The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-27

The commencement exercises yesterday
afternoon at the Margaret Allen school
were the most interesting in its history
The details of the graduation exercises
were planned with the taste which is
characteristic of the conduct of its fac
ulty and the programme from beginning
to end was enjoyable to all present
The student body sat In the assembly
hall. The gathering of these bright, love
ly young girls in their white frocks and
fresh ribbons made pretty picture. The
younger students carried clusters OF
sweet peas in their arms. The graduates
bouquets were Richmond roses, the vivid
crimson of which made bright and eff
fective contrast with their white gowns
The graduates are Miss Helen Thomp-
son. Miss Edith Thompson, MISS Lucy
Pinckard. Miss Annie Blipn and Miss
Annie Donnelly They sat on the stage.
The statistics of the school were read
after which Miss Jessie May Perkins
gave a violin number, accompanied by
Miss Margaret Allen, which was charm
ing. An anthem composed for the schoo
by Mrs. Flournoy Rivers was sung by q
chorus of 60 voices, and reflected great
credit both upon the composer and the
singers.
Little Miss Aileen Harrison sang a
Greeting" written. both words and mu-
sic. by Miss Elizabeth Harding. This was
received with the appreciation always ac-
corded this tiny singer. Miss Allen Gray
Mornings "Intermezzo,' which she both
composed and played, was another num-
Der which was received with enthusiasm
twill be seen from the programme that
the school is aiming at original worll-a
plan followed as we'll In the art as in the
music classes.
Mr.. DeOvies was the speaker of the
afternoon. Rarely has commencement
address been so pleasantly received. He
gave an informal, unconventional and
thoroughly delightful talk on "Conven-
tionalties," pointing out the Importance
of observing certain conventions even in
this unconventional age. His thoughts
were practical and very helpful to the
young people whom he addressed. and a
decided tribute was 1t to Mr.. DeOvies
that he received an encore as enthusiasts
tic from ths small students as from the
older girls.
Miss Annie Blinn gave pleasing piano
number at the close of the address, which
added much to an interesting programme.
An interesting feature Of the occasion
was the presentation, from the faculty
of the school to Miss Bernard, one of the
teachers, a farewell gift Miss Bernard
retires from her work. in the school this
spring and her departure brings much
regret to both pupils and teachers. The
token from the faculty was a handsome
set of pins. the large wreath of forget
me-nots and several beauty pins showing
the flower which expresses this pretty
sentiment.
The reception which followed the pro-
gramme was most beautiful. The guests
we're invited to assemble on the lawn at
the side of the building. The little chill
dren passed out in two lines. making an
aisle for the graduates to pass between.
The older girls marched upstairs and
gathered on the veranda, where they
showered the five young girls who are
leaving the school to enter higher institu-
lions of learning, with the blossoms which
they carried in their arms. With throse-
petals and sweet pea blossoms floating
from above and the young people carry
ing the arm clusters of sweet peas stand
ing below on the grass-covered lawn, the
scene was most effective. The friends of
the Margaret Allen school who witnessed
1t will long remember the pretty scene.