Plainfield High School - Milestone Yearbook (Plainfield, NJ)

Page 13 text:

THE ORACLE dd Salutatory Address Effie A. Beekman We, the class of 1912, welcome you all to our commencement exer- cises. As we think over the events of the last four years, we are sin- cerely grateful and we hope in the future we will be able to repay you for your active interest in our wel- fare. Through the untiring efforts of Doctor Maxson and the Board of Education, supported by the citi- zens of Plainfield, we have been given our beautiful High School with all the privileges of fine equip- ment and an efficient corps of teachers. The Board have spared neither time nor effort in order to give us the greatest possible ad- vantage and we want to assure them of our warmest appreciation. Our Principal has so planned the work that our life in Plainfield High School has been happy as well as beneficial, and our teachers have always been sympathetic friends as well as inspiring instructors. Tonight marks the beginning of a new era in our lives, the opening of a door leading to a broader life; at this time our hearts and minds are especially ready to respond to the words of advice which you, Mr. Speaker of the evening, may give to us. Yes, these years have been full of gifts and now the time has come for us to make a return, to show what qualities we have gained which will make us better, more useful citizens. We do not wish to be mere recipients, or to accept this education from you as a gift, but we expect to make a return in the form of better citizenship. We owe that to you, the old, loyal citizens of Plainfield.

Page 12 text:

THE ORACLE Galiacstsee area Our run in High is almost o’er; Our acting here is nearly done; And what we’ve had of toil, or fun, Will soon be part of mem’ry’s store. The friendships that have started here, Will last for aye, through storm or sun; The thought of victories we have won, Will help our dreary days to cheer. The four years spent upon this stage Have been great steps toward future power, For we have learned each passing hour, Some truth which holds through every age. Here we have learned our roles to act, As seemed to best portray the part, To shun the stilt of studied art, To use simplicity and tact. We've learned to lend a helping hand, To those who are less fortunate; To share our pleasures, small of great; For truth and honor e’er to stand. And now as we go forth to play Upon the broader stage of life, May we, when pulled into the strife, By honest labor win the day. May we e’er guard each word and deed, Lest thoughtlessly we wound a friend; And give our lives the upward tend, By following our Master’s lead. May we with righteous peace be shod, As earth’s rough paths we wander through; “May we to our own selves be true,”’ And to the world, and to our God.

Page 14 text:

In hie eORACGEIE Valedictory Address Helen Louise Woolley Classmates, tonight it is given to us to know the contentment of something accomplished, and al- though we regret that it means a parting, we are happy in the op- portunities opening before us. We have lived together happily during four years of work and play, and we are deeply grateful that they have been ours to enjoy and to keep in memory in the years to come. Now we are rich in the posses- sion of our ideals and our enthu- siasm. Now all things are possi- ble to us. We can make or mar our future as we choose. May we make an earnest effort to hold fast to the highest desires and a joy of living and doing. Then when privileges and opportunities come to us, we shall be able and ready to use them, and not at a loss to act. May we be .3 strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”