, 1959-06-25

'plore-to Wreste with ques1osl moral religious and econo-
mic. Then, by an organized thought process, work out our
lives; our relationship with God, our felloWmen and the flu
ture course OF our community and islands. This cannot be
accomplished by RECOMMENDATION, or through an out-moded
system of memorizing facts like a sponge absorbs water.
The American concept of free public education is based
on making education not only common 10 all: but in some
sense compulsory on all. BY this we can insure the lasting
value Of a democratic society. Such a community could not,
must not, be comprised of a bunch of "yes men and women
1t must be vta-moving with ideas-full Of concern for an
increasing share of responsibilities, and anxious to enjoy the
benefits derived therefrom to the fullest possible extent.
Our system of public education should not only provide
fer the most brilliant students. 1t must also be genuinely con-
cerned with lifting the general level Of the entire community
to a higher standard.
We must become more interested in the activities of our
government, our economic and social affairs. A healthy clim-
ate for free discussion and examination of conflicting views
must be created. We must also be aware of the fact that
emancipation in some sections of our beloved country is not
complete; and that there are people in high places who would
abandon public education, rather than accept the Cardinal
American principleso of equality under the law.
Always remember, that there are threads of goodness,
kindness and decency, which run through the human family.
These are not the sole property of any one race, nationality
or creed. Such virtues are evident among all nationalities, all
races and all creeds. To these people and to these principles
you should attach your lives and move the hearts Of men
everywhere.
The rapid strides which these islands have made and will
continue to make, have imposed a great challenge on you
young graduates OF Inc OlauQe u. MarkOe Sch0Ol. You can
not-you must not, stop there. The fact that you are the first
graduating class Of this fine new school should inspire you to
the next step on the adder-members Of the graduating class
of the Senior High Divisionof this Schools years from now.
Opportunities are great today and will increase. as time
passes by. Approximately 1872 of our Insular Budget is-ear-
marked for public education-the second largest single item
eft appropriation-over IL million dollars from our Insular
Treasury.
Statistics are not available here; but believe it is safe to
say that Virgin Islanders are the most highly educated people
of any area under the American flag of comparative size and
population When measured against our size and population.
we should be proud of the number of native professionals in
various fields and other well educated men and women in our
communities.
Free public education has been a reality in these islands
for almost l2O years. Our iteracy rate is one of the highest in
the world. An ever increasing number Of our sons and daugh-
tiers are being exposed to college level training both here and
abroad. This has come about over the years through coopera-
tive agreements between our government and such insfitu-
tons Of higher learning as the University Of Puerto Rico, The
I~nter-American University at San German Puerto Rico and