Commerce High School - Commerce Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

Page 87 text:

The cup arrived at the High School of Commerce, its final destination, on Friday, April nineteenth. Here it will be kept in a conspicuous place, where it will serve the double purpose of reminding students of past glory, and inspiring them in the struggle for future victories. • • • We have won the cup. It is in our possession. We have won the championship. But this is no guarantee that we will win another championship, three years hence. To reach that goal, we must strive as hard in the future, as we have in the past. Therefore, we call upon all those of this school who have the ability, to put forth their best efforts toward this end; and to begin now. Our present status in debating is not due to the work of the last teams alone, nor to that of any oue of the preceding teams. Had any of the earlier debates been lost, our final victories would have been shorn of their chief glory; had these latter debates not been won, our earlier victories would now be without most of their significance. It is the accumulated effort of all the teams that has enabled our school to climb to the top. One of the important factors in our success was the able direction and keen criticism of our coach, Mr. H. T. McMyler. His was the guiding spirit that spurred us on. It is our fond hope that he may yet coach many a High School of Commerce team to vitcory. STEVEN SCHILLY, 1912. 85

Page 86 text:

Our team was now slightly changed; for, as Herman Kaplan had graduated in February, his place was filled by Henry Reich. Libraries were searched for every particle of information on the question: the material was carefully worked up into an argument; and then the walls of our auditorium re-echoed with the forceful addresses of Murphy ; the thunderous tones of Reich; and the earnest voice of Morrison, as our speakers delivered their message to a vast audience of vacant seats. The crowd that assembled in Commerce Auditorium on the night of March twenty-ninth was all that could be desired. Seven hundred people were present. Surely, the opportunity of addressing such an audience was worth all the effort that had been expended. No doubt, the size of our auditorium had something to do with the crowding, but still it was a goodly audience, and quite dispelled any notion of ours that we were talking to air. The audience was keyed up to a high pitch of expectancy, and the enthusiastic school yells did not cease until the speakers began, promptly at eight o’clock. Our fellows put up a steel-proof argument, and delivered it with such force and earnestness that they carried conviction to the minds of the audience. “Lincoln” did their best. Our fellows never faltered, but argued with an air of certainty that inspired confidence. Judging from results, the same could not be said of “Lincoln”. When the direct arguments were over, the Negative attempted to reply to our contentions, and failed. Whereupon Thomas Murphy, in a ten minute speech, with ease, grace, and convincing language, actually did refute “Lincoln’s” arguments. A brief interval of suspense, and then the decision was announced. It was what we had worked for and hoped for. and yet it was none the less gratifying: unanimous in favor of the Affirmative. We had won the trophy! The shaking of hands did not seem to end that night. Smiling faces were seen, and congratulations heard on every side. Everybody congratulated everybody else. Except, of course, the “Lincoln” people. 84

Page 88 text:

Prrarntation nf IBrbatittg (Srnpliii ON Friday, April 19th, at 2:30 P. M., the “trophy cup” was formally presented to the school by Mr. Lamar T. Beman, President of the Inter-scholastic Literary League, who presided, and also made a short speech. Mr. Weimer accepted the cup on behalf of the school. By special invitation the Debating teams of 1910, 1911, 1912 were present. The “1910“ team was composed of Harold Nichols, Fred Johnson and Herbert Sinek. John Tobin, George Groman and Walter Weel represented the school in 1911. While this year's teams were Thomas Murphy, Henry Reich, Wm. Morrison, Herman Kaplan and Steve Schilly. The orchestra and the glee club offered pleasing selections. Much enthusiasm was displayed, as the Rooters' Club was present with all members on hand. The occasion will long be remembered, as this is the first cup and championship the school has won. HENRY REICH, 1913. afyr Sanqurt ON Thursda}'. April 18th, a banquet was given at our lunch room by the teachers of this school. The guests of honor were Mr. McMyler and the debaters, Thomas Murphy, Henry Reich, Wm. Morrison, Herman Kaplan, and Steve Schilly. The others present were Mr. Weimer, Mr. Hoover, Miss Amidon, Miss Pittis, Miss Hadlow, Miss Ely, Miss Bandeen, Miss Hildreth, Miss Rohn, Miss Hagan, Miss Friedlander, Miss Corser, Mr. Heald, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Ditmer, Mr. Curry, Mr. Harsh, Mr. Gehring, Mr. Dutton, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Manville, Mr. Evans, Mr. Warfield, Mr. Weber, Miss Heal, Miss Maxwell, Miss Davis. The lunch room was decorated in the school colors and the tables were decorated with flowers. Mr. Heald acted as toastmaster. Mr. Weimer spoke on “A Look to the End.” Mr. Gordon’s topic was “Little, But Oh My.” Miss Amidon gave a toast to “Our Victory” and Steve Schilly responded with “The Cost of Victory.” Mr. McMyler spoke on “Appearances are Sometimes Deceiving.” The speeches were all greeted with great applause. And everybody expressed the wish that next year a banquet might also be held in honor of the victors. 86