New Britain herald., 1929-04-13
OBrien Impressed by Enthusiasm
 of Public Evening School Classes
Director Calls Attention to Thirst for Knowledge Which Prompts Workers in Factories.

ceived at the school board s hleetlAs yesterday afternoon.
 This years attendance exceeded that of the preceding year by more than 100 per cent; total enrolment of foreign born adults was 673; six pupils received perfect attendance awards this year who also received the honor last ye1r; four brothers and two sisters won the award as did a widow and mother of nine children.
 2l Different NatiOnalities
 Another interesting point brought out by MT. O'Brien was the fact that 21 different nationalities were enrolled in the classes for foreign born adults, the Poles predominatlng with the Italians second.
 Typewriting classes were opened this year and were very successful A citizenship class for those who are seeking naturalization was also opened and according to the report was highly successful.
 MT. O'Brien also reports the work done in the Americanization bureau. Both reports. in full follow:
 The Evening Schools opened on Eeptembe 24 and closed on March 26th, completing 75 nights of two hours each. Classes for foreign-born adults were conducted at the Central Junior High. Nathap Hale Junior High and Washington schools on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday nights during the entire period.
 The total enrolment for the classes for foreign-born adults was SIS, including 427 men and 246 wo- men. In the continuation or ele- mentary grade classes the total en- rollment was 136. The average at tendance for the foreign-born classes whs 364 and for the elementary grade classes 70.
 Approximately 2S0 students in the foreign-born classes attended 30 or more sessions throughout the eve ming school year and 62 students attended all sessions. that is, 15 ses- sions of two hours each. The latter is fine achievement, when 1t IS considered that the majority of the men and women attending are work CTS in the local factories, who in many instances, after an arduous days toll, still retained the ambition and perseverance to attend regularly for a perfect attendance record, re- gardless of the many indictment nights during the school year. It is a notable fact that this years per feet attendance record exceeded that of the preceding year by more than 1OOco
 D. A. R. and Legion Awards
 'As in the past through the good offices of the state department Of the D. A. R. beautiful gold pins were awarded to all pupils in the foreign born classes having a record or per- feet attendance Gas stated for this rear the number WAS 62.) In addition to receiving these awards from the D. A. K. these pupils also received certificates from the state board of education, as well as beautifully de- signed and appropriate certificates from the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Eddy Glover Post No. 6. This latter organization also presented certificates to all pupils in the elementary grades who had q record of perfect attendance, the number in these classes being 10.
 "Forty-four pupils. 22 boys and 22 girls were graduated from the ele- mentary grade classes and received diplomas at the graduation exercises held at the Central Junior High school on March 27th. This function this year by young man who first is always a satisfying and inspiring spectacle. The class was headed saw the shores of America only three years ago, and his address, given in perfect English, gives one more testimonial of the opportuni- ties afforded in America for those who aspire and desire.
 Many interesting incidents and facts are developed and disclosed upon the occasion of these annual awards, which indicate the remark able perseverance and thirst for self bettcrment on the part of many stu dents. Six students who received awards were not strangers to the happy feeling displayed by recipi- ents, for they also received these awards last year. There were two instances of man and wife having rnnln1otph 1 narfarf .tf the past two years: also two sis ters and four brothers who attended 150 nights without missing a session A widow and mother Of nine chil- dren. despite the arduous duties at tendant upon a household of this size, found time to attend regularly every night.
 Supply of Typcwriters Inadequate
 "BegiIning January '. 1929, be- cause of insistent demands and in- quiries, typewriting classes were oepned at the Central Junior High school, operating on the same eve nings as the regular evening schools Because of an insufficient number of machines. which were inadequate to IHttL lIIt utIIldHuS Ol tHe 1IldHS WnC enrolled, these classes were operated in two sections of 1 1-4 hours each section. Seventy-one pupils were enrolled, with an average attendance for the 36 sessions held of approxi- mately 30.
 Another feature of evening school instruction was revived this year and proved highly successful and much sought after. namely special instruc- ;ion in citizenship, especially for those who were seeking naturaliza. ton. These classes were very pop ular and were conducted for two hours. once . week, in each evening school. One hundred and ninety. nine different pupils took advantage of this opportunity to prepare foi the duties of citizenship.