Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-06-18
SCHOOL YEAR ENDS
Commencement Exercises at
Villa de Chantal Held
Today.
MISS ALICE HAYES THE GRADUATE
Pleasing Program Followed by
Planting of a Tree on
the Grounds.


Chantal was again the scene of fes-
tive gathering this morning. Distant
relatives and friends of the pupils be-
gan to arrive yesterday, and large
number came in on the early morning
trains to attend the 10th annual com
mencement of the academy.
1t was scene of beauty and grace
that greeted the large audience at
$3.50 this morning. Misses Hayes,
Byrne, Shuey ana Miller opened the
program with a piano quartet, Rock
axe March," one of LISTS inspired
creations. 1t was all too short, as ev-
idenced by the applause of the audi
ence. The chorus. Sing On" by Den
ga, followed, keeping up the same tri-
umphant and joyous strain. The rich.
young voices calling out to sing of
joy and light and of 'love that never
dies" presented a tribute to the pow
er and beauty of song.
The SaIutatory.
The salutatory, recited by Miss
Mary Archdeacon, followed. The
work of Miss Archdeacon has always
Il pleasing effect on an audience. She
left everybody well pleased. \ piano
solo, Fruhlingsrauchen," by Lind
ing, in more pensive. wistful strain.
though again aud again reverting to
the jubilant tones which seemed to
have been the key to the whole enter
tainment. was cXquisitely rendered
by Miss Eleanor Byrne. The reading
from Burns, by Miss Martha de V.
Piatt, For the Sake o. Somebody"
and 20. for Ane an Twenty, Tam"
captivated everyone. y vocal duet,
silent as. Night" by Goetz, gave a
fine opportunity for the blending of
the dulcet tones of Miss Hattie Lar
kin and the rich contralto of Miss FL
eanor Byrne. Next came 'Walser,"
by Wilm. The applause which the
young ladies', Misses Mary Shucy and
Marian Miller, received was deserved.
Miss Larkin ReoItes.
To comment on the work of Miss
Anna Irene Larkin, who recited The
Lost Word" is almost Unnecessary.
She has the same artists power of
making her audience see and feel
with her. In a vocal trio, a Barcar-
ollie by Campana. the voices of Misses
T..
Eleanor Byrne sustained a perfect
harmony. The yaledictory, by Miss
Alice Eleanor Hayes, concluded the
exercises. Miss Hayes is the sole
member of the graduating class of
1908. Her essay, which preceded the
valedictory, was thoughtful and high
IN poetic in style. but refreshingly
lacking in that extravaganza and diff
fusenesS which is characteristic of
the writings of SO many young per-
sons. She referred touchingly to her
teachers. calling them the vestals of
the modern age who keep alive on the
affairs Of youthful minds and hearts
the sacred lamps of knowledge and
virtue" Her delivery was charming.
An address upon Education of the
Mind and Heart" by Rev. James Rem
Than. of Keokuk. closed the program.
After the exercises graduates
tree was planted with appropriate
ceremonies on the Villa grounds by
Miss Hayes.
Maintains High Standard.
The work of the music department
of Villa de Chantal compares favor
ably with that done by the students
Of the first conservatories of the
country. In more ways than one no
school in the west has more prom
ising outlook for TIE future than the
Villa de ChantaI. Already applica-
tons for the enrolment of new pu-
pills for next year are being received.
What has been said so often of the
success of the Catholic sisterhoOd in
cultivating the virtues which are a
woman's glory applies in special
way to the Visitation nuns. And on
this foundation of womanly virtue
the sisters build, fitting their pupils
not only to grace and charm society,
but to be physically, mentally and
morally strong and beautiful in what
ever sphere their lots may be cast.
Wide-awake TO the needs of the time,
and the demands of this Goth century,
with a spirit of courage and eagcrness
10 follow i'm the way of progress, the
Visitation sisters have every reason
to believe that Villa de Chanth will
be one of the great schools of the