Norwich bulletin., 1911-07-01
Gertrude's Graduation Gown
(written specially for the BulIetin.)

(Written specially for the Bulletin.) Last weey was gradua ton week to so many in our schools, and whether it be Grammar School, Academy, or College, Graduation has a charm, which no other event brings to those taking part in it. How their hearts swell with pride at the thought that they have reached the long wished for goal of their ambition! And they are Justified in their pride. for to them all it means work, more or less att tractive, but still it is work and al- though some profess indifference as 10 the results yet we know they are de- sirous of success and hope to win it.. Others. especially among the young CT classes, seem to think only of the excitement and pleasure attending the day and can talk of nothing else. The class pin. class motto, class co1ors engross their minds apparently to the exclusion of all more important de- tails. until it would appear that the decorat tions were of more conse- quences than the occasion which calls them into being.
 X proud moment it is when each one receives his diploma and descends from the platform, a graduate of his respective school and for the in- stant, at least, each one feels that his future life is secured from failure be- cause of his school success. May their hopes be fulfilled in the abundance so much desired.
 As on all similar occasions, in mat terS of dress, the girls have the aG vantage over their brothers in way of display, and are not slow to make the most of it. We have authority thousands of years old for sayii1g that a maiden cannot be expected to forget her attire, and human nature remains much the same from one gen. eration to another. What is more de- lightful to behold than a group of prettily dressed young girls, and their vanity is a very innocent way Of showing their pleasure in the day. A Rosebud Garden of Girls we call them. but in spite of the many jokes concerning the Sweet Girl Graduate. she is pleasure to look upon. Else why are our audience rooms so close ly packed on these eventful occasions by admiring friends many of whom make effort to attend school gradua- tions than they could be induced to expend on any other function of the school year.
 The matter of dress was the thrill ling topic of conversation in a school not many miles away, the pupils of which were all girls. mostly from fashiona b1e. wellto do families. It was still some weeks before the clos ing of school, but none too early the girls thought to begin planning their costumes for the occasion. and their tongues ran busily on. discussing the merits and beauty of this or that ma teria1 displayed in the windows of the stores in their town. The necessity of gloves, their length and quality, the ribbons needful, the fan, handkerchief. even the foot garnisflings, none of these were overlooked by the interest ed group.
 One of them finally noticed that Gertrude Ashbey was a silent listener to their plans. and turned to her with
 Gertrude is not telling her plans. She means to outshine us all and she ought; for is she not the star of the class and the darling of all our hearts?''
 The speaker was correct. Gertrude was favorite with the teachers be- cause of her faithful work. while her gentle. sunny manners had won the friendship of all the girls She was