, was beautifully decorated with
flowers and presented very pleasing ap.
pearance. This, together with the excel.
lent, well-rendered program, made it an
event much enjoyed by the numerous
friends who gathered to hear the beautiful
and instructive essays and readings of the
graduates.
Rev. Mr.. NAPLES, in few well-selected
words, invoked the blessings of the Most
High on the class and prayed that their
knowledge and wisdom should not be used
for the furtherance of their own interests
in life but for the advancement Of the
cause of right.
The greeting song was much enjoyed by
the audience and reflected much credit
upon Mrs. DR.. Hillegas, who had spared
no pains to make it success.
Miss Esther Truncer traced the history OF
the class from the infant department up to
the present time when they stood before
the world as graduates of the schools oil
Mantna township. She showed with what
persistence the class had pursued their
search for knowledge and at last bad been
successful in passing the examination that
ended their course in the schools of the
township.
Harry E. Hillegas read an instructive
article on "Getting Right Start" II
showed that success in life all depended on
the start and said that a young person
should find the walk in life for which they
were best fitted, and then use all their
efforts in that line.
Miss Gertrude Pope read an essay on
Success" which showed much care in its
construction and should be very instructive
TO ALL
George L. Wurst had selected the theme
/" Opportunity for his essay. He said
that many opportunities were given as in
life, but we seldom have more than one
golden opportunity" and when presented
should be taken advantage of at once.
Harry E. Hillegas and Louis J. Care
rendered violin and banjo duet which
exhibited the careful training they had
received under the teutilage of Mrs.
DIR. Hillegas.
An essay on the Influence of Good
Example, by Miss Laura Kastner con-
tanned good advice and exhibited much
thought in its preparation.
Louis j. Care read an excellent article
on "Tact and Talent showing in various
ways that talent was knowledge and that
tact was how to use it to the best advan.
tage
1.-THE Mind that Wins was ably dealt
with in an essay written by Fl. Bartine
Stratton, and showed much originality of
thought
Miss Susie Smith read an essay on @What
is a Woman's Truest Mission?n She
advanced many ideas, but thought woman 3
mission was home-makiDg. She contended
that woman was the equal of man, but
the art of home-making was not possessed
by him, and therefore thought this woman's
truest mission.
Miss Helena Hewlings, the class prophet,
prophesied the future of each member of
the class. This created much amusement
and was enjoyed by all.
The Valideetory," prepared by Oscar B.
Redr0w, was an excellent article and dis
played depth of thought seldom seen in
graduates
The presentation of the class was made
by Principal Tharp, who expressed much
sorrow at thus taking leave of them but
said that his sorrow was much alleviated
by the fact that he felt they were now pre-
pared to battle with the world. He
thought this class deserved especial credit
for passing this examination as the city
schools had deemed it too hard and had
decided not to try it.
Thos. G. Dilkes. President of the Board
of Education, seemed to be right in his ele-
ment and made an address thanking Mr..
Tharp for this class of graduates. He
thought, however, the credit was due not
only to Mr.. Tharp but to the teachers of
the primary and secondary departments, as
it was there the graduates had laid the
foundation for their education. Mr. DiIkes
gave detailed account of the schools
of the township, showing them to be in
prosperous condition. He said he wanted
twenty-five graduates next year and asked
Mr.. Tharp If it was possible. Mr.. Tharp
was very uncertain but if Mr.. DiIks would
get the scholars he would do it. He said
it took nine years to turn a graduate out
of Mantua school.
Mr.. Dilkes presented the diplomas, say
AbS u0 WOuiu 1AhO 10 SPEAK W ChCn lHut-
vidualiy but time would not permit.
One pleasant feature of the evening was
the presentation to Mr.Tharp by Mr.. Dilkes,
in behalf of the class, of a Volume of
Diver WendaIl Holmes works and hand
some pen by the graduates from EMlyn
Mr.. Tharp acknowledged the gifts in a few
well-chosen words.
After the parting song the benediction
was pronounced by Rev. Mr.. NAPLES. thus
ending one of the most pleasant occasions
that Mantua has eyer witnessed. e.