Coplay High School - Coplayite Yearbook (Coplay, PA)

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especially will the forceful personality of Governor Glenn be long remembered by his hearers. The closing days of the term found all eager and impatient for the coming vacation, and when the final day came, all departed joyfully for a pleasant ten-day vacation at their respective homes. On the second day of the new year all returned greatly refreshed in body and mind, filled with increased zeal for the coming tasks, which by no means proved to be small ones. Unfavorable weather kept the great body of students closely housed during the greater part of the term. Whittier’s birthday was fittingly observed on his birthday anniversary, when a member of the class recited one of his poems at the chapel exercises. Lincoln’s birthday was similarly observed. The work of the Young Men’s and the Young Women’s Christian Associations during the winter term, as indeed throughout the year, was highly commendable. Unusual interest was manifested in both the individual and joint meetings of the associations. The crowning event of the winter term was the anniversary of the Keystone Literary Society. The excellence of the program called forth editorial comment from the leading educational journals and newspapers of the country. Time sped rapidly and almost before we realized it the eleven weeks of the winter term had passed. On St. Patrick’s Day all departed for a short vacation at home. Ten days later and all were again assembled within Normal halls, eager to take up the work of the last and, in many respects, the most important term of the year. The usual reception was given to the new students on Friday evening. On April 8th a bazaar was given by the Y. M. C. A. The interior of the spacious gymnasium was appropriately decorated for the occasion. Several class meetings were held during the year at which officers were elected, colors selected, and other business of minor importance accomplished. Early in the term a system was introduced in connection with the study of botany, which proved of great interest and value. In addition to the classroom work, the students in this subject were required to do practical outdoor work. The large garden provided for this purpose was laid out in plots, and to each student was assigned one of these plots. Various kinds of vegetables and flowers were planted. The condition in which the garden was kept showed the interest that the students are taking in practical work. 16

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MIDDLE YEAR. The shortest life is longest, if 'tis best; Tis ours to work to God belongs the rest. Our lives are measured by the deeds we do, The thoughts we think, the objects we pursue. —J. W. Westlake. AVING successfully passed through probably the most difficult and trying year of our normal course, we are about to step upon the threshold of seniority. In looking back over the school year that has just passed I am led to believe that it has been one of eminent success. A brief account of the important events in their chronological order is desirable at this time. September 6th, the opening day of the fall term, was characterized by the usual congestion of traffic, hearty handshakes, and the recounting of vacational experiences. A large number joined the class who had passed the examination the spring previous. These, together with an almost equally large number of others known as Junior-Middlers, helped to swell the size of the class until the number overreached the two-hundred mark, making it the largest middle class enrolled at the Keystone Normal up to this time. The first days sped rapidly and Friday evening found all in eagerness for the usual reception to new students given under the auspices of the Young Men's and Young Women’s Christian Associations. Here the new students were at once put at ease and soon all constraint was cast aside. By far the most interesting feature of the evening was the activity displayed by the “recruiting committees” of the rival societies, which produced an abundance of fun and greatly enhanced the growing feeling of fellowship among the students. Thereafter, so long as the weather was favorable, baseball and tennis afforded recreation for leisure moments. Hallowe’en was appropriately observed. The dining room was artistically decorated for the occasion and the menu was exceptionally excellent. Closely following Hallowe’en came Thanksgiving Day. Work was suspended for the day and all gave themselves up to a fitting observance of the festival. At 11 o’clock the students gathered in the chapel where services were held. Attorney Harvey Heinly, of Reading, delivered an inspiring address. The surpassing feature of the fall term was the anniversary of the Philomathean Literary Society, which eclipsed that of all previous occasions. The lecture course was exceptionally good, and •5

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On May 13th the first annual Field Day and I’lay Picnic was held. High school students from all parts of Berks County were present and participated in the various contests, while the pupils of the model school gave exhibition games to teachers and directors. Early in the term baseball practice began, and one of the strongest teams the Normal has ever had was produced. This report, together with tennis, afforded the principal means of diversion and amusement. Several class meetings were held during the year at which officers were elected, colors selected, and other business of minor importance accomplished. The time for preliminary and State Board examinations was at hand almost before we realized it, and it was only after the final announcements were made, and it was seen that the great majority of the class had passed, that we again breathed freely. Class day and commencement having been observed, all departed for their homes with many brilliant memories. In conclusion, the class of 1912 may well be proud of its achievements during its first two years at Kutztown, and its prospects are very bright for success during the remainder of its pleasant sojourn at its Alma Mater. That the class of 1912 may ever be known as a body of worthy and loyal sons and daughters of Keystone Normal is its highest aim. OW slowly the days passed while waiting to be Seniors. But » the time came at length when the Middle class of 1911 became the Senior class of 1912. A few days afterward we left for our respective homes to spend our summer vacation. On September 6th the sounds of many voices once more filled the halls of Keystone, and this illustrious class had returned for another year, each and every one determined to do their best in order to add to the glory of 1912. The first night was given to registration, and thus we had ample time to greet old friends and find out “what section they were in.” The next day classes began and we soon realized that it needed determination to succeed in the work which was before us. It took the first week to get William Kenneth Knecht. SENIOR YEAR.