Central Collegiate Institute - Analecta Yearbook (Calgary, Alberta Canada)

Page 12 text:

10 The Analecta VALEDICTORY As we pronounce this lingering farewell, and we seek to discover what our four High School years have brought us, no mere emotional sentimentality must sway our thoughts. The happy friendships, the disappointments, the glor¬ ious experiences and the disillusionments have their rightful place in our reck¬ oning, but one subordinate to a greater issue. For in estimating the value of school life, one question with its sincere, unbiased answer, must stand out in sharp relief against the clamor of thronging memories .... “How well are we fitted to meet the problems with which the future will confront us? In faithful consideration of this matter, we must evaluate not only the opportunities offered, but also the use made of these opportunities. School has offered us knowledge primarily, but not only knowledge. Through its teachers, comes association with scholarly men and women, eager to im¬ part more than book-learning, more than curricula requirements. They strive to develop a sense of the right use of all learning, which is Wisdom. School has offered us the privilege of living with others, sharing their ideas and aspir¬ ations. We have been taught to think, and to be interested in men and af¬ fairs. In our council and our clubs, we have been shown the value of a train¬ ing, not only academic, but social as well, and in this “social training”, our outlook on the beliefs and the ideals of others has been broadened. But al¬ though we realize that all the value of our schooling does not lie between the covers of our text books, we should never belittle the contribution made by a thorough mastering of our studies. For in accomplishing this, we also un¬ consciously acquire the power to think, to concentrate and to apply ourselves. These are the opportunities, — how well have we used them? But one more word needs to be said, and that to the undergraduates. In the long roll call of graduating classes, each answers in a greater or lesser degree to the high ideals of fair play and efficiency, leaving its mark on the life of the school. We will soon be Yesterday, but you are to-day and To¬ morrow. In you lies the life and spirit of the school. “To you we fling the torch. Be yours to hold it high!” This is our challenge . Farewell! MARY BEARD, XII “B.” 1935.