Ilion High School - Class of 1913

The Utica Herald Dispatch - June 27, 1913

COMMENCEMENT LAST EVENING

Article 2

Big Audience Greatly Enjoyed Fine Programme - Honors and Diplomas.

ABLY PREPARED ESSAYS WELL GIVEN

The commencement exercises of the class of 1913 were held at the Opera House last evening and were carried out in a way that was a credit to the class. The theater was completely filled with the parents and friends of the students and everyone was kept interested all during the evening. The decorations were attractively arranged and with the class banners made the scene a pretty one. The colors of the class, red and white, occupied conspicuous places in the center of the stage was hung the motto in Greek, "Know Thy Opportunity." The banner of the class of 1914 was hung in such a manner that it attracted attention. The motto of this banner was "Know Thyself." The High School orchestra furnished the music for the evening and the numbers rendered were most pleasing.

The stage was occupied by the school faculty and Board of Education and the Rev. Lloyd Benson, who opened the exercises with prayer. The orchestra then played a selection and afterward Laura May Oliver, who was the first speaker, spoke on the subject "The Ifs of History." This subject was delivered in a manner that was both interesting and instructive and the speaker was given hearty applause for her efforts. "Prison Reform" was the subject of Elizabeth L. Marsland and during her remarks she made a strong plea for better conditions in our prisons to do away with the present mode of chains and stripes. The address was an excellent one. Geraldine R. McGowan took for her subject "The Economic Independence of Women." This was another interesting and well delivered subject. The speaker said that the day had passed when women were willing to remain the dependent one, and she ought to share half of the wages earned by the husband and also half of the expense. Before the next speaker was called the orchestra rendered another pleasing number.

Dorothy Richardson chose for her subject "Julius Caesar." During her discourse she swelt on many events in the life of Caesar. It was an address that demanded high commendation for the speaker.

"The Girl of Yesterday and the Girl of To-day" was a timely subject discussed by Doris L. Branbury, who said that the girl of to-day has had more freedom and has been educated into all phases of life"s work. In comparing the difference the speaker said that the girl of to-day to the girl of yesterday is a jewel to a flower.

Beactric B. Monsel was assigned the subject, "A Plea for Practical Education." She said that some changes will have to be brought into use whereby the students will continue through the four-year course instead of stopping at the end of the second term, which she said was caused on account of the present courses. She made a plea for manual art in the schools. The speaker delivered the subject decisively and interestingly.

The last speaker was Irving H. McElhose and his subject, "Radio Communication," was one with which he was most familiar for the reason that not only in his school hours had he studied the subject, but at home, where he has an equipment of wireless that enables him to be well versed on the subject which he handled notably.

The class were addressed by Superintendent H. M. Schwartz, who urged them in their future life to learn true friendship, a valuable attribute to aid them in life"s work. Mr. Schwartz announced the class average of 83 4-10 percent and that of the Regents" examination alone, 78 67-100. There was much applause at the announcement of the honor of valedictorian being won by Irving Henry McElhose, who attained an average of 93 6-10 per cent. The honor of being salutatorian was awarded to Miss Beatrice Blanche Monsel, who attained an average of 91 7-10 percent, followed closely by Miss Elizabeth Lydia Marsland, whose average was 91 4-10.

The diplomas were then awarded the members by A. H. Sumner, as follows:

Classical

Lorna Evangeline Avery
Doris Lucas Bradbury
Mary Teresa Carney
Margaret May Ferguson
Mary Amanda Gridley [Grindley]
Ellen Jane Jones
Norma Mae Kohrer
Geraldine Ruth McGowan
Anna Marie McGrath
Elizabeth Lydia Marsland
Beatrice Blanche Monsel
Kathleen Jane O'Brien
Dorothy Alice Richardson
Alice Esther Robinson

Scientific

Harry Francis Haller
Irving Henry McElhose
Ralph Perry Van Derpoel [VanDerpoel]
Gerald Welch

English

Mabel Ester Avery
Agnes Catherine Byrnes
Harold Harris Davies
Leon McVough Jarvis
Laura May Oliver
Martha Louise Wright

Elective

William Bedworth
Cora Jane Morris

* missing Helen Van Alstyne from newspaper article. She is listed in class roster.

The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Calvin H. French. At the conclusion of the exercises, class yells from the present, past and future were given