Annie Wright School - Shield Yearbook (Tacoma, WA)

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tiE eighth headmistress in the history of (Ke oeminary. Miss Ruth Jenkins, took her place among this honored line of Seminary principals in 1942. She hecame a part of the school almost at once, surrendering her whole spirit and selfless energies to its welfare. During her first year she was faced with the most critical period the Seminary had experienced. Her tireless efforts and excel- lent business ability played a large part in the continuation of the school, whose existence beyond this year was for some time a matter of doubt. Once the school was firmly established financially. Miss Jenkins devoted herself to all aspects of school life. Materially, she has accomplished innumerable improvements . But her greatest contribution lies in the personal contact she maintains with every girl. She is their ready confidante. Each one is keenly conscious of the unceasing inter- est Miss Jenkins takes in her — personally and academically. This sincere interest, combined with her wisdom and her delightful personality, have made her dearly loved bv t lu) knoxN ' her. 1 1

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Bishop of the Missionary District of Spokane, so much of his early and later min- istry was spent in Tacoma that we all came to feel that he belonged equally to us. and he was much beloved by all who knew his friendliness and kindly humor. The Reverend Sidney T. James. Rector of St. Luke s Church, was Chaplain when I assumed my work here in 1925. Mr. .James served faithfully and we II for nine years and resigned in October. 10 27. ' In November of that year I appointed the present Chaplain, the Reverend Arthur Bell. Rector of the then Saint Mark ' s Church and now Rector of the newly restored Saint Luke ' s Memorial Church. He has probably known, taught, and ministered to more Seminary girls than any other Chaplain the School ever had. 1 o all of them he has been friend and pastor, and I need not tell you how effectively he has ministered or how greatly he has endeared himself to all who have known him. I can Irulv add that my ovNji to Raynor Chapel, not only for the con- ferring of diplomas at Commencements but on all other occasions, will always be numbered among my happiest memories. Note: Another Chaplain was the Rev. Frederick Thomas Webb, who served from IPO ' S 1917. HEADMISTRESSES OF THE SEMINARY CHE role of headmistress in a girls ' school is one that calls for great capa- bility, sympathetic personality, and depth of character. The students are influenced by the ideals and the personality of their fieadmistress just as they are by the character and standards of their mothers. The influence and the reputation of the Wright oemmary in the past as in the present is due in large part to the contributions of its headmistresses. The Seminary had its beginning under the courageous leadership of Mrs. I-emuel H. Wells, who was its principal from 1884-1888. Under Mrs. Sarah K. White. 1889-1899. the school prospered until the depression of 189 5 as well as local conditions brought difficulties. By 1899. however, the comf)ined efforts of Mrs. White and Bishop Barker resulted again in a flourishing school. During these years Washington Territory became a state, an event which the w eminary celebrated by a half-holiday. Under Miss Mary Alice Port and under Miss Cora Fitch. 1900-1912. the high standards of the s( hool were continued. Miss Adelaide B. Preston. 1915-1929, devoted herself to building up customs and traditions that would make the Seminary a cherished memory in the hearts of its students as well as to maintaining the highest scholastic rank. L-nder her regime, also, the new school was built. The first principal to begin her period of service in the new building. Miss Sallie Edgerton Wilson. 1929-19 58. influenced the girls both by ihe warmth of her personality and by her scholastic ambitions for them. In 19 58 Mr. F. F aul Todd was made the Managing Director of the school, continuing in this position under Miss Elizabeth Fitch, who became headmistress in the fall of Kr,o 10

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SEMINARY TRADITIONS CRADmONS lend individuality to a school. The most vivid and colorful memories that graduates associate with their Alma Mater are strongly cen- tered in them. The Seminary is a school unusually rich in traditions which play an important part in the life of the girls. It is the purpose of the following section to present a record of the traditional privileges, ceremonies, and events which through their long standing have becomr an intpitrni part of Seminary life today. The day of arrival at the Seminary in the fall is the date of Annie s Birthday Party. This marks the first of traditional extra-curricular activities. The Head- mistress welcomes the girls and faculty in the Great Hall, and all the new girls are introduced to the group. The Masque Club initiates the girls into the more comical aspect of school life with a rather hastily organized but entertaining skit. Then the entire group join hands to form a huge circle as they sing the Alma Mater. The evening is climaxed by the cutting of Annie s birthday cake. This celebration is soon followed by the old girl - new girl party, the main feature of which is a basketball competition, held in Keator Hall on the first Saturday of the term. October brings Hallowe ' en, which at the Seminary is one of the most hilar- ious occasions of the year. Day students and boarders alike fill the dining-room with an amazing collection of unique costumes. After dinner everyone moves to Keator Hall, where the best of the costumes receive prizes. Here the faculty and each class of the Upper School present skits in competition for the Hallowe ' en Cup. As soon as the girls return from Thanksgiving vacation, preparations for the Christmas festivities begin. All the classes and the Mothers Club contribute to the success of the Christmas Carnival held in Keator Hall early in December. It is. however, sponsored by the seniors to help them obtain the fund necessary for the publication of the Shield. Gay booths of novelties, doll collections, enticing food, concessions, fortune telling, and a giant tree filled with trinkets completely change the aspect of Keator Hall. In recent years the Carnival has been supple- mented by a fashion show in the Great Hall for which the girls do the modeling. Soon after the Carnival it is time for the juniors to assume the leadership in decorating the school for the Christmas season. The gigantic tree which they trim for the front window of the Great Hall becomes the center of attraction. But no less important to the girls is the creche that is assembled each year on a table in the front hall. The week before Christmas vacation is noted for the importance of its activities. The first of these is the Christmas play. Both actors and audience contribute a spirit of reverence to this presentation of the Holy Nativity. This eventful week before Christmas vacation is remembered for yet another tradition. Perhaps the loveliest and most unforgettable of the Seminary traditions are those which take place in our Chapel. Certainly the afternoon Carol Service on the day before vacation is such a tradition. The evergreen decorations, the blending of many voices in carols, and the deep significance of the service can never be forgotten bv those who have attended it. 12