aduates go from the school an informal reception
to the class and their friends is held in the "Teachers' Home," each
member of the class being allowed to bring one friend. In this way new
teachers make the acquaintance of those who are about to be graduated
and the old teachers have an opportunity to talk over past experiences
with their former pupils.
On the last Sunday of the school year we have the annual sermon to the
graduating class. Invariably the church is crowded. Wednesday of the
last week is Visitors' Day, when parents who visit the school at no
other time come in large numbers. The work of the industrial
departments is on exhibition, and the kindergarten work of the primary
department, also the work in drawing and the written exercises in the
different subjects taught in the school. An opportunity is afforded
also to attend recitations in all the rooms. At noon the class in
cooking serves a lunch which demonstrates in a practical manner the
proficiency attained in this important branch of domestic education.
The different dishes are sold at a nominal price towards defraying the
expense of this part of the exhibition. The same evening "The Alumni
Association" holds its literary exercises.
The graduating exercises on Thursday afternoon consist of essays and
recitations by the members of the class and music by members of the
school, followed by an address by as able a speaker as we can secure.
This year we had a most suggestive and helpful address from Rev. Dr.
Haynes of our American Missionary Association church at Athens, Ga.
The graduating class consisted of six young ladies, who in character
and scholarship are especially well fitted for teaching, which most of
them intend to follow. Our graduates are always in demand as teachers,
and the demand is greater than the supply.
The attendance at the graduating exercises has increased each year
until it has become too great for the capacity of our church, which is
not small. This year many were unable to gain admittance at all.
Immediately after the exercises at the church, a reception is given
the alumni of the school, which is a most enjoyable and useful
occasion. After an hour has been spent in social intercourse,
refreshments are served, when the members representing the different
classes are called upon for short addresses. It is most encouraging to
hear them testify as to the help and stimulus they have received from
the school.
The next day aft
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