Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1922-06-07
COUNTY COMMENCEMENT
IS Big SUCCESS

One OF the really big events OF the
year was enacted at the Vernon coun-
ty fair grounds last Saturday when
fully $500 friends of the rural schools
of the county gathered to witness the
Community Graduation exercises
larger numberby several hundred thar
last year, showing that the community
graduation idea is gaining strength
Every town except Bergen and kicka-
poo was represented by graduates
Out of a class of 23S, 218 were pres
ent to receive their diplomas. thirty
more graduates than last year.
The audience assembled at eleven
o'clock, later than scheduled and max
ing the events of the day lag a little,
which will be corrected next year. Pro-
gram opened with an earnest invoca-
tion by Rev. Evans. Mayor A. &.
Smith delivered a very appropriate
address of welcome The principal
address was delivered by Lieutenant
Governor Cummins. 1t was a most
able educational address, devoted to
the interest and uplift of the rural
schools, and was received with high
compliments by those present. Super
intendent Sanford gave a few brief
remarks and with the aid of corps
of helpers presented the 218 diplomas.
Much praise is due him for the sue
cess of the day and the growing popu-
larity of the community graduation
idea. The program was interspersed
with band music, and much credit is
due Bandmaster Brown for the APP
pearance of the band not only on this
but all public meetings where the
presence of the boys is requested. AS
Otto was out of the city, Berlie Moore
was in charge. The thanks of the
community are also due the fair as
ISOLATION and to all who aided to make
the occasion the success that it was.
Benediction was pronounced by Rev.
Hammer.
Following the program, the folks
sat down to a picnic dinner, and it
really was one of the days finest fea-
lures, enabling people from all parts
of the county to intermingle and be-
come acquainted and interchange
views. 1t aids in ironing out petty
differences and we are reminded of one
of the slogans that County Agent
Schelling uses very effectively. "Get
acquainted with your neighbor-you
might like him."
Following the dinner, the county
school children paraded under their
school banners before the packed grand
stand, and wave after wave of warm
applause echoed out 1t was an in
spring sight, for in that parade were
reposed the fondest hopes of those
parents and relatives who watched it.
Equally inspiring was the sight of
that fine class of boys and girls as
they rose to receive their diplomas.
In union there is strength, it is truly
said, and the big idea of this gather
ing is to impress the graduate that he
Or she is part of big movement,
not possible where innum-
cradle little exercises with one or two
graduates are held. Many of the
graduates were uniformly dressed in
accordance with the request of SUI
perintendent Sanford, but many were
not, and it is hoped that another year
will see all of the graduates similarly
attired. 1t adds wonderfully to the
appearance of the class and the de-
feature is also most import
ant. All feel on similar plane when
uniformly dressed.
Following the parade, the various
contests were held, and then the crowd
feeling indeed that the day
was well worth while. The most ideal
weather prevailed and added wonder
fully to the pleasure of the event.