The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1904-08-13
EDUCATIONAL BUREAU
Under Direction of Kate MARKHAM PowER.

even 10 tue remotest aud most seclud-
ed hamlet in the State.
When Superintendent Whitfield de.
cided to establish the school at Co.
lumous he requested Miss Florence
ward, principal of Highland Park
school, Chicago, who enjoys consider
abie prominence in educational cir.
Giles 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
H.. Faddis, OF the Wisconsin State
normal school; Miss Elizabeth David.
son, of the kentwood Institute, Chi.
cage; Miss Margaret Monson, of the
Chicago normal school; Miss Edna
FOLEY, 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, spe.
cial certificates being issued.
In 1902 there was originated In
Rankin county a very unique move.
ment looking to the development OF
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
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 ~organiza.
ton was to rouse 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 it's most enthusiastic
supporters. Soon the movement
to other counties, and now the
following counties have similar Or
CARNATIONS: Clarke, Lincoln, Simp.
Holmes, Alfalfa, Covington, Jones,
Perry, and others are organizing.
1t is so simple in organization and
in result that its plan Of or.
ganization is given here: There, is q
executive committee of one
.rict, with the county superintendent
l member, eX-ofiicio; this committee
a committee Of three in each
peat, whose duty It is to make ar.
'angements for and hold a 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 a pub
ic school in that county during pres
mt scholastic year may participate;
rom this number two boys and two
iris Tor one boy and one girl are
elected to enter county contest. Sew
raj weeks or months after ali beat
are held, county contest is j,
cid at some central point and hand :
ONE gold medals given, one for =
exclamation and one for recitation :
n some counties first and second "
are given for each, Judges :
re selected as in similar contests at -
The plan is enthusiastically v
commended by teachers, trustees r
nd county superintendent as being =
ne of the most effective of all means :
II arousing interest in good schools -
nd trained teachers. 1t is hoped that l.
may obtain even wider adoption, :,