Connecticut western news., 1917-06-28
THE AIM OF EDUCATION
ValedictorY Delivered at Canaan High School Commencement.

| west COTnWall 10 express thelr Sentl- ments on the occasion. Miss Root took as her topic the aim of education, she said in part:
 The aim of education has been stated in various ways, it is frequently inter. preted the ability to make a living.
 No aim would be acceptable, which did not take account of the conditions where one expects to work and the peculiar endowment of the individual. The world is full of educated men and women with the best intentions, who hinder, rather than advance the com. mon good.
 One half of the education of an in- dividual consists in gaining knowledge and tho other half consists in being able to use it. Much depends upon the interest which led the pupil to acquire an education. Judgment is called for constantly in acquiring an education. That which is most worth while cannot be measured, even by units, although some system is necessary to determine the amount of work done, difficult as this may be.
 People who have good associates, good reading, travel as extensively as possible, and the open book of the world about them can become educated, to some extent, without ever having attende a high school or college.
 Although the seventeenth century was not wanting in women of talent and genius it was said by learned professor, "It is not proper for several reasons that woman should study and know many things. It is no longer a question of the sex but the quality of Lyons, founder of Mt. Holyoke College and Catherine Beecher. To these two pioneers we are greatly indebted for the educational advantages for women in America today. Between such lives and the ordinary social round there can be no comparison.
 Attention should be given to voice culture. A business man relates that when he once advertised for a secretary there came to him a competent young woman, skilled in stenography and typewriting, who seemed in every way satisfactory. But after a word spoken he felt it impossible to engage her, the voice was so irritating.
 The aim should be to teach good habits, habits that are socially desir- able. Habits are the material of which behavior consists, teach honesty, truth. fitness, cleanliness, industry, helpful. ness and patriotism.
 We extend sincere thanks to our | Superintendent and to the members of the School Committee for the privileges we have enjoyed and trust as we go out into the world to prove that "labor and money have not been wasted. Not least among the number deserving appreciative thanks is our Supervisor of Music who has labored to advance the cause of music in our schools. We hope our aim will be to be true to the trust you have placed in us, with an honest purpose to do credit to our school-to be loyal citizens.
 We have always been more able to talk fiuently upon the faculty when they were not present, but always or pleasant things only-now we address you face to face.
 s To you has been given the task of impressing directly upon our minds such truth as should develop true man. hood and womanhood. You always gave us a warm welcome even in the days of examination. These four years have been a meager preparation for going out into the world.
 Fellow Students :-Together we have pursued our way, now we step out in advance of you, leaving you to finger for few months longer and then give place to those who follow. Our places will be allotted to you, our opportuni- ties will be passed on to you, we trust you will improve them better than we have.
 Dear Classmates Tonight marks a closing chapter in the book of the Class of 1917, Canaan High School A book upon whose pages are recorded our struggles and disappointments as we have tried to master difficult questions
 Many times the thought has been to turn back, not attempt to reach the desired goal but as we look back a feeling of pride and satisfaction presents itself. Now the tie which has bound us together for four years must be broken, as we go out in the world we must prove our real worth, there is the place to prove our efficiency. There is nothing of real value to be obtained without toll. The road to success is not always an easy one. Many young man has been wrecked upon the sands of discontent. The world offers great opportunities to those who are compe. tent and worthy.
 Our farewell as class mates must be spoken, we have reached the places where the road divides. We must choose new paths, some may be near together for time while others will he saDaratad