The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1904-08-13
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.
lumDus he requested Miss Florence
ward, principal of Highland Park
school, Chicago, who enjoys consider
aDie prominence in educational cir.
cles North and South, to take com.
plete charge in the selection Of teach.
ers' etc., and run 1t 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
Iolley, OF the Ray school. Chicago;
Miss Leonora Bond, instructor of mu.
sic, Meridian, Miss, public schools.
There were 250 primary teachers in
attendance who were thoroughly in
structed in all the improved methods
or 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
Pankin 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 Oratorical
Association and was originated and
organized by Geo. G. 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
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
CARNATIONS: Clarke, Lincoln, Simp-
son, Holmes, Attala, Covington, Jones,
Perry, and others are organizing.
1t is so simple in organization and
effective in result that it's plan Of or
ganization is given here: There is
county executive committee Of one
member from each supervisors dis
trict. with the county superintendent
member, ex-officio; this committee
selects a committee Of three in each
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 (or one boy and one girl) 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
by teachers, trustees
and county superintendent as being
one of the most effective of all means
for arousing interest in good schools
and trained teachers. 1t is hoped that
Il may obtain even wider adoption.