The Denver star., 1917-06-16
PERSONAL VALUE
OF EDUCATION
Re'Ivlfylng Effect Of the St.
Paul Normal School.
OPTIMISM THE WATcnWoRD

Living Conditions In LawrsnesviIls I'm
proved by Contact With Progressive
Virginia nstltution-4ems Life Els-
waited and the Material Welfare Of
tbs People Advanced.
Lawrenceville, va.-The recent com.
mencement Of the st. Paul Normal and
Industrial school in this town, of
which Archdeacon James 8. Russell is
the principal, included baccalaureate
sermon by the Rev. John T. Ogburn.
Youngstown. o.; special Y. NJ. G. A
and 7. w. 9. A. program, confirmation
and close of literary societies, orator.
ical contest, parish school entertain
ment. "Crowning the May Queen"
class day exercises. commencement
program, including student addresses
on discipline Of Life and Character"
Bonding" Vocational Training a Ne
cessity." THE Model Tailor Shop" and
Advantages of an Education" and an
alumni reunion.
Bishop B. d. Tucker Of Lynchbure
Va. vice president of the board OF
trustees. awarded diplomas to sixteen
seniors and certificates to three In
blacksmithing. two in carpentry, seven
In dressmaking. one in engineering.
one In harness making, two in masonry
and five in tailoring. Two graduates
Mrs. Sarah E. Wilkins, 'D4, and Rev
John T. Ogburn, 'O4Etold the story OF
st. Pauls influence for good ON their
lives. Both expressed warm apprecia.
ton of the life and work of Archdea.
con Russell.
Robert b. Tunstall. q white lawyer OF
Norfolk, who is a st. Paul trustee.
spoke on "The Idea Of Self Respect"
His parting words were. go out with
the determination to do with all your
might whatever you find you can do"
Charles G. Maphis. professor OF Sec
ondary education In the University OF
Virginia, declared that "St Paul school
is fulfilling the modern conception Of
twentieth century education" DIR. Ma
phis discussed the questions which are
now being put to men: What do you
knowf What can you do? What kind
of character have your
To the st. Paul commencement, which
was held out of doors in the evening"
there came from far and near many
Ing many leading white men and wo-
men. Through a long but Interesting
program some 800 men. women and
children listened with attention and
enthusiasm to the helpful addresses.
There was on every hand the demon
stration OF racial good will. Not
single note of pessimism was heard.
Everybody was ready and willing to re.
dedicate life anew to the service Of
God and country.
The industrial exhibit was attractive.
groes of Brunswick county, Va, are
alive to the possibilities OF securing
from Mother Earth an abundant share
OF fruits and vegetables and staples.
such as wheat, corn. rye and oats. The
well made garments and nicely cooked
foods were the finest proofs that ST
Paul school believes in helping girls to
become good homemakers.
The boys have their opportunity too.
Fine specimens of work III wood. iron
and leather, together with good coats.
vests and trousers, demonstrated the
value of helping boys to use their hands
with skill.
Principal Russell in his annual report
to the trustees of the school in part
said:
"The past year, which closes the
twenty ninth year of the school, has
been one Of progress and advancement
despite the disturbing conditions ere.
ated by the world war and the rise In
price of commodities and supplies Of all
kinds. It has been hard work to keep
things going this year; but, thanks be
to him who has been our help and
strong tower and the loyalty Of the
schools friends, the school has been
enabled to pull through. Looking back
through years-years of toll, privation.
sacrifice and work, yet full Of the Joy
of service and endeavor for God and
humanity-we cannot but return thanks
to him who has brought us thus far.
Twenty mine years have witnessed
Rreat-in fact, reYolutionary-changes
in the people whom the school serves
Living conditions have improved, con-
cepts Of religion purified, home life has
been elevated, illiteracy reduced. ma
ter.al prosperity advanced and mark
ed change from tenancy to ownership
The policy Of the school from its incep-
ton has been one of preparedness. A
Christian training, coupled with good
practical English education and trade
Of some kind, is the life preparation
that the school insists that each boy or
girl who comes to 1t shall have in order
to enable them to return to their COM
munities and become good citizens and
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