Marietta Daily Times, April 11, 1921
High School Graduation Interesting.
"A fitting climax to your High school careers."
These words of S. M. Thurlow, president of the Board of Education, is his farewell address to the seniors of Marietta High School at their commencement exercises held Friday evening at the Auditorium, fittingly describe the graduating ceremonies of the 95 boys and girls who made their exit from M.H.S.
On this occasion 53 girls and 42 boys, dressed in gray caps and gowns, took their places on the platform to hear the farewell words from members of their own class and their advisors through their four-year course. Before going to their seats, a processional headed by Lloyd Mitchell and Louise Clark marched through the aisles of the Auditorium. The stage was handsomely decorated with daisies and in the background were the seats of the graduates. In the group of dignified seniors were about 13 men who had made the Orange "M" on football field and on the basketball court and seven members of Marietta High's debating team who had won fame in forensics.
The program was opened by Rev. S. B. Norviel, who pronounced the invocation. This was followed by a number from the High School orchestra.
President Welcomes Guests
Wilbert Lindamood, president of the class, then gave the address of welcome in which he said that while such an occasion was the brightest point in the life of a high school student, there mingled a tang of sorrow in leaving the old gray stone building. He bade welcome to the audience and stated that the class of '21 would strive to perpetuate the name of M.H.S.
This was followed by an address made by Miss Louise Clark, entitled, "Today's Call to Youth." The speaker emphasized the need of trained service and co-operation in all the branches of life and said that the youth must be trained in the school and that leadership and co-operation could be best attained by training received in institutions of learning.
Miss Colene Norviel gave a beautiful rendition of"The Nightingale Has a Lyre of Gold." Her song was well received and she was encored. A song by the class came next. The blend of 95 voices received high commendation from the audience.
Miss Teft Speaks
Basing her talk on a new subject of the scientific world, Miss Edna Teft gave a highly interesting address on "Vitamines." She explained the use of this new element of food and gave an outline of the three different kinds, water soluble A, fat soluble B, and fat soluble C.
Considered one of the best on the list of essays, Edward Manley gave a practical talk on the use of wireless telegraphy. He first outlined the history of the wireless as it has been advanced since it originally was introduced to the world by Marconi. He then produced a receiving and sending set which he described in detail. During the latter part of his address, he talked through a Magnovox, a recent invention which is used in receiving sound waves in order to increase their volume. He was assisted by Herbert Isaacs on the stage while George Withington, from his station in the tower of the court house, sent messages which were received on the stage and made audible through the Magnovox. In talking to his sender, Manley called his transmitting apparatus into play. Young Manley is an able exponent of wireless telegraphy and his number was watched with interest. This was an entirely novel performance and received much favorable comment.
Good Musical Number
A duet by Misses Narcissa Williamson on the violin and Alline Thurlow playing the cello, followed. They rendered two fine numbers. An essay by Miss Georgia Beltz, in which she told of numerous social principles that must be lived up, was interesting.
"The Dangers of the New Social Ideal" was the subject of an address made by Harold Mills. He is a finished orator and his essay was forcefully put across. His talk embodied a review of the new radical idea in our present social life and its menace to the country, which he said was the greatest the United States faced today.
Taking as her subject the "Great Emancipation," Miss Roselyn Beltz, valedictorian of the class, gave a discourse on the benefits of woman suffrage and what it means to the country. She emphatically informed her hearers that the young woman should be trained for this civic responsibility in her school years.
An overture by the Orchestra - Poet and Peasant - followed.
Address to Graduates
S. M. Thurlow followed with a farewell speech to the members of the class. By means of a graphic illustration he informed the grads that their paths of success lay in following the line of work for which they were best fitted, and that a permanent value could come only through labor. He then issued the diplomas. The sheepskins, tied in Orange and Black ribbon, were distributed among the members of the class by Alice Brooks and Kent Leach.
This was followed by the presentation of scholarships by Principal Leach. Miss Roselyn Beltz, who had an average of 96.92 per cent for her four year's work, was awarded a two-year scholarship to Marietta College. Miss Louise Clark, who stood second with an average of 95.03, was given a half scholarship which allows for one year in the college.
The concluding number was the singing of the class song by the members of the class.
The program, while a trifle long, was highly appreciated by the large house which witnessed the passing of these young men and women into the alumni of Marietta High school. It was staged under the supervision of Principal H. W. Leach.
