Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 127, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 May 1920 — MONNETT COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES TUESDAY NIGHT [ARTICLE]

MONNETT COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES TUESDAY NIGHT

A good f audience greeted the graduates and pupils of Monnett school at the graduation exercises last night in the Methodist church. As the processional march was played by Miss Florence Allman, the 40 girls of tj»e school, attired in simple white dresses, marched down the aisle and filled the pulpit space. They sang several two-part choruses in a way that won for them hearty applause. Miss Ruth Moore of Chicago, a former graduate of the school, sang two numbers in a very pleasing manner and Mrs. Gwin played an organ number with characteristic skill. Rev. Edwin Wesley Dunlavy of Frankfort, gave a most excellent address on the subject, “ What Is Education," showing- himself thoroly conversant with present day educational standards and pointing out that, the supreme purpose of education is to fit us for the appreciation of the highest and best values in life and to render the highest type of service. The ten graduates wore white middy suits, made by themselves, and lavender ties, and carried a small bunch of violets, the class flower.

The church was beautifully decorated in the class colors with great masses of lilacs and bridal wreath and wild sweet peas—entirely covering the altar rail. A large number of out of town guests attended the exercises. Mrs. E. W. Dunlavy of Frankfort, Miss Gladys Summers of Augusta, IH., a former teacher in the school; Miss Doris Nicholson, Miss Ruth Moore, Miss Betty Flemming, Miss Frances Hallett, all of Chicago, and all former graduates; Mrs. D. E. May, Mrs. Stein, R. Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Bates, G. C. Kelling, Mrs. Ralph Lord, of Chicago; Miss Flo Kelling, of Milwaukee; Mr. Wedeking, of La'Porte; E. P. Vallette, Gary; Mrs Pearl Soule and Mr. Courtright, of Anderson; Mrs. A. B. Wolfe and Mrs. kelson. Scott, of Dana, Ind; Mrs. Riley Sutliff, Rev. O. R. South and Miss Marjorie, of Terre Haute; Miss Elizabeth Davidson, of Omaha; T. E. Heeter, of Toledo; Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Walker and Mr. and Mrs. Ceehner, Coshocton, Ohio; Wm. Apilegate and Miss Susie Knetz, of Streator, 111. The piano pupils of Miss Allman assisted by Mrs. Kenneth Allman, gave a recital at the school during he afternoon, after which an informal reception was given the visting patrons and friends of the school. This morning the out of town visitors, the teachers and students of the school enjoyed a picnic breakfast and a delightful social hour on the school lawn. Most of the visitors left for home during the day and tomorrow most of the girls will go home fbr the summer vacation, though eight or ten girls will remain at the school.

The school year has been an especially satisfactory one. The board of Managers held its annual meeting at the school yesterday morning and dined with teachers and pupils. The principal’s and treasurer’s reports showed over 311,000 received during the year with a balance bn hand sufficient to defray all expenses for the year. The Board is gratified with tins situation as the unforseen increase in expenses during the year made the financial outlook doubtful during the later months of the year. The Board felt the necessity of increasing the rate for tuition and board for the coming year? Miss Simpson reports that most of this year’s students are already enrolled for the coming year and also a large number of new students, with constant new applications. The work in the music department deserves special comment. Miss Allman and Mrs. Schaupp, as chorus director, have achieved splendid results this year. The corps of workers was reelected except two. Miss Myra Newton, who leaves for her home in New York this week and will be married as soon as she arrives there. Miss Meta Thomas, the office assistant and play director, goes to take charge of a branch of city mission work in her home town, Aurora, Hl. Miss Simpson reported several bequests which have been made in favor of the school during the year —the largest one a gift of $5,000 in the will of a friend whose name is withheld by request.