Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-06-26
ALUMNI REUNION
Address by Row. F. D. Penney OF This
City-Offlcers Elected.

The annual reunion of the High School
Alumni association, held at the high school
building Friday night was not largely at
tended. The meeting was called to order
by the president and the reports of the sec-
rotary and treasurer were read and accept
ed The following new members were elect
ed School Commissioner John Kmetz, Prof.
NJ. Fichot. +. NJ. Larcher and the Rev.F.D
Penney. The report of the nominating
committee was read and adopted and the
following officers elected for the ensuing
year. President. G. w. Marks '0i vice.
president. Miss Mabel Southwick. OF; sec
rotary. Fred b. Wright, '0l; treasurer, Ar
thur T.. Pope, 90; executive committee
Helen Lyman o. II. c. Burrows, 90, Ruth
+. Bond '02, Ruth Johonnott 90 S. NJ. Bun
ker '02.
After the business session the Rev. F. D.
Penney gave the address of the evening
taking for his theme "The Spirit of True
Ganthood," Mr. Penney said that com.
mencement was very inspiring season
when the friends of the graduates and al
umni gather together to renew their fellow
hip and youth. 1t is time when the spirit
f merriment prevails. when the heart over
comes self-control and one gives way to his
emotions.
TO illustrate this point, the speaker said
that when at Vermont Academy few days
ago one of the young ladies approached him
with the question: Did YOU know that
Sousa and his band were all drowned the
lother day." and upon further inquiry as to
particulars he was informed that they were
Iplaying "On the Banks of the Wabash"
Mr.. Penney said that giants existF at the
present time in great and noble manhood
and womanhood. The spirit is manifest on
all hands. The American people have
proved themselves giants among nations in
their achievements in military affairs. in
lvention, literature and many other ways
q ba n
Of these accomplishments. The meaning OF
ltrue gianthood is found in the flag. its
lpathos in the empty sleeve and it's trans
forming power in the light Of American in
lsttutions. The spirit of gianthood is also
expressed in great characters who. at crit
heal times when great issues arise, lead and
instruct the people.
A short time ago a gentleman remarked
ito President Roosevelt that his name would
go down in history with that of Washing
ton, whercupon the president inquired
Booker or GeOrge?" Mr. Penney said that
Ialthough George Washington was the IA
Their of his country, Booker L. Washington
was the Moses Of his people and to be ASSOC
lated with his name would be 10 le' s honor
than to be ranked with our first President.
Some complain that graduation time is
the time when the young people are torn
from their homes but we should be thank
full that they remain with us so long. The
influence exercised upon a life during the
first y years is that which bears the most
weight and If this influence should be exer-
cised in the right direction it would tend to
greatly elevate the standard of manhood.
Mr.. Penney was given a vote of thanks
for his interesting discourse, which de-
served a much larger audience.
The remainder of the evening WIS spent
in social time and dancing, for which
music was furnished by Miss Carrie Nash
and V. w Waterman.