The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1910-03-19
0RAT0RIcAL
CONTEST
Drew Crowd. Marjorie Lytle and
Dora Gustine Take Prizes, Also
Vernon McCutchan and Robert
Hill. All Did Splendidly.

Hll. All Did Splendldly.
A defamation contest was held at the
high school on Wednesday evening and
was participated in by twelve contest
ants from the various classes of the high
school.
The auditorium of the new high
school building was filed with interested
listeners who were Greatly surprised by
the way in which the young folks de-
livered their readings. considering the
short time they had had for prepara-
tion.
The contest was brought about by
Attorney H. C. Berry. who offered $50
in prizes to those adjudeed as rendering
their pieces the best. His generosity
in this literary and educational cause
Is much appreciated by the high
school faculty and by outsiders.
The program opened with solo by
Mrs. w. j. Blown in her pleasing
contralto voice. Miss Lula Rowell &C.
companied her. Then came the readings
Of the six boys in the contest. followed
by piano solo by Miss Clara Snyder.
which was delightfully."- rendered. After
this the six girls gave their readings
and the program ended with solo by
j. W. Reed, so much appreciated that
the audience app]auded an encore.
Judge W. c. Crawford, with congratu-
lations for all those taking part, on be-
half of Mr. Berry and the judges - Miss
Agnes o Donnell. w. F. Burnett and Judge
Crawford-presented the prizes Marjorie
Lytle and Vernon McCutchan received the
first prizes of $40 each; Dora Gustine and
Robert Hill were given the second prizes
of $5 apiece.
Nothing but complimentary things
could be said about each one of those
taking part. and 1t must have been
somewhat of diff cult task for the
judges to decide. The selections taken
by the contestants we're not easy ones
and the rendition showed training which
is credit to Miss Elizabeth Clark. the
principal. and others of the faculty.
The giving of the first prize for the
boys to Vernon McCutchan was univer-
sally satisfactory, as his rendering of
that popular selection ''TOussant
L'Ouverture' was exceptionally fine.
He has clear, distinct voice and easy
stage manner.
Robert Hill as the Book Canvasser'
gave the piece all the gestures and
enthusiasm of reality. Denver Berg,
Alonzo Nichols. Fred Maser and Watt
johnson gave their readings spIendidly.
1.-The Gypsy Flower Girl was the
selection given by Marjorie Lytle. He,
good stage presence. and the fact that
an audience inspires rather than over.
comes her are her fine characteristics.
Perhaps none of all the readings was
enjoyed better than the one given by
Dora Gustine, winning second prize.
With distinct enunciation and
pleasing presence. she lost herself in
the portrayal of THE Going of the
White Swan" with its tinge of sadness
dramatic situations and pleasing finale.
"Absolution' by Jessie Pendergas,
was touching piece and was we'll
given. The selections by Emma Nichols,
Fern Wilson and Joice Scarf we're also
exceptionally good. The fact that
there were not prizes for all should not.
in the least, discourage any of them.
These prizes are not offered for the
value of the prize Alone but the know
ledge gained through effort on the part
of the contestants is of greater value
than money.