Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1904-08-13
EDUCATIONAL BUREAU
Under Direction of KATE MARKHAM POWER.

even to the remotcst and most scclud-
ed hamlet in the State.
When Superintendent Whitfield de-
cided to establish the school at CO.
lumbus 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
II. 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 were 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, spc-
cial certificates being issued
In 1902 there was originated In
Rankin county a very unique move
ment looking to the development or
school interest alo,g the line of cul-
tiyation of skill in public speaking.
This was known as the Rankin County
Oratorical Association, modelled after
tho State Intercollegiate Oratorical
Association and was originated and
organized by Geo. c. Hurst principal
of Steens Creek High School and a
member of the State Board Of Exam
iners. The intention of the organize
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
or and better things. The organza-
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, Coyington, Jones.
Perry, and others arc organizing
It is so simple in organization and
effective in result that its plan Of or
ganzation is given here; There Is
county executive committee Of one
member from each supervisors dis
trict with the county superintendent
n member. eX-offcio; this committee
selects committee of three in each
beat. whose duty It is to make ar
rangements for and hold n contest IN
each beat at which all pupils of tho
county public schools who have not
previously attended college outside OF
county and who have attended pun
lie school in that county during pres
eDt scholastic year may participate.
from this number two boys and two
girls Tor one hoy and one girp are
selected to enter county contest. SeN-
eral weeks or months after all beat
contests are held, county contest Is
held at some central point and hama
some gold medals given, one for
defamation and one for recitation.
In some counties first and second
medals are given for each. Judges
arc selected as in similar contests AT
college. The plan Is enthusiastically
recommended by teachers, trustees
and county superintcndcnts as beng
one of the most effective of all means
for arousinG interest In good schools
and trained teachers. It is hoped thai
II may obtain even wider adoption.