Auburn High School - Trojan / Oracle Yearbook (Auburn, IL)

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along the verge of a precipice—a false step here, and we would he crushed on the rocks below. Frequently we were frightened by terrible storms during which the lightning and thunder played hide and seek in the mountains. Those storms were examinations and, although they were very severe at first, the farther upward we went the less force they seemed to have, for we were all the time becoming stronger. Our persistence and hard work were lessening the effect of the storms. Many who were not doing their best work were frightened and turned back. Indeed more left us during this first storm period than at any time afterward. All this time the tall mountain pines had darkened our way and it was only at times we could catch a glimpse of the sky. So we advanced a lit 1 lc each day, stumbling and faltering sometimes but never losing ground or turn- ing back. Then gradually our path grew a little wider and more cleared. The ascent also seemed less dangerous to us for we were growing accustomed to climbing and as the fear of falling became smaller we were more able to enjoy ourselves along the way. Some of our members began to win honors in the mountain sports. But best of all, now we could see the golden peaks when the wind drove the clouds away. We began to enjoy the wonderful scenery, especially the pines which, tall and stately, had seemed to reach almost to Heaven. We even began to like climb'ng itself and we often had strength contests to see which one could go the farthest without a staff. There passed two more years—happy ones they were, though we still encountered diffi- culties and our brows were often Avet with perspiration. At the beginning of our Senior years we reached the timber line. There were no more trees to obstruct the trail but there were steep paths and rugged rocks still before us. The higher we journyed the farther we could see, un- til all the country for many miles appeared before us as one great beautiful panorama, showing our understanding and vision were becoming wider and greater. At first we had traveled very slowly, but as we went upward on this home stretch, the path wound toward the top steeper and steeper; we hurried on and on, faster and faster, while excitement and anticipation made our heads dizzy and our hearts thrill. Then before we scarcely realize it, we are here on the peak, the summit of this Mountain of Knowledge. But what is our surprise to find beyond this another mountain range still larger and more rugged. On one side we see The Mount of More Knowledge, on another Specialized Training Peak. In the valley between the two mountain ranges is a city which is prosperous and wealthy. It is tilled with High School graduates. Beyond the distant moun- tain range lies another city. It is a marvelous place ten times richer, healthier and more inspiring than the other, due to its higher position. This is popu- lated with College graduates. Tonight we stand on the pinnacle. As we look backward we are proud that we have accomplished so much. We are glad that we have worked so hard. As we look forward we find this is Ihe turning point, the crisis of our lives. We will either climb farther and upward to greater heights or remain in the valley at out feet. Let us not stop there but let us ever be ascending in this journey of life, striving to go upward and onward, and perhaps some day we will be worthy to be mentioned in the Hall of Fame, not simply for wealth and achievement, but because we have rendered some good service to man- kind if no other than living a pure, noble life. Climbing these mountains means hard work for they are even wilder than the one we have just mounted: but because we have overcome the difficulties so far we shall have strength to overcome new and harder ones. 28

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SALUTATORY Parents, Teachers, and Friends: Our little boat stands tonight at the bending of the stream and we are pausing awhile that we may contemplate our past efforts and draw in a breath for the larger work ahead. We wonder if it is really necessary for any one to try to tell you in words how glad we are to have you with us as we linger here and consider the pleasant calmness of the waters through which we have passed. We have learned how useless words are when we try to express the deepest feelings of our hearts. We have also learned that there is no sweeter word in the English language than the word “Welcome’’. We really wish to say it to you and to say it in the right way. Especially do we bid our parents welcome to this little pause. We cannot leave this pleasant nook without thanking you from the bottom of our hearts. We hut have to remember that it was your countless sacrifices and your untir- ing efforts that poured oil on waters that might have been troubled. Our teachers, whose unending labor among us has prepared us for the greater work that lies beyond and made this vision of a broader life possible, we will remember with joy as the years go by. We feel sure, that without your words of steadiness and kindness in times of despair, the class of Nineteen Twenty-One would not be the largest that ever left the halls of the A. T. 11. S. To the Members of the Board of Education, whose silent unseen work among us. and whose influence behind us, have promoted the possibility of this night, we feel indebted forever. So in behalf of my class I bid vou all welcome. TERRY LINDNER. VALEDICTORY Friends, Teachers and Classmates: Four years ago, we the Class of 1921 stood at the foot of a wonderful mountain. We thought it the most beautiful sight that we had ever beheld as it towered majestically above us. Ilow eagerly we scanned the rugged sides and longed to begin the ascent. But, oh! how dreadfully large it was, how much hard climbing it would take to reach the top. Could we ever do it: We looked so dreadfully small and insignificant beside that monstrous pile. Behind us were the plains of infancy, the gradually sloping benches represent- ing our early school life, and the foot-hills, rough and rocky, which we thought we would never climb. Then the summit of the highest foot-hill stood there representing to us our greatest attainment yet, the eighth grade graduation. All this seemed easy to us now in comparison with climbing this rugged, precipitous mountain whose top was hidden from view by clouds. Weariness sometimes made these clouds appear black and gloomy, other times hope or joy made them look pink and rosy. We were given provisions from which to feed upon and a climbing staff to aid us over the difficult places. Our provisions were plain and coarse but substantial and necessary to sustain life until we reached the top. The first few thousand feet were terrible. Everything was so new and hard. Sometimes our path was overgrown with weeds and brambles, and we had to stop and cut them before we could go on. Sometimes it led around monstrous rocks which seemed ready to fall and crush us. Other times il wound

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Tonighl out- feelings of joy and sorrow are mingled. Joy, because we have accomplished so much ; sorrow, because we will not be in the dear old school next year. We feci sorry that our class which has worked together for four long years will be broken up and perhaps never all be gathered together again. Now although we have struggled hard to gain these heights on which we stand, we realize we would never have reached them if it had not been for willing and efficient help: if someone had not held down to us strong and capable hands. So we wish to thank all these helpers gratefully and joyfully.- First the directors and taxpayers who planned the journey and provided ns with guides and staffs. Second, the teachers who served as such competent guides inspiring us always to keep climbing upward, and helping us over the difficult places. Lastly, our parents and friends, who have sacrified many necessities in order that we might have the proper equipment and provisions for climbing. To friends and teachers we say, farewell. And to every member of the (’lass of 1921 who has successfully reached I lie summit of this wonderful climb, I say: Heaven is not reached at a single bound. But we build the ladder by which we rise From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies, And we mount to its summit round by round. I count this thing to be grandly true, That a noble deed is a step toward God, Lifting the soul from the common clod To a purer air and a fairer view. We rise by the things that are under our feet. By what we have mastered of good or gain, By the pride deposed or the passion slain And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet. ESTHER MORRISON. 29