The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-07
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

I hope I will never get so blase as to be bored at commencement exercise, for if do will think that I am losing my interest in life.
 Sure, know all about those who turn up their nose when the matter of at tending graduating exercises are men toned, but I go to all I can get to. q mean even when I am not down for the address).
 Now, was out of town when the How ard commencement was pulled off, so l made up my mind that when Birming- ham college closed was going to be on hand, for had neighbor boy who was to be one Of the graduates.
 I had wa atched Bascom Garrett from bare-footei boy, and saw him trudge many a day down the lane to Lakeview school 1 watched him help about the home place, and I knew that he was going to be somebody. It was just stick ing out all over him.
 After awhile he got put of short pants and into long ones and began to fight his way up through college, working on Saturdays and helping in this way to pay his way. and, by the. way, it's the best way for any boy to travel who expects to get Inc best there is along the educa- tional route.
 So Wednesday morning I got ready to go out and see the boy who had grown up under my eyes wear his cap and gown and get his diploma. I was just IS proud of the fact that he was the faculty representative and delivered a thought full address as though he had been one of my kin, and I was sorry that both his father end mother, MT. and Mrs. w. w. Garrett, were hindered from being pres ent on account of sickness
 
 I went out with MT. and Mrs. Fred Jackson and was pleased to learn that Fred Nj. Jr.. was to graduate, too, but sorry to learn that he had been called to Philadelphia on patriotic business and had left on Tuesday and would not ne present to take part with his class in exercise. It was great disappoint- ment both to him and to them, and yet he and they realized that this was a time when ones personal desires must give way to the countrys good.
 His seat was decorated with American flags, and when the diplomas were being delivered I was sitting in the audience with Mrs Jackson, when Bishop Me- Coy arose and moved that she be asked to come forward and receive the one won by her boy. She did so amidst the ap- plause of the crowd which arose to it's feet to do her honor. She was much af- fected as was Fred, who as a member of the board of trustees was sitting on the stage.
 c. R. Wolfo.d read d fine oraton cn Service" II seems he is a medalist of note as he captured two this season. He got the trustees essay medal, anc the Johnson philosophy medal. lt'was fine to see the pride written on the iace of his father and his mother as the medals were given to him. My heart goes out to the splendid young fellows who graduate and to the parents who sacrifice in order to give them chance to get their sheepskins.
 The graduating class was small, as the war came very near putting the Sir mingham college out of business. pr. Thornwen Haynes was imbued with pa triotic fervor and volunteered early for government service. and there were many who had him in mind at the close of the school as the last heard from hirn he was having a strenuous time in Fin land. Seventy-eight stars adorned ;he service flag of the R. E. Lee society. could hard.s keep my eyes off of it as the addresses were being made.
 Announcement was made that the two athletic medals awarded could not he presented in person, as the winner of the Robertson athletic medal, and the Po~- ter loving cup. Michael Slavensby. wa3 1t seems. was also accounted the most