Mount Vernon Seminary - Cupola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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Message to the Class of 19 B 3 Nearly a century has passed since Mrs. Somers first accepted pupils into her home on F Street, She regarded Mount Vernon as a place where young girls should continually be inspired and aided to grow towards a noble, helpful, gracious, Christian womanhood . Simultaneously, she be- lieved that education required an earnest appe- tite for the noblest things in nature, in art, in books, in friendship and in character . Your years at Mount Vernon have been full ones. At times, you have been genuinely enthusiastic in your pursuit of knowledge; upon occasion, you have been discouraged and have doubted the validity of a disciplined approach to learning. You have experienced the joy which comes with perception and understanding, whether it was in your academic work or in your contact with other human beings; you have also felt the isolation and loneliness which can accompany an outward ex- pression of one ' s convictions. Above all you have been given the opportunity to learn and to experi- ence the process of learning. In leaving Mount Vernon, I would have you remember three things: that an understanding of ignorance is a prerequisite for wisdom; that the spirit of individuality is sacred but not separate from the greater spirit of mankind; and that those who possess an earnest appetite for life, for work, for learning- will never he satisfied with the mediocre. In reflecting on these three, remember also your alma mater ' s well chosen motto; She conquers all things who conquers herself . You will always occupy a special place in the lives of the Pelhams, for your graduation marks the end of our Freshman year. We wish you Godspeed and bonne chance . Mr. Peter D. Pelham

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DEDICATION Mr. Peter Dun Jap Pelham This year marked the beginning of a new admin- istration at Mount Vernon, In the fall of 1962 Mr. Peter Dunlap Pelham came to fill the office of president. Mr, Pelham has had a. sound background to pre- pare him for his present work. When he had com- pleted four years at the Kent School, he attended Williams College in Massachusetts. After his graduation from college he went on to earn his Master ' s Degree at Harvard University, He has had experience as an assistant to the dean of admissions at Williams College. Presently he is finishing his work for the Doctor ' s Degree at the University of Virginia, There are many problems which confront a new president during his first year at a school, and it is difficult to work out the solutions to the satisfac- tion of both the faculty and the students. Yet, despite these difficulties and responsibilities, Mr, Pelham always finds time to listen to the requests and problems of the girls. Who could forget his cheerful hello , his friendly advice, the parties he gave for us, and his support of, and participa- tion in, the many school activities? The Pelham family, too, has become a part of school life This includes Mrs. Pelham, Melissa, and Peter, Jr. By opening their home to the school, they have made the students feel more strongly than ever that Mount Vernon is not only a place of learning but also their home. Already his diplomacy in handling the girls has won him their complete respect and admiration. His presence has infused fresh vigor into the life and outlook of the school, and he has brought a promise of new ideas to be added to our many old traditions. We feel truly fortunate to have Mr. Pelham as our president and we take pride in dedicating this yearbook to him in honor of his first year at Mount Vernon,

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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 13 Day Student Picnic 18 Registration Day 21 -Tour of Washington Old-Girl-New-Girl Party 2 2 - -Trip to Mount Vernon, Virginia 28 — A. A. Picnic OCTOBER 16 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test 18- 20 — Yearbook Conference at Columbia University 25 Underclassmen Elections Honors Assembly 27 Hallowe ' en Dance 30 Alumnae Council Arrives 31 Student Program for Alumnae Council NOVEMBER 1 -Founder ' s Day Installation of Mr, Pelham as President Alumnae Council Leaves 2 Junior-Senior Party 1 6 — Movie — ' Gig i ' ' 20 25 — Thanksgiving Recess DECEMBER 1 Scholastic Aptitude Test and Writing Sample for Seniors 2 Washington Area Religious Conference 7 Junior Class Fashion Show 15- Christmas Dance 17 Optima Christmas Party 18 Christmas Dinner and Program 19 — Christmas Vacation Begins JANUARY 6 — Christmas Vacation Ends 12 College Board Achievement Tests for Seniors 18-23 — Semester Examinations 23- 27 Weekend at The Homestead 25 End of First Semester 28 Beginning of Second Semester FEBRUARY 15- 16 — Religious Conference at Buck Hill Falls 16 — Valentine Dance 25-28 Posture Week MARCH 2 Scholastic Aptitude Test for Juniors 5 — National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test 7 — Sophomore Class Bazaar 20 — Spring Vacation Begins APRIL 2 Spring Vacation Ends 12 Good Friday— No classes 20 Glee Club Concert with Valley Forge Military Academy 26 Fathers ' Day ' Our Hearts Were Young and Gay ' ' — presented by Prep Players MAY 3-16 — Elections 9 Freshman Class Slave Sale 10 — Junior-Senior Banquet 1 1 Marriage of Figaro presented by voice students of Mme. Brodenova 13-16 — Advanced Placement Examinations 17 A. A, Banquet 18 — College Board Achievements lor Juniors 24 — Senior Chapel 24-29 Final Examinations JUNE 1 Alumnae Meeting Commencement Dance 2- Baccalaureate Service Class Night 3 — Commencement 5