  Denison High School Yellow Jacket Xmas, 1910 edition pg.9 It is with both pleasure and regret that we announce the withdrawal of Mr. Maxwell from the High School, to become Assistant Secretary of the Southwestern Surety Insurance Company. It is with pleasure that we wish him success and prosperity in his new duties; it is with regret that we bid him farewell as principal of the school he has served so faithfully and so well. Mr. Maxwell was born in Alabama. He received his preparatory training in the public schools and academics of his state. In 1897 he moved to Texas and entered the Baylor University, where he graduated with honors. Later he did post-graduate work at the University of Chicago. He taught in the public schools of Taylor with success and entered the service of the Denison schools in 1905. The growth of our High School during the principalship of Mr. Maxwell is worthy of note. When he came to us we had an enrollment of 185, while we now enroll twice that number. We are affiliated in some 10 units with the State University; now we enjoy the distinction of being one of the 2 schools of cities of our class which have an affiliation in more than 20 units. Our laboratories were few and had meager equipment. We now boast of laboratories second to none in the public schools of the state. This growth in the High School, while being in part a manifestation of the development of the educational interests of Denison, is yet largely due to the personality of Mr. Maxwell. As a gentleman and a scholar, he has the respect and confidence of the entire student body. He has been found ever ready to assist the fellow who is down. By his personal influence has held many of our boys in school. It is safe to say that Mr. Maxwell has a warm place in his heart for every boy and girl in Denison. It has been noted by many that our schools give much attention to the school garden and to beautifying the grounds with trees and shrubs. In fact, many claim that we are the pioneers of this kind of work among the schools of Texas. All admit, at least, that the High School campus has during seasonable years, been the show place of Denison. In all of this Mr. Maxwell has been the prime mover. His rare ability as a botanist and landscape gardener have done much to make Denison a better place in which to live. Mr. Maxwell case his lot for better or for worse in the city of Denison. He has been found among the leaders of every forward movement for the betterment of our city. The Flower Show, once our pride and discontinued only during the seasons of unprecedented drouth, owes its existence largely to his energies. The landscape effects to be found in Forest Park are due to plans formulated by him while Park Commissioner. The Civic League feel that they have in him a tower of strength. Mr. Maxwell's hobby, if so dignified a purpose can be called a hobby, is the erection of a new High School. He justly believes that the children of Denison are entitled to the privileges enjoyed by children of other cities. In severing his connection with the school, we know that Mr. Maxwell will retain the same loyal spirit toward us. As a citizen of Denison and as an officer is in one of the largest financial institutions of the entire South, he will be better equipped to assist in the great work of building the new High School. O.A. Maxwell, Principal of High School Denison, Texas Dear Sir: It was with very sincere regret on our part that we listened to the reading of the letter tendering your resignation. We accepted it, because there was nothing else to do, as we did not wish to stand in the way of your advancement. We feel that you have done much for the public schools of Denison and that you have helped to raise them to their present high standard of excellence. We believe that you have been faithful in the discharge of each and every duty, and thereby an example to the pupils committed to your care. We are glad that you are still to remain a citizen of Denison and wish you all success in your new work. With kind personal regards - W.S. Hibbard P.J. Brennan Wm. G. Meginnis A.N. Rhamy F.M. Teas Mrs. A.L. Knaur E.H. Hanna  Biography Index Denison High School History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |