East Sparta High School - Spartan Yearbook (East Sparta, OH)

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'N x -ll-I-A -' GWQQ l!g?' Heir I p SX il .- 'K 'Q I ' v 3 . I I ' ' Ill N jui ' THE VALEDICTORY Tonight as we meet upon this platform to take part in these commencement exercises, we feel two'different emotions. 'Twelve eventful years of schooling are over. We are sorry, for they were happy years. But 'at the same time a spirit of exultation surges 'deeply within us, for we realize that soon we are to take our places in a new and different type of existence beyond the classroom walls. This then, is the event for which we have been preparing. b N n v W Un r D H I 1- Q Before Wwe go, we'wish 'to thankh our' superintendent, Mr? Sehnitzer, the' Board of Education, our teachers, and'parents1Ur the opportunity of going to school and for their care and guidance while we were here. But there is a larger issue we may forget to be thankful for. We may over look it entirely or just take it for granted. 'We are speaking new of the fact that we live in a democracy under which free public schools are possible. And after graduation this same democracy will give us equal right to pursue whatever we think best for our happiness. ' When the news of the birth of a new nation, the Uhited.StEes of America, was sent over the world, it was predicted to have an early downfall. It was believed that the principles upon which America was founded were too radical for a monarchistic world. Today America has not only eutstripped all nation in material and intellectual progress,'but in that 'higher domain where moral forces reign supreme. Her opinion places the stamp of finality upon judgments affecting the destiny of nations. The 'glory and achievement of our country is men, not things: These men could build railroads, bridges, factories and markets, and surpass every nation of the earth in trade and commeree.' This would not merely show the'material wealth of our land, but'they would represent the energy, the ingenuity, the intelligence, and the courage of men inspired by the conviction that they were born free and equal. Ne just conception' of the making ofTAmer16a'from the beginning, no rational understanding of her present and.fubwre, can ignore' the relation of man to the material development of our country ahdn'the influence of modern methods upon the citizen and his government.

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IUR-UEUJQHUUHIUU locker room which is indeed a convenience during athletic games. A few months ago the band and different music organizations occupied the gymn, this was a handicap to the music department as well as to the other classes. New a very fine iLittle Theatregn has been added for the music classes and also for the purpose of seeing motion pictures. This room has four large windows from which hang blue velvet drapes and also the stage is adorned with the same kind of curtains. 1 ' There has also been added a new Senior room. It is a very nice room with excellent lighting facilities. In the upper hall there has been two new windows made in the , 1 wall, before these windows were made the upper hall was very dark, new it is much lighter. A system of time clocks have been placed throughout the school which are opperctcd by a master clock in the office, this automatically rings the class bells. A A ,M F' L SH? 35. N

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'N mf. fp r l p -QIQ w o Ev'-'1'..-.... VALEDYCTORY'-CONTlNUED Our industrial and commercial progress has amazed and alarmed the competing countries of the world. America now stands foremost among the nations of the earth in manufacturing, mining, commerce, and agriculture. While we are building America on the basic principle, democ- racy, we are building a structure to endure with time. Our country has gold, silver, woods, and lakes, within it, but we must remember that these gifts of nature can be found in every land. It is our sacred constitutional liberty, and all that it signiff es to the American citizen, that sweetens the airwe breatte, and makes our great possessions more attractive to the world's home-seekers than those of all other lands. From the beginning of our national life, there have come to us, out of all the countries of the world, liberty-loving people, seeking political freedom and equality of opportunity for themselves and for their children. And this great tide of immigration has been quickly merged with the native-born American into one people, by common purpose and unity of ideal. These are the people of America, their spirit is of Americanism. Americanism is action and not sentiment. It upholds the American ideals and brands as Wslackersn those who claim American protection and still at the same time, amid thmr responsibilities. It expects every man to do his duty and to add his portion to the aggregate of nobleness and honorg to obey laws and be obedient to them, and to extend good will and justice to all. True Americanism means an improved attitude toward schools. No one can deny that knowledge is better than ignorance. True Americanism calls for the abolition of special privileges both in the industries and politics. Management belongs to. both capital and abor. These are some of the principles of true Americanism. It is our duty to defend them cheerfully and willingly. We must encour- age others to become acquainted with our american problems and aid them in solving these problems. The graduating classes of today, must do their part in helping to make America the ideal place in the world. May God give us grace to perform these duties.