The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-06-24
BRIDGEPORT GIRL VALEDICTORIAN AT
 LAURALT0N HALL
Miss Catherine Barrett Is Leader of Graduates of
 Milford Academy

Impressive program IS
 Presented Before Large
 Gathering in Academy of
 Our Lady of Mercy
 With Rt Rev. Thomas J. Shahan, D. D., rector of the Catholic Univer- sity of America, presiding the com- mencement exercises of the Academy of Our Lady Of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, Milford were held yesterday afternoon before an unusually large gathering of parents, relatives and friends of the graduates and students. Miss Cath crime Barrett of 6S1 Main street was the valedictorian.
 Brilliant musical numbers, instru- mental and vocal, rendered in fault less manner, a one act play, and other features made the program one of more than passing interest, and apart from the conventional commencement idea
 . The address of pr. Shahan made a lasting impression upon both the stu dents and the guests. He dwelt par ticularly upon the advantages of ed ucation combined with religious train ing and congratulating the students on the success they had attained urg- ed them to remember the lessons that the sisters had instilled during their pleasant school years at Lauralton hall.
 The program follows: "Andante and Allegro from La Favorita," Donizella, first violin, Miss Mary Cummings, Torrington; second violin, Miss Angus ta Russell, New Haven; third violin, Miss Anna Riordan, Derby; fourth vio- lin, Miss Esther Bradley, Meriden.
 Greeting, Miss Dorothy Lawrence, Flatbush.
 "Czardas' (solo, five pianos) Joseffy, Misses Gertrude Smiddy, Charlotte Leary, Madeline Smith, Dorothy Law renee, Margaret Sullivan.
 Bird Song, Roland Rogers, chorus classes.
 ..Ballade'' (solos, two pianos) Chopin, Misses Jeanette O'Brien, Irma Ire frey.
 ZONE OF POMPEII''
 Cast of Characters.
 lone, Miss Mary de Wolfe Newcomb,
 Marcano, Miss Elizabeth Barry. Mer- iden.
 Faustina, Miss Margaret Sullivan. New Britain.
 5LuciIla, Miss Charlotte Leary, An sonia. <ssuzst 1@Octavia, Miss Florence Stark, Sran1-
 Domitalla, Miss Madeline Smith. Milford
 Claudia, Miss Mary cavanaugh,
 Festus, Miss Helen Reed ONeil. Brooklyn.
 s'Frohe Tone" Deutsch, Misses Mar garet Maher, Claire Blacker, Margaret Sullivan, Margaret Smith, Florence Dunn, Dorothy Lawrence, Gertrude Smiddy, Charlotte Leary.
 ''The Snow," Edward Elgar, school choir.
 Conferrine of diplomas
 Valedictory, Miss Catherine Barrett.
 Address to Graduates, Right Rever- end Thomas J. Shahan, D. D.
 GRADUATES.
 Academic department-Miss Gather inc Agatha Barrett, Miss Catherine Laffan Began, Miss Margaret Cath erine Maher, Miss Helen Reed ,ONeil.
 Music department-Miss Jeanette Frances O'Brien, Miss Erma Trueman Trefrey.
 Commercial department-Miss Mary Philomena Brynes, Miss Loretta Theresa Neal.
 The story of the play runs as fol- lows: lone, a noble lady betrothed to Marcano. heir of a noble house, IS suuo denly stricken with blindness. She embraces Christianity. recalls her en- gagement, and urges Marcano to wed another As preparation for the we'd ding is in progress, the great eruptloh of Mt. Vesuvius occurs. Among the terrified inhabitants of PomDe11 are Marcano and his family who. at the suggestion of lone, make VOW, II their lives are saved, to worship the God of the Christians.
 After the eruption, a reunion takes place in which all the family and many friends of Marcona join in thanksglv- ing for their rescue, and bow in rever- ence before the Christian symbol-the Cross at the foot of which Ione's sight is miraculously restored, and she ac- cepts Marcanos suite.
 While it would not be possible, in our limited space, to note all the points of excellence shown in the rendition of the program, yet there cannot pass unnoticed the graceful department, strong acting, and sweet singing Of the Misses de Wolfe. Newcomb and MISS Barry.
 the classic dance by Misses Madeline Smith, Milford; Helen Seery, West Ha- ven: Florence Stark, Stamford: Mary Byrnes, Norwalk; Mary Cummings, Torrington. and Katherine Bryan, Mil ford.
 Most musicians know the technical difficulties which characterize Elgar' s works. His particularly beautiful composition, 'The Snow, was render ed with perfect ease.
 The instrumental music was of a very high order. and received loud ap- plause. In fact, Lauralton Hall has become so we'll known for it's excellent results in this line that comment is unnecessary.
 On leaving the auditorium the guests were invited to visit the studio. where the work of the following young ladies attracted particular attention:
 Miss Helen O'Neil. of Brooklyn. N. Y.; Miss Mary Cummings. Torrington; 1; Miss Gertrude O'Brien. Norfolk: Miss Miriam Lake, Milford; Miss Helen Radchford, Norwalk: Miss Julia Os- trofsky, Torrington; Miss Esther Brad ley, Meriden; Miss Helen Bradley. Mer- iden; Miss Anna McGunagle, Central Falls; Miss Constance Slater, Port chester.
 WIDOW OF SUICIDE