Cobb Memorial School - Reflector Yearbook (Ruffin, NC)

Page 31 text:

SALUTATORY ADDRESS Dear Parents, Friends and Teachers, One and all: I wonder it you can realize just how proud we are of this privilege of appearing before you tonight and bidding you welcome to the graduation exercises in which we are participating as seniors passing from this sphere of education into a world of unlimited horizons. As we step forth to represent in the outside world the school from which we pass, you have a right to ask of us that we show our colors . . . that we give voice to our principles, our aims, our ambitions. . . for it is through them and what we make of them that all honor must reflect upon the school whose seal we bear. We trust that you may ever find us faithful to those virtues for which you have trained and taught us to stand, as we face the problems that confront us outside. My classmates have conferred upon me the great honor of speak¬ ing the words that shall bid you welcome here tonight. I am very grateful to them for this mark of their favor, but still, as I look upon you faces, so much more clearly marked with the lines of wisdom and wider experience than ours may be for many years to come, I cannot but feel that the words of welcome should come from vou. You have demonstrated your interest in us by coming to listen to all that we may have to say during this one little hour of our lives, yet it is we who are passing out into your midst; we who are joining you in the larger school of progress outside these doors, we who are entering into your pursuits and pleasures, and becoming one with you in the social and business centers that make up active life. So much of our success there will depend, too, upon the way in which you receive us and the spirit in which you respond to our enthusiasm. Is it not we, then, who should ask for the glad hand of welcome? Is it not we who are the outsiders, seeking for admission to your association and favor? Is it not we, who though we have now the pleasure and privilege of entertaining you for an hour at this turn of the road, must yet step forth and demand our share in all that has been yours for so long? Then, while we do truly thank you most humbly for coming and trust you may have every cause to long remember with a thrill of pleasure the associations of this hour, we yet feel that we must also ask your forbearance and kind sympathy, and crave from each of you, as we step forth into your midst, the warm hand-shake and cordial smile that will assure us of your joy at bidding us welcome. Elizabeth Law