 Sunday, June 19, 1898 ST. XAVIER'S ACADEMY Twenty-Fourth Commencement Exercises at Denison Opera House The Names of the Fair Graduates - Daisy Nichols, Agnes Fisher, Mary Pitts, Hattie McGowan, Kitty Hurley, Marguerite Williams, Malvina LaRue, Amelia LaRue The school commencement season has long been regarded by a grateful world as the brightest and most joyous period possible to a universe where perfect happiness is confessedly unattainable. The leafy month of June is the time when school commencement exercises gladden the heart of humanity. The sweet girl graduate is the exquisitely symbolical figure appropriately crowning the typical commencement group as enshrined in the thoughts to mankind. The essay of the sweet girl graduate marks the blissful climax of the ceremonials attendant upon the brightest type of school commencements. A loftier aspiration than that rewarded by a hearing of the essay of the sweet girl graduate is in the nature of vain striving for the nobler existence of the celestial realm itself. Blue skies and brilliant stars did not usher in commencement night. The weather was unpropitious, but a cloudburst would not have diminished the attendance in the least. The little opera house was literally packed with an audience that commenced at the stage, flowed back to the doors, crowded the aisles, occupied the private boxes and packed the 2 galleries. This was very complimentary to the interest taken in the commencement exercises from the fact that an admission price of 50c was charged. The glare of electric lights and gas jets and the oppressive night, made the atmosphere close and uncomfortable, but the interest was so great in the exercises that the best of order was maintained until the curtain dropped a farewell and St. Xavier said goodnight to her patrons and friends. The curtain arose on a scene of floral splendor. At the wings of the stage were grouped in pyramidal shape countless flowers of a hundred different hues. They were supported on baskets of flowers. The effect of this floral display was truly beautiful. The front of the stage at the footlights was draped with the national colors. Opening Hymn, Ave Maria Stella, by more than 300 misses, from the tiny tot of only a few years to the young ladies comprising the graduating class. At the close of the hymn, "The Flag of the Rainbow," Miss Effie Robertson, representing Columbia, was sung with a vim. Even the little ones have caught the martial spirit of the times, and the flags waved in a manner to bid defiance to any foreign power who would dare assail the glory of our nation. Miss Marguerite Williams, Salutatorian, in a clear and highly cultivated voice and pleasing address, welcomed the parents, pastor and friends in a few well chosen words, but it was not the words alone that conveyed the conviction of the genuineness of her heartfelt welcome. She is an elocutionist of whom any parent may well feel proud, and an honor to her "Alma Mater.' The SALUTATORY Noiselessly and swiftly has fled the changeful year, since last we assembled, to greet you with a cordial and respectful welcome to our closing exercises. We hope that this night may be a memorable one in our lives, one to which we can often recur with ever increasing pleasure. Summer, "child of sun," crowned us with royal roses, autumn with its many fruits and gaily colored woods, winter, sullen and sad, with its rising train of vapors, clouds and storms, spring, unlocking the flowers to paint, the laughing soil, each in turn as ascended the throne of season, and after a brief sovereignty, has smiled farewell to loyal subjects; now, summer, flower-laden, again reign supreme. Through all the vicissitudes in nature's life, we have been most happy, for are we not the recipients of an ever increasing succession of kindnesses and benefits? Placed under the guidance of those who demand the merits of a simple, inexperienced schoolgirl and those of the skilled performer, the author of genius or the elegant orator. We can only repay the kindness of all who have here honored with their presence by repeating the heart's true, earnest phrase of welcome and gratitude; therefore once again, a heartfelt welcome to all. Miss Marguerite Williams is a Denison girl and a true child of St. Xavier's academy, having been placed there when a mere child on the death of her mother. She remained till old enough to manage the household affairs of her father and brothers, which she has done for several years in a most creditable manner. Miss Marguerite has an agreeable presence and presented a lovely appearance on the stage. She possesses a clear, strong, cultured voice. The honors of the salutatory could not have fallen to more competent hands. She is a young lady of intellectual capacity clear above the average. Song - "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" - - - - Minima, about 65 of the smallest children were grouped on the stage and sang and acted out this beautiful piece. The little ones seemed to be impressed with the idea of the character, and, sleeping or waking, their one aim was to be natural, and in this they certainly succeeded. Operetta, Grandma's Birthday - - - - Miss Katie Bann, as Grandma, was natural as she came tottering on to the stage, supported by one of the "older children," to receive the homage of a host of children who had assembled to do honor to her 81st birthday. The little ones were awe struck at the great age of grandma, and to them it seemed almost impossible for grandma to remember her c children, or that she could have had a grandma. When asked to sing, a song of 60 years ago was very pathetic; her voice, while clear and sweet, was low, and there was a trembling to the simple words bespeaking age. Miss Frankie Overton assisted the little ones in the most difficult pieces with her rare alto voice. Valce Briliante - Duet - M. Moskowski, Misses Lillie Royce and Clementine Overton. Like all the musical numbers of St. Xavier pupils, this one brought out the graceful touch of these gifted young musicians. Miss Overton is an accomplished instrumentalist, as well as a vocalist. Laurel Leaves, for Our Favorite Poets, Lowell and Bryant - - - - A novel way of bringing in class essays in the form of a debate between 4 of the graduates whom Miss Birdie Peck introduced in a charming manner. Miss Agnes Fisher opened the debate in favor of "Lowell" in a well written paper and delivered in a style which left no doubt as to the superiority of her favorite. Miss Kittie Hurley, in favor of Bryant, brought before the audience the beautiful sentiment contained in the poems of Bryant. Those of his earliest years, but gave promise of a future still more glorious. Miss Daisy Nichols, in behalf of Lowell, delivered the best of the quartet of essays; while admitting that Lowell used many words to express his ideas, they were beautiful gems encrusting the still more beautiful thoughts. Miss Hattie McGowan followed in defense of Bryant. She spoke of his Tehanstoposis, written in his 18th year, which placed him in the foremost rank of American poets, and he was truly American. She closed with an adaptation of Thanstopsis quite pleasing. Miss Mary Pitts, Critic, seemed to give either side superiority. She would impress on the audience that each was of equal merit in his own style and sphere of writing. Each of the young ladies displayed a marked degree of study and research, and brought out in force able words and beautiful expressions, the merits of their chosen poet. Fantaise Brilliante, Pianos and Organs (Fourteen H ands), was brilliantly rendered by Misses Edna McDuffee, Alma Meadows, Beulah Kelley, Frankie Overton, Erin Murray, Susie Fox, Miss Bessie Bennett, organist. The power and sweetness of the lovely soprano voice possessed by Miss Clementine Overton was well brought out in the vocal solo, "When the Heart is Young." The friends of the young lady can but feel pleasure in noting its increasing range and sweetness as developed from year to year. The young lady responded with smile and bow to her well earned encore. The sisters, Misses Amelia and Malvina LaRue, followed with well written, well read essays, abounding in beautiful quotations, apt illustrations, specimens of purity and conciseness. The clearness of the ideas to be conveyed, enhanced by correct delivery. St. Xavier deservedly ranks high for its teaching of pure English, both spoken and written. The participants in every exercise of the evening gave evidence of being the enviable possessors of the rare but beautiful accomplishment correct expression. Miss Agnes Fisher rendered the most difficult number on the musical program - Rhapsodie Hongroise, No. XIV - Liszt. The technique displayed shows musical talent of a high order, and the young lady deservedly wears the gold medal of her alma mater, class of '98l. Vocal Duet, "Where the Rippling Streamlet Flows," by the talented sisters Misses Clementine and Frankie Overton. The harmonious blending of the really fine voices evoked the heartiest encore of the evening. A finer alto than Miss Frankie's is seldom heart. The musical piece most enjoyed by the audience generally, judging from appreciative remarks and generous applause, was Rienzi, R. Wagner, by Misses Bessie Bennett, Agnes Fisher, Lillie Royce, Elma Kelley, pianos; Miss Rose Jones, violin. The high musical excellence and superb finish of each of the performers combined to give a most enjoyable number. The dramatic feature of the entertainment, "The Sprint's Warning," given with the smoothness and finish, characteristic of St. Xavier's training, by the Misses Ella Fullington, mortal; Ella Cochran, guardian angel; Linnie Robertson, the evil one; Nellie Corcoran, Katie Bann, and Frankie Overton, angels; Miss Susie Fox, angel of death. Both the recitative and vocal parts were well presented by the young ladies, while the spectacular effects were superb. Miss Fullington, the leading character, gave so true an interpretation of her part - mortal made forgetful of his destiny by wiles of the evil one until too late to amend, that the sad tragedy of human life was too painfully apparent, but the tragedy of the subject matter, could not detract from the excellence of presentation. Between scene I and II, the beautiful trio, "Camp of Glory," Hoist, was finely given by Misses Nellie Corcoran, Nettie Harris and Helen Harris. Between scene II and III Le Prophete was presented by Misses Fannie Jones, Katie Foley and Pearl Ourand. Frolic of the Fairies. In this charming piece about 40 little misses displayed military tactics worthy much older heads, the difficult evolution and maneuvers and the grace and ease with which they were executed called forth applause. The time was perfect, and each kept her place with wonderful precision. Little Katie Dorian, as drummer, Fannie Jones, with her triangle, Nellie Sweeney with the cymbals, together with the horns the other had, furnished beautiful music to the accompaniment of the organ, under the masterful hands of Miss Bessie Bennett. Miss Alma Meadows and her battalion of tennis girls fairly took the house by storm. The evolutions created the greatest enthusiasm. The drill was participated in by about 30 misses. Over dresses of immaculate white streamed red, white and blue ribbon. In fact, during the entire evening these manifestations of patriotic sentiments were visible everywhere. Each of the pretty misses carried a lawn tennis racket. The precision of the drill was wonderful. For a period of at least 20 minutes they performed the fascinating evolutions directed by the fair drill mast, Miss Alma Meadows. It was one of the prettiest features of the night's delightful entertainment. It was very appropriate that the delightful evening should close with the valedictory, prepared by one of the most gifted graduates, Miss Agnes Fisher. The valedictory breathes the loftiest sentiments, couched in beautiful and classic thought: THE VALEDICTORY "Farewell! A word that must be and hath been, A sound which makes us linger - yet farewell. Farewell! the saddest of words. However, as it comes to us to-night in all its meaning it cannot sever the ties of memory, but rather tends to bring back more vividly the recollections of the many happy days spent at dear St. Xavier's Academy. Within its walls that have been resonant with voices and bright with smiles, now still, dark and deserted,. He sacredly concealed, the scenes, the toils, the difficulties and final triumphs with which our life-long memories will be inseparable intermingled. As the fragrance of the flower is sweeter and more refined, when wafted to us on the air, so the sweet thoughts that are linked with our school life, will come to us in after years, as a radiant sunbeam, more welcome and brighter in the dark moments that may follow than we see them now. It if is with reluctance that we bid farewell to our Convent Home, what must be our feelings on parting with our dear classmates - our cherished friends. United by kindred pursuits - out companions in the soft green meadows and flowery paths of childhood, parting with you seems like severing family ties. Sorrow is truly associated with the thought that the closing of these exercises terminates our school life. But, though absent in person, we shall be present in thought. Leagues of land may divide us, yet our hearts shall be one, linked by past associations, and the same noble aims. Ere our paths to-night divide, what shall we say to you,, revered teachers! What words can express our sense of obligation to your faithfulness to duty, our gratitude for your patient kindness, you who were in sympathy with our hopes and lenient to our little follies. Believe us, devoted teachers, who after our parents are most interested in our welfare, that wherever we go, brightens our path, your lessons of virtue will never be forgotten; they will echo down our future years and keep us faithful to duty and to truth. Farewell, dear companions, devoted teachers, our second home, farewell. "Farewell! the lonely word that parts, Binds many in silence ever fast; Each throbs to each, these sundered hearts One in the sacred past." THE GRADUATES The fair graduates this year are Daisy Nichols, Agnes Fisher, Mary Pitts, Hattie McGowan, Kitty Hurley, Marguerite Williams, Malvina LaRue and Amelia LaRue. The happy school days, the happiest period of life, are events of the past. It makes no difference what the future may bring forth, school days are the one green spot in memory. The heart buries its treasures there. The school days are ended it is true, there are rugged battles yet to fight, there are triumphs yet in store, there is work for all who know the meaning of that simple yet sturdy word, duty; there are fields to cultivate, consecrated efforts to put forth, and illustrious examples to set for all the future. It will be dark many times, and the wind will blow cold and the clouds will gather, but after t he midnight the morning. To the graduate the stern realities of life have just begun. And now as you go forth to glide down the stream how appropriate are these beautiful words of Barry Cornwall: "Touch us gently, Time! Let us glide down they stream Gently - as we sometimes glide Through a quiet dream. Humble voyagers are we. Touch us gently, Time! We've not proud nor soaring wings; Our ambition, our content, Lies in simple things. Humble voyagers are we, O're life's dim, unsounded sea, Seeking only some calm clime. Touch us gently, gentle Time! The presentation of gold medals to graduates was made by Rev. Father Blum. The honor could not have fallen to more competent hands. The Father is a felicitous speaker, with a sufficient German accent to rather increase than mar the effects of his address. Father Blum made a direct and simple speech to the graduates. He was earnest in his congratulations, intimating that St. Xavier carried off the honors of all similar exercises in the state. This compliment must have been very flattering to the Sisters of St. Xavier, who have labored and spent so many anxious hours preparing the pupils for the exercises that demonstrate to patrons and to the public what has been accomplished.. The speaker gave a great deal of fatherly advice. Standing on the threshold of the world he warned the graduates of the snares that that would beset their youthful feet, that the struggle of life had just begun, and that with them rested a future of happiness or misery. It would be impossible to follow the eloquent Father in all his remarks, but they were gems of wisdom that should be a light to the feet of the graduates. At the conclusion of the address, Father Blum received the graduates; on their fair brown were placed a golden crown, and around their necks was suspended a gold medal, a memento that expresses much and will be cherished in after life as the most eventful episode of school days. A large number of silver medals was presented on different ranks of merit. The gold medal for music was awarded to Miss Agnes Fisher. There can be no dissenting view as to the merits of Miss Fisher. She is undoubtedly one of the brightest luminaries that St. Xavier has sent forth from her halls. AWARDING OF MEDALS Miss Agnes Fisher, having completed the graded course of music taught in the Academy, is entitled to the gold medal. Premium of application and highest average in Algebra in senior class, a gold medal, awarded to Miss Nettie Harris. Senior Division Premium of highest general average and highest grade in Geometry, awarded to Miss Rushie Lael. Junior Division Premium of Christian Doctrine, a gold medal, awarded to Miss Katie Bann. Premium of Christian Doctrine, a gold medal awarded to Miss May Murphy. Senior Division Premium of conduct, a gold medal awarded to Miss Mamie Harris. Premium of conduct, a gold medal awarded to Miss Eula Steele. Junior Division - Premium of conduct and highest class standing, a gold medal awarded to Miss Cassie Duffie. Senior Division Premium of politeness, a gold medal awarded to Miss Birdie Peck Junior Division Premium of politeness, a silver medal awarded to Miss Emma Nassoy Premium of politeness, a silver medal awarded to Miss Josie Meehan Premium of politeness awarded to Miss Alice Cowthers Senior Division Premium of excellence, a gold medal, awarded to Miss Edna McDuffie Premium of application and satisfactory class standing, awarded to Miss Susie Fox. Premium of history and application, a gold medal, awarded to Miss Alma Meadows Premium of highest grade in history and zoology awarded to Miss Erin Murray Premium of general improvement awarded to Miss Elma Kelly Junior Division Premium of application awarded to Miss Annie Pitts Premium of regularity in attendance and application, a gold medal awarded to Miss Lula Doak Premium of application and highest grade in mathematics, a silver medal, awarded to Miss Minnie Hayes Premium of application to Miss Helen Harris Premium of Penmanship awarded to Miss Callie Chase Premium of application, a silver medal awarded to Miss Anna Baker Premium of general improvement and politeness awarded to Miss Ida Harrison Premium of music, 9th grade, a gold medal, awarded to Miss Lillie Royce Premium of vocal music, a gold medal awarded to Miss Clementine Overton The following ladies not being in attendance the entire year, are not entitled to premiums, but deserve an honorable mention for general improvement: Miss Effie Robertson Miss Louise Collins Miss Willie Warmack NOTES Miss Mary Pitts, of Pottsboro, a graduate, is a most lovely young lady, with beautiful brown eyes and tresses of sunny hair. Youth, health and beauty crown this sweet school girl. Miss Pitts was one of the intellectual queens of the evening's exercises. In the literary symposium, she was graciously awarded the post of honor, and acquitted herself with distinguished ability. In the Spirit's Warning Miss Ella Fullington sustained her character in a manner that elicited the highest encomium. The young lady has a fascinating presence and possesses histrionic ability, which, if persisted in, will bring her fame. The interpretation of her part was the subject of much favorable criticism, and made her clearly one of the favorites of the exercises. Miss Agnes Fisher was the recipient of a handsome gold watch from her parents. The Misses Amelia and Melvina LaRue received each a beautiful ruby ring, a graduating present from their sister, Mrs. Lizzie Watson. Miss Clementine Overton received the gold medal for vocal music which she so well merited. May everyone of those little folks on the program who so grandly demonstrated on this occasion the thorough and creditable training that they have received by the earnest efforts and true devotion of their instructors, be spared to reach the climax of laudable ambition, namely, the graduating class. One of the most notable and agreeable features of the closing exercises was the perfect enunciation of the pupils. The great drawback to most school commencement exercises is that half that is said is lost from the fact that the pupils "mouth" their words and stumble in their speech. Even the little tots have learned to speak plainly, while every word said by the grown pupils could be distinctly heard in every part of the great hall. This feature of the exercises was a great triumph for the Sisters. The class farewell was addressed to the audience and graduates by Miss Edna McDuffie. The young lady conveyed the thanks of the Sisters and the pupils, and bade an affectionate adieu to her associates.  St. Xavier's Academy History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |