The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-05-26
OUR GRADUATES, THEIR
ORATIONS AND ESSAYS

ORAIIONS AND ESSAYS
There Is too great a disposition to
make fun of high school graduates,
and ironically comment on their
plans to regulate the affairs of life
The stale old people, out of whom
the work of life has taken most of
the enthusiasm, seem rather inclin-
I'D TO resent the optimism of the
young and try to discourage them in
taking anything like rosy views of
existence.
Down in our hearts we know we
would give much of our hard-earned
wisdom, (Which we also know may
aai1 us tomorrow for the bright
Glear young minds which know not
near SO many problems but solve
those that come up ten times easier
than our time-worn brains And we
also know that not for anything
would we take away their happy OPP
umism and force upon them in these
their brightest days the pessimism
that score or two of years has
forced upon their elders.
And those who do not scott at the
graduates are sometimes even worse
they regard them with inattention
and Indifference, and thereby cheat
themselves out of much that might
be both interesting and useful
For the last four years the Star
has printed the essays and orations
of the Ocala high school graduates
in full, and that always means that
On the Sunday afternoon before
commencement the editor throws his
exchanges into the wastebasket and
reads proof on the graduating utter
ances of the young people. He al
ways finds that they have something
TO say worth remembering as we'll
AS worth reading; their thoughts
take hold Of the reader and the
!, finished task generally leaves the
mind rested instead of wearied,
which is something that can be said
of very little other proof.
We have this year an unusually
large crop of graduates, and it would
seem like one above the average
They have given us an output of
ideas that the Star takes pleasure in
reproducing and in doing it's best to
preserve.
Dawn of the Worlds Peace
Miss Alice Sexton has taken a
something toward bringing closer
that day when nation shall not lift
mp sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more" Ev-
reryone who does anything toward
Fastening the dawn of universal
peace is worth much to this world,
for every little ripple adds to the
wave that shall some day beat down
the battle-crags of war. Miss Sex
ton has handled her subject we'll
and her friends may we'll be proud
of her.
Appreciation Of Sidney Lanier
Miss Nellie Beckham chose her
subject we'll. 1t is proof of an un-
usual mind for young lady to read
and understand Lanier. 1t is not
only that poetry is going out of
fashion, but the quiet beauty of
Lanier's works is only realized by
careful and cultured thinkers. He
is not a popular poet, but his name
rs written among the immortals, and
his works will ever be cherished by
those who love the art that can
truly interpret nature.
Florida Yesterday and Today
Miss Rexie Todd believes in her
home state and likes to praise it;
also, she has studied deeply, and
harmed to appreciate the present
and hope for the future by what she
has derived from the past. She con-
yinces US that We have progressed
very far indeed, and that that future
has in store more of good than we
can understand.
Humble Origin of Great Men
Mr.. Homer Small has construct
i've mind. He has held to the solid
rather than the speculative in his
choice of reading. and we can see
that he viii have a place among the
practical men who do the real work
of the state.
Class History
Miss Wynona Wetherbee has writ
ren something that will interest all
in school now. and many of past
terms and not a few of terms tc
rn-na And q great many nett hRi