Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1916-11-21
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER u, 1916.
SCHOOL TROPHIES AND THEIR EDUCATIONAL
VAIUE.

VALUE.
MORE than a year ago Prof e. L. Cross, the eff
lSl Gent progressive and tireless Superintendent of
Public Schools OF rural New Castle county. paid visit
to THE EVENING JOURNAL Office. lie asked the edi-
tor Of this paper procure for him, possible trophies
to be offered to the school children for proficiency in
spelling AS a result of that visit two sterling silver
loving cups, set upon ebony bases and protected by
glass domes obtained One, for the high schools
was the gift OF William Wnder Laird head OF Laird
& Company an earnest friend OF liberal and thorough
education. The other for the grammar schools, was
donated by THE EVENING JOURNAL
On the FIRST day Of the Teachers Institute last year,
those two trophy cups contested for and awarded
One went to Miss Myrtle wakeand. representing the
Newark high school; the other. to Miss Elizabeth
Foard. OF Marshaon, representing the grammar
schools II was the hope belief of those who pro-
posed the contest and those who the cups that
such prizes would prove to be incentives better work
along this line the public schools OF the county
A year has passed. Something of a test has been
made is the belief OF those who were most init
atey connected with the schools that the highest hopes
not only have been realized, but that they have been
surpassed The facts first that more schools we're
interested this year than last year and showed their
interest by sending delegates Notwithstanding the fact
that the lists Of words sent to determine the contest
ants were much more difficult than those of last year.
secondly that there several OF ties through
out the county that required several preliminary con-
tests and in some instances the ties could not DO
broken the result being that contestants were
given certificates than plans had been made for; and
thirdly the held yesterday showed spelling
very marked improvement that OF last year
The words said to have been difficult, and
the average spelling materially higher.
Il is safe therefore say that those who we're in
terested in promoting the spelling contest and all who
have in any way assisted have done splendid thing
for the subject of spelling It is the belief too that
this Improvement in spelling has been shared in other
subjects Therefore the work Of the public schools
IN New Castle county has been materially helped by
this contest.
This leads us to say that those interested in the
oratorical contests for which such stimulating prov-
sions have been made. may well believe that If two
silver trophy cups stir up such interest in dry
subject like spelling. twelve silver trophy Of
equal greater value. will awaken such interest in
public speaking in Delaware will produce most
interesting and helpful results.
One Of the bes; features about both OF these con-
tests is that their effects will become cumulative
Neither successful school of last year the prize
this year. II is not at all certain that the winners
OF this year will retain the prizes another year The
same conditions in all probability will be true Of the
oratorcal contests.
These contests mean, however, much more than
appears on the surface. They stimulate interest in
school work for every day OF the year. They secure
house and school take on a meaning When once
parents begin think and talk about the school they
are far from that other step which will result in
better provisions for the school Tho young people
get broader outlook. a truer vision OF life. They
learn to know that they only units Of larger
community of children like themselves. In some in
they taught excellent lessons for life
in defeats at the hands OF others They learn 10 do
team work and develop spirit Of loyalty TO honor
school that will tend to make them better citizens
yet, when defeated in fair fight, they learn 10
yield gracefully 20 defeat
There is no doubt but that the spelling contest start
ed last year in New Castle county will followed by
like contests in Kent and Sussex counties and that
there will be State spelling contest sometime during
the year. That already has been provided for by
money prizes offered 10 the first and second best
spoilers Of the State.
This interest the part Of school children should
have good effect upon school patrons and Indirectly
upon our legislators, who will be asked 10 make some
needed changes in the school laws Of Delaware