Mount Vernon Seminary - Cupola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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HOUSE COUNCIL The boarders are governed by a council con- sisting of a president, secretary, and proctors who are selected from the boarders themselves. The president, who must be a senior, is elected at the end of her junior year to serve with the advisor, Mrs. Cleland, as the presiding officer over all house meetings. The proctors are elected every term to see that house rules are followed on their particu- lar halls. Their influence on others, their citizen- ship record, and reliability are all factors In choos- ing the girl who is to undertake the responsibilities of a proctor. When necessary, the entire House Council meets to decide upon the action to be taken against those who have broken the House Rules. At other times during the year all the boarders meet with Mrs. Cleland and the president of House Council in house meetings. The purpose of these is to dis- cuss any recent changes in the handbook and also to determine how everyone can better comply with the old rules. Besides being a student governing body, House Council is responsible for organizing the annual Christmas party tor the boarders. In the spring it gives an End-ohthe-Year party, also. House Council is an important part of the life of the boarders. Through it the girls are able to participate in the government of their school. Back row , left to right: Marian Oehrmg, Elizabeth Edwards. Front row: Jane Brady, Anne Morton, president, Meredith Elledge, Mrs. Cleland, advisor, Lynn Schemm. Absent ■ Elvira Baker, Margaret Gough, Jill Katz, Patricia Nelligan, Holly Ridgway, Elizabeth Smith. Nancy Wt : Barbara Wells, Margaret Wily, Jane Withers, 15

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Standing, left to right : Tempe Grant, Mrs, Lowry, advisor, Marianne McAllister, Delle Norman, Ltndy Knapp, vice-president, Cindy Collins, president. Second row sitting. Betty Ayers, Mary Griffith, secretary-treasurer, Betsy Henderson. First row, sitting: Lise Grant, Anne Morton, Carol Baker, Tina Boynton, Jane Withers, STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council plays a vital part at Mount Vernon. It serves to remind us to obey the rules, and when these are broken, it decides the neces- sary penalty. With the help of a successful honor system it insures the smooth running of the school life. Several times during the year this organization has meetings which are open to the entire student body. At these meetings any situations which have arisen can be discussed by everyone, and the problems faced in running a school can be fully appreciated by everyone. The Council is open to suggestions at this time and it has been happy to discover that many students are interested and will- ing to give their opinions on how to make the student government even more effective. This has led, to greater cooperation between the students and their school officers. The Student Council is composed of the presi- dent of the Student Body, the presidents and vice- presidents of every class., the House Council and Day Student presidents, the president of Optima, and a secretary -treasurer. Cindy has been an excellent president this year. Through her leader- ship the Council has been able to make a success of the difficult tasks which fall to it. Mrs. Lowry, who acts as advisor, has helped throughout the year with her good judgment and ready advice- Our Student Council is a member of an inter- school council which is composed of members from the governing bodies of various private schools in the area. The members of this council meet and compare the different ways in which problems are handled at their respective schools. Early in the year this interschool council spon- sored a mixer for seniors with the idea of giving students at different schools an opportunity to meet each other, A new year with a new President has made the need of a strong Student Council greater than ever. We have been fortunate in having such a council and are proud of the excellent job it has done. 14

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HDNDR PLEDGE 1 promise on my word of hcmor, to do my best to uphold the high tradi- tions of Mount Vernon; to be honest in oil academic work; to observe and comply with all the regulations of the school; to support the school officers and my team; to be trustworthy in whatever 1 do; and to reflect credit on my school by my speech , dress and behavior. When we become members of a community or group, we realize that the rules which govern us are needed in order to have the community run smoothly. For this reason we have an Honor Code at Mount Vernon. The Honor Code applies equally to every student and challenges her to be honest with herself and others. Perhaps one of the most important parts of the Honor Code is that we ALMA Our Alma Mater glorious , With loving hearts and proud. We crown thee all victorious And sing thy praise aloud. In loyalty we serve thee And strive to heed thy calf Mount Vernon , 0 Mount Vernon! Through self to conquer all You give unfailing kindness If trouble meet us here; Tou foster all our pleasures And moire them seem more dear. Nor time , nor care, nor sorrow Can these fair days erase , But they; with each to-morrow Help us new tasks to face . promise to do our best 4 ' to uphold it. In reality, the Code is the ultimate goal for an ideal com- munity or school. 11 every member had equal strength or was not tempted, then we would have an ideal community without a Code, but because a school is only as strong as its weakest member, each of us has tc assume responsibility to herself and to others. MATER Like breath of Spring ' s fresh morning That lifts the heart to song ; When courage droops and wavers And paths seem gray and long ; Will come thy dauntless spirit To help us on our way. Mount Vernon , 0 Mount Vernon! Hold fast thy tender sway. The changing years may bring us Some longed for dream of bliss , Yet memory will cherish A sympathy we miss . In hours of joy or sadness. Whatever our need may be, Mount Vernon, 0 Mount Vernon! Thy children turn to thee . 16