Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-19
ARE READY TO TEACH
Fifty-Three Graduates From the
District Normal School.
EXERCISES HELD THIS M]RNING
Commissioner mcfarland and
Others Deliver Addresses.
DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS

| Fifty-three young ladies qualified this
| morning to become teachers in the public
schools of the District of Columbia, through
| their graduation from two years course
| in the District Normal School. The COM
| mencement exercises of this institution
were held at 1890 o'clock in the assembly
| hall of the Franklin building, at 18th and
K streets. The auditorium, prettily dec
| GRATED with cut flowers and clinging vines,
was filled with an enthusiastic audience of
| friends, relatives and well-wishers Of the
graduates who soon to assume their
share of guardianship in shaping the lives
| of SO many little ones in the capital city.
There were present, also most of the
| higher officials of the school system. includ-
| ing the president and members of the board
| of trustees, the superintendent and assist
ant superintendent, the director of high
schools and many supervising principals.
Mr.. Henry b. F. Mcfarland. president of
the board Of District Commissioners. adj
dressed the graduates and those present,
the other speakers being Mr.. W. B. Powell,
superintendent of schools. and DR.. Francis
r. Lane, director Of high schools. Mrs l.
G. Myers principal Of the Normal School.
had arranged an attractive program, which
proved thoroughly enjoyable. Upon its con-
clusion the graduates and a large number
of especially invited guests were enter
tdlleu AT an informal TeceptlOU
which refreshments were served.
The graduates. all daintily clad in white
gowns of pretty summer fabrics, marched
into the hall just prior to the inauguration
of the commencement program, and took
their seats, facing the large assemblage.
Superintendent Powell Presides.
Superintendent Powell presided. In his
opening remarks he declared that If the
normal school history was studied it would
reveal hicto Of a5n PeOp1p
who thinking along educational lines
are using, said he. the normal school
their index. 1t reflects all of the evolution
Of thought during the past fifty years and
had a development which is exceedingly
interesting. Mr.. Powell said there was
something deeper in the normal school than
the mere teaching of books. Of methods,
devices and processes. These things alone
will not do in the school teacher of today.
He or she must have a broad field of in
formation The normal school recognizes
the necessity Of broad education and the
dissemination Of broader knowledge.
THE teacher" said Mr. Powell, must
not know her books alone. She must know
the child and the relation of what is being
taught to the nature of the child, as well
as its effect upon the growth of the young"
Mr.. Powell further said that the school has
a wide field of duty. 1t should bring the
slums up to the standard of good society,
otherwise +. is a failure If the school does
not lead the child to the library, to the
museum, to the storehouses of knowledge,
1t is all wrong. He closed by telling of the
great good which has been accomplished
through the Normal School in this city and
the high standard of its graduates
The graduating class sang spring song
by Oscar Well. the rendition being under
the direction Of Miss l.. G. Freeman the
musical instructor.
Mr.. Mcfarland on Education.
Mr.. Powell introduced Commissioner Mac
Par ov,l x.-I,.>
of applause. After few pretty little re-
marks. in which he expressed his embar-
rassment in having to face much beauty
Mr.. Macfarland spoke earnestly and with
much quiet force to the graduates. He told
of the sacred trust soon to be placed in
the hands of the young women who were
going forth as teachers. along with those
already in the work. and said that the par
ent feels the teachers trust to be as i'm
portant as their own. The care and educs-
| ton OF the children the Commissioner de-
clared. is of vastly more Importance than
the rush for money, for power, for the
control Of great corporations and conven-
| lions and for all that is termed in this time
"succoss."
1T is not new thought" continued Mr..
Macfarland, ut is a trusm. And while
do not intend to deal in platitudes and
| trusm. must nevertheless give this one
expression and emphasis because of its
pre-eminent importance" Mr.. Macfarland
| declared that since no had been called upon
to take part in the affairs Of the District
| and in the education of the young through
| the public school system, he felt his re-
sponsibility as never before. All citizens
Should take deep, real, true interest in the
work OF education, and in the school system
the merit idea should bo found at It's best.
Mr.. Macfarland assured the young gradu-
sttes that oil the people are interested in
their coming work ard they must never
feel downcast, dispiriteI. or that one
cares.
We believe you will do all your duty
we believe in the integrity of your purpose
ard the fidelity of your intention. The per-
son2l equation is today important 4 fac
tor in education az it ever was, matter
how much methods may have changed.
Wlict the teacher is so the pupil will be-
The personal influence is greater than all
tho books and lessons combircd."
Mr.. Netherlands remarks called forth
storm of approval. The class rendered three
scrg hits. fully mcriting the applause be-
slowed.
DIR. Lane Gives Advice.
DIR. Francis r. Lane was the last speaker
His words were forcibly put and reflected
his knowledge of educa tional affairs most
eloquently. You have been following