Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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(Elfr (Clarion

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On Behalf of the Class of January 1940 The Editors of THE CLARION Respectfully Dedicate this Record to William C. Sparks, B. S., M. S. Supervisor of Playgrounds and Recreation IN DEDICATION Flattering words or flowery terms Fit not in this meditation, We owe a debt of gratitude, We pay it now in dedication. We dedicate our book to you, And may it now and ever be A living memory of our days Together spent in comradery. And may the words here inscribed Remain a tribute truly paid To one whose loyal help was lent When our bid for heights was made.

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lamtani 1940 Thank You, Stephen Girard The end of our ten years’ journey has been reached. Class- mate will soon bid classmate a fond farewell. Parting time has come at last, and with it comes, too, the realization that the first chapter of our lives is closed. We cannot leave Girard College without pausing for a few minutes to pay a humble tribute to the man who is responsible for everything that has been done for us here—Stephen Girard. It is difficult to refrain from choking with pride, emotion, and thanks when we think of this famed banker, merchant, and mariner whose foresight and magnanimity created this great school which we are privileged to call home. For indeed Girard College has been a home for the past ten years—a home which has offered us the best in life. The full significance of its numer¬ ous opportunities for self-teaching, character-developing, and manhood will be realized in the years to come. We the Class of January, 1940, are soon to go through the portals which we entered so long ago. An entirely new world will greet us with a challenge—a challenge which we shall accept and conquer. For we have something with which it has not reck¬ oned -the shining inspiration of Stephen Girard’s ideals to guide us through hectic moments and turbulent times. We have adopted the courage of a man who braved an epidemic to help his fellowmen; the spirit of a philanthropist who aided his be¬ loved adopted country through a war; the wisdom of a humani¬ tarian who left the most part of his fortune to a school to be built for poor boys. Words are not the language of the heart. They would be incapable of expressing our deep and sincere appreciation to this greatest of men. “Actions speak louder than words,” and our actions in the future must speak, not only for ourselves, but also for the school we are leaving and for the man who made its existence possible. As the years come and each of us goes his separate path, let us never forget this humble man whose generosity has helped mold our lives. All that we are, or all that we hope to be, we owe in no small part to Stephen Girard. Class of January, 1940