West Philadelphia High School - Record Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Bliss Qlullzn

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Q letter from iliilr. itaepl To the Graduating Class of fune, 1927: N the National Gallery in London, encircling the base of the dome, ruhs a famous inscription, placed there by Sir .loshua Reynolds, President of the I Royal Academy and the greatest artist of his time in England. The works of those that have stood the test of timef' it runs, have a claim to that respect and veneration to which no modern can pretendf' We who live in the pro- gressive present, however, need not feel that things of abiding value are now beyond accomplishment for us. That which will stand the test of time may be accomplished today just as well as it could be accomplished at any time in the past. A hundred and forty years ago, in Philadelphia, the first faltering steps were taken toward the framing of the Constitution for the new Republic in America. The delegates to the Continental Congress met in the old State House, in May 1787, under the presidency of the great man whom we honor as the Father of our Country. Shortly before the session was formally opened, Wash- ington pointed out the grave nature of the problem that confronted them, and stressed the difficulty of accomplishing anything that would meet with popular approval. If, to please the people, he said, we'offer what we do not our- selves approve, how can we later justify our action? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The event is in the hands of Cod. The faith of our first president was justified. The Constitution of the United States has stood the test of time and will long continue to do so. Let us all hold high its noble standard, and so conduct ourselves under it, as true citi- zens, that the further test of the years to come will entitle us to the complete respect of those who must build upon that which we transmit to them. As graduates of a great public school, it is for you faithfully to carry through your lives those principles that you have here established. Our best wishes for genuine success will be always with you. Very sincerely yours, CHARLES C. HEYL.

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greetings tu the Glass of Blanc, 1927 HE friendly nod and greeting that we exchange make our journeys to and fro more memorable. Be it just a chance expression of interest or sympathy, somehow it adds to our purpose. Though we, at West Philadelphia, may not often pass your way after commencement, we are continually interested in you none the less. - You are probably saying in the spirit of the explorer, What shall I find around the nearby corner? ' Whatever you have decided to make your next adventure, and wherever it leads you, my gift to you is a minature Torch, which l hope will search out for you many new and delightful byways. May its rays ever urge you on to the treasure that is always waiting just ahead. May its gleam remind you not only of the ideals that you have woven into your character here, but of newer and higher ones that you will gather on your way. As you achieve one ambition and reach on toward another, my good wishes go with you and the Torch of Honor and Purpose is their symbol. STELLA C. CULLEN.