Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1916-06-20
Inspiring Address by Payson Smith.
DIPLOMAS CONFERRED ON PARIS HIGH
SCHOOL GRADUATES.

Although the affair had only portion
of the features of a formal graduation,
the final exercises of the class of 1916,
Paris High School, called out an audi.
ence which filled the Congregational
church Wednesday evening.
Decorations of the church were
simple, the principal feature being the
class motto, "Row not drift" in white
on background of green, covering the
front of the choir railing.
1t had been announced that except for
few selections by the High School Or
chestrs, there would be only the presen-
tation of diplomas and address by State
Superintendent of Schools Payson Smith,
but the event disclosed that there was
some more on the program.
The graduating class, sixteen in num-
Der, came IN marshaled by James Mason
of the junior class, to the music of a
march played on the organ by Mrs. Cora
S. Briggs, and took their seats in the
front of the auditorium.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Chester
Gore Miller, and the High School Or
chestra, composed of eight students with
Mrs. Briggs at the organ, under the di-
rection of Miss Olivia Bagley, the super
visor of music, played two excellent Sc
ections during the preliminary part OF
the program.
On behalf of the class of 1915, Miss
Myra Haggett presented with brief ad-
dress, as the gift of the class ts Paris
High School, a large framed picture of
the coliseum at Rome. This was accepted
on behalf of the school by Miss Muriel
Bowker of the junior class.
Principal John S. Carver of the high
school introduced Hon. Payson Smith,
state superintendent of schools, who, as
Mr.. Carver stated and as is generally
known, is about to answer a call to the
head of the department Of education in
Massachusetts,, and remove to that state.
Mr.. Smith spoke for about three-quar-
tiers of an hour, in a way not only to de-
light his audience but to inspire them to
higher ideals. He is clear and rapid
speaker, full of his subject aud ready in
presenting it. After telling the class
that the hopes and aspirations OF our de-
mocracy are to be realized II at all In
those going out from our institutions OF
learning, he reviewed the rapid increase
in general and higher education in the
past few decades. He discussed the va
rious reasons for education from differ
emit standpoints, and crystallizsd bis
thought into the statement that in his
conception, this system of education has
been established and built up, not that
individuals may be improved and bene-
flied for themselves, but that they may
be of more service to their fellows.
In America, said Mr.. Smith, we are
trying the experiment of whether our
conglomerate people can govern them
selves. Our democracy ia stiA an expert
ment. believe 1t will succeed. But 1t
will succeed only If you graduates and
your fellows from the other educational
institutions shall hold high ideals OF
American citizenship, and lead the way
to their realization.
At the close of Mr.. Smiths address,
the members of the class filed to the
platform and received their diplomas
from his hands, and then sang the class
ode to the air of "Swanee River" The
ode was written by Miss Myra I. Austin.