Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-08-11
EDUCATIONAL BUREAU
Under Direction of KATE MARKHAM POWER.

even to the remotest and most seclud-
ed hamlet in the State.
When Superintendent Whitfield de-
cided to establish the school at Co
iumbus he requested Miss Florence
Ward, principal of Highland Park
school, Chicago, who enjoys consider
able prominence in educational cir
cles North and South. to take COM
plete charge in the selection of teach
ers, etc, and run it as principal. Miss
Ward brought with her to Columbus
the following teachers; Miss Jennie
R. Faddis, of the Wisconsin State
normal school; Miss Elizabeth David
son, of the Kentwood Institute. Chi
cago: Miss Margaret Monson, of the
Chicago normal school; Miss Edna
Tolley, of the Ray school, Chicago;
Miss Leonora Bond instructor of mu-
sic, Meridian, Miss, public schools.
There were $50 primary teachers in
attendance who We're thoroughly in
structed in all the improved methods
of teaching all subjects pertaining to
primary work, with special courses in
manual training, music, art, nature
study and kindergarten. At the close
an examination in the work was held
which proved most satisfactory, spe'
cial certificates being issued.
In 1902 there was originated in
Rankin county very unique move
ment looking to the development of
school interest alo%g the line OF cul-
tivation of skill in public speaking.
This was known as the Rankin County
Oratorical Association, modelled after
the State intercollegiate 0ratorical
Association and was originated and
organized by Geo. G.. Hurst, principal
of Steens Creek High School, and
member of the State Board OF Exam
iuers. The intention of the organ1Za-
ton was to arouse boys and girls In
the remote districts to ambitious en-
deavor and, under the stimulus OF
public appreciation, lead them to high
er and better things. The organiza-
ton succeeded in its purpose beyond
the dreams of its most enthusiastic
supporters. Soon the movement
spread to other counties, and now the
following counties have similar or
ganizations: Clarke, Lincoln, Simp-
son. Holmes, Attala, Covington, Jones,
Perry, and others are organizing.
1t is so simple in organization and
effective in result that its plan OF Or
ganization is given here: There is
Yf1itfpa nf
member from each supervisors dis
trict with the county superintendent
a member, ex-officio; this committee
selects a committee of three in eaen
beat. whose duty It is to make ar
rangements for and hold contest in
each beat at which all pupils of the
county public schools who have not
previously attended college outside OF
county and who have attended pub
lie school in that county during pres
ent scholastic year may participate
from this number two boys and two
girls Tor one boy and one gfrl) are
selected to enter county contest. Sew
eral weeks or months after all beat
contests are held, county contest is
held at some central point and hand
some gold medals given, one for
defamation and one for recitation.
In some counties first and second
medals are given for each. Judges
are selected as in similar contests at
college. The plan is enthusiastically
recommended by teachers, trustees
and county superintendents as being
one of the most effective Of all means
for arousing interest in good schools
and trained teachers. 1t is hoped that
it may obtain even wider adoption.