Ilion High School - Class of 1909

Utica Herald Dispatch - June 25, 1909

The Graduating Class

Article 6

The Graduating Class

Commencement Exercises Held at the Opera House, Last Evening Were of a High Order

The largest class ever graduated from the Ilion High School, numbering 34 students, of whom 18 are young men, held its commencement exercises at the Opera House last evening.

The juniors occupied the boxes and it was evident that the dove they liberated, bearing the class colors, at the close of the exercises, was not the dove of peace, for they indulged in a few pranks, including the suspension of their banner in the center of the hall, but their efforts were without result in the way of causing any annoyance. As the curtain arose pretty decorations were brought into view and in the deep center of the stage was displayed the class colors and banners of the class. Seated on the stage were the Board of Education, Supt. F. D. Warren, the High School faculty and the class. The orchestra, under the direction of Miss Dema Perkins, rendered the medley overture. "Glittering! Glow Worm," after which prayer was offered by the Rev. S. J. Greenfield, pastor of the Methodist Church. The first speaker was Fred King, who spoke on the subject, "A Defense of the Indiana" "Andrew Carnegie's Use of His Money" was the theme on which Miss May Jarvis had written an oration which she delivered. Arthur Roberts was the next speaker, taking as his subject, "The Need of a Larger Navy." The orchestra then rendered a selection from "The Yankee Tourist," and the next speaker was Wesley Ingersoll. whose oration was "The Corsican's Ambition." Miss Laura Chandler had for her subject "The Kindergarten." "The Power of the People," was the oration delivered by the next speaker, Harold Russell. Walts music from the "Prima Donna" was the next pleasing selection by the orchestra. Miss Selena Houghton was the next speaker, her oration being on "What We Owe to New England."

The speaker was James Fitzgerald who had for his subject, "Scotland's Greatest Hero." The overture "Ticania" was rendered by the orchestra, after which the class was addressed by Supt. F. D. Warren, who congratulated the members and for himself and faculty told of the appreciation in which they held the class for staying at their studies until the time of graduation, and honor which only from five to ten per cent of students reach. He gave the class much good advice. He then introduced Dr. James J. Rasbach, a member of the Board of Education, who presented in each member his or her diploma, while from the gallery students called the members by name and cheered them on. Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. H. E. Pike, after which the orchestra closed the exercises with selections from :King Dodo." Class yells from both the senior and junior classes filled the hall until all had left. The students were trained in their oratorical work by Prof. Samuel Porter and all appeared to fine effect.

Wesley Ingersoll is the valedictorian and Fred King the salutatorian of the class.