The Ann Arbor High School

Commencement Exercises of a High Order

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Fine Essays & Orations

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Well Represented the Seventy Eight Graduates of the School

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The commencement exercises in the high school were opened Wednesday after a selection from Fischer's orchestra, the superintendent, H.M. Slauson, introduced the first speaker, Arthur Clark Cole, whose subject was, "Recent Polar Explorations." 

Mr. Cole reviewed the work done by recent explorers, and praised the work of Nansen and Peary. He said the most successful polar expeditions were not those fitted out by governments, but by individuals. His remarks were ably delivered and well received. 

The next speaker was Lydia Belle Norris, whose subject was, "American Humor." Miss Norris declared that the foremost American humorists, Mark Twain and Stockton, did more than make jokes; they were philosophers. The Dooley papers, though very funny, contain much wisdom, and have a large effect upon the thought of the nation. The speaker said that, despite man's declaration to the contrary, the American woman can see a joke as quickly as her brother. "She sees it as soon as he does, but it doesn't seem the funniest thing in the world to her."

Miss Louise Anna Mann followed with a well written essay entitled "We Want to Know." She enumerated some of the unsolved problems of today, and said that "one century brings forth enigmas, another endeavors to explain them. Knowledge consists in knowing what no one else knows, In our desire to gain knowledge of the future we are tempted to visit sorcerers, phrenologists, etc., but, the wisest thing to do is to take things as they come."

"Football Considered as a Fine Art," was the subject of Leo H. Darrow's essay, which proved to be one of the most interesting that was given. Mr. Darrow gave a history of football, and in a manner that had somewhat of irony in it. He tried to show that the game had developed into a fine art. "Who can imagine anything more artistic," said he, "than twenty-two men kicking and squirming after the skin of a slaughtered pig?"

"A Voice from the Past," was the subject of Miss Nellie MacNaughton's essay. It was a history of the progress of early races, and was told in the form of an idyll.

"The Other Fellow," was the title of an essay in which Victor Fitzpatrick took occasion to dwell upon human faults and weaknesses. It contained some very good ideas, and the appearance of such an essay is always timely.

Mildred M. Haire spoke on "Chivalry of the Twentieth Century." She said that although the old order of chivalry has taken its place." It is now a chivalry of heart and soul, a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood."

"Things to Remember and Things to Forget," was the title of Rosina Schenks essay. She said that although it is well to forget all unpleasant things, there is much to be remembered, especially in school life.

In "National Distinctions," Harold Wines showed wherein America is superior to other nations. His discourse showed him to be a patriotic American, and a student of political, social, and economic conditions of Europe and America.

Miss Mabel Wood was the last speaker, and in "School Spirit," she contended that students should not spend all their time study, but should actively support all the school's interests.

At the close of the exercises, J.W. Parry, president fo the graduating class, presented to the school in behalf of his classmates, the class memorial, the picture of J.W. Montgomery, of the science department. It was accepted in behalf of the school by E. F. Mills, president of the school board. Then, after the class song had been sung, 78 diplomas were handed out to the members of the class of '03. After the presentation of diplomas benediction was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Young.