Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 125, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1912 — TWENTY-SIX GRADUATES RECEIVE DIPLOMAS. [ARTICLE]

TWENTY-SIX GRADUATES RECEIVE DIPLOMAS.

Splendid Address Delivered By Dr. H. L. Davis at the Methodist Church Thursday Evening. The thirtieth annua) commencement of the Rensselaer high school took place Thursday evening at the M. E. Church. The night was ideal and a large audience, parents, relatives and friends, were in attendance to pay homage to the twenty-six graduates in’their hour of triumph. Miss Georgie Harris played the piano prelude, while the members of the graduating class marched to their seats. The class made a splendid and imposing appearance. ‘The young ladles were dressed in dainty dresses of white and occupied the first two rows of seats. The opening number on the “program was “Commencement Ode,” sung by the high school chorus. This was followed by the Invocation by Rev. -Jv G.-Farrett, then came another song, “Praise Ye tfie Father, the high school chorus. - Superintendent I. N. Warren then introduced Dr. Henry L. Davis, the speaker of the evening. He chose for his theme, “Learning and Life.” Dr. Davis launched directly into his subject and eloquently pointed out the value of education in the everyday surroundings of life, although this learning need not necessarily be polished by a college career. His address was replete with logic and drove home a lesson that is destined to influence those graduates who are departing from school life to enter life’s school. Following the address was another number, “Morning Invitation,” sung "by the chorus. ~ A very pleasing talk by Virgil Robinson then followed. He spoke on the class of 1912 and gave an historical sketch from its entrance into high school four years agb with over seventy members, to the eve of graduation, with its twenty-six members, those who stood the test of the survival of the fittest. He brought his neat little talk to a close with the prediction that the members of the class would make their mark in the world in the various vocations that they might pursue. Principal C. R. Dean, in his speech of presentation of the class, stated that the work of each member had been efficient and satisfactory, had manifested a fine school spirit, and that they merited in every way the honor bestowed upon them. George A. Williams, after a short talk of encouragement, presented the diplomas, followed by the benediction by Rev. W. G. Winn.