Beneath The Graceful Folds Of The American Flag

BENEATH THE GRACEFUL FOLDS OF THE AMERICAN FLAG Three Graduates of St. Thomas School Received Their Diplomas

Commencement Exercises Held Thursday When Martin J. Cavanaugh Delivered the Graduating Oration -- Father Kelly Presented the Diplomas

The commencement exercises of St. Thomas' High School were held in the school hall Thursday evening at 8 o'clock, when a class of three bright pupils were awarded diplomas.

The hall presented a very charming and beautiful appearance. The stage upon which the graduates were seated was decorated with a profusion of palms, pink and red roses and ferns. The graceful stars and stripes were canopied above the stage, while on either side were festooned the class colors, green and white.

The following musical program was rendered and very enthusiastically received: (a) March, (b) Simpie Avenu-St. Thomas' Orchestra. Etincelles - Piano solo. Overture- Mandolin Quartette. Mazurka - Instrumental. Serenade Borrdelaise - Violin Duo. March Triumphale- Instrumental. Selections- St. Thomas' Orchestra.

Each of the graduates took part in the program in a manner that reflected not only credit upon themselves, but also upon their able instructors.

Miss Agnes Donegan, read an essay on "Religious Education" in which she spoke of the necessity of religious training, quoting Washington in his farewell address. It is impossible to have morals without religion of a definite kind. Religion was necessary to the soul which has its season time as has everything else in nature; to the family; to the state. The school was the place to impart this religious education, while the mind was in its formative period.

Miss Genevieve Ryan spoke of the "Classics," the advantages of a classical training. It might seem useless to break the bread of the classics to those who are satisfied with stony science, but truth and one were a majority. The classics are the foundation of modern languages, essential to a broad, liberal education, the channels of the masterpieces of the world, the technicalities of the professions are expressed in them, they lead to the beginning of things intellectual.

The valedictory was given by Isadore Ross and was full of gratitude to teachers and pupils of the school. The scholar's course was traced from the beginning - from the alphabet to the use of the omnipotent X, by which any problem can be solved. Man was a social being and as such assumed obligations while others were thrust upon him.

The address to the graduates was given in a most eloquent and scholarly manner by Attorney Martin J. Cavanaugh. The speaker said it was an honor to graduate from such a school, the standing of which ranks first with those of its kind. He spoke feelingly of the meaning of commencement, with its severing of ties and companionships. He reminded the pupils that they should not think of the school as a thing of brick and mortar, but as a place which contains much of the highest and best inspirations that there are in life. He urged upon the graduates not to consider that their training ended with their diploma, but to keep on studying and advancing so that they might become factors in the great republic of letters. The right kind of education gives a moral as well as an intellectual training, otherwise it is a failure. It must also develop the true American spirit. It should not send one forth with a false idea of wealth.

In concluding he said it was not sufficient for one to be a factor for good in a mere locality, but in the community at large. He paid a high tribute to the excellent work of the school and the efficient corps of teachers.

At the close Rev. E. D. Kelly conferred the diplomas.