Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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I would have them learn facts and things rather than words and signs. Stephen Qirard’s Will (Earintbian [ 4 ] 3Jmiliary

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On Behalf of the Class of January 1941 The Editors of THE CORINTHIAN Respectfully Dedicate this Record to Alford G. Otto, Coach On starting down the track of life, In our memories there will shine, A man. unconquerable in time of strife, A leader clean and strong in mind. The fire of battle in every heart, Our sturdy team crosses the line, For there is our coach who gave us a start, A trainer of men, strong-hearted and kind. A cheer for the school, noble and strong, A cheer for the team, victory today, Three cheers for our coach, from all in the throng, He trained our men to fight all the way. 1941 [ 3 ] Wl)? Glnritttljtan

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“Thank You, Stephen Girard!” On May 20, 1750, in Bordeaux, France, a boy who was to become one of the greatest benefactors the world has ever known was born. In eighty years he was to endow one of the best known schools for free education that has ever been conceived. The boy, of course, was Stephen Girard, and Girard College came to be his school. For almost a decade this school has been the home and sanctuary of our class, and so it will be of many others who will graduate after us. When we leave Girard, after the Commencement Exercises in January 1941, we shall re¬ call with happy gratitude the many ex¬ periences of our childhood and young manhood, and the valuable lessons we learned in the school which has been re¬ sponsible for giving so many boys a bet¬ ter start in the complex world outside. This great gift to youth was made possi ble through a Frenchman who at the age of twenty-six arrived in Philadel¬ phia in May, 1776. For twelve years he had been separated from his family and had no permanent residence in any country. Philadelphia became his first real home. He landed here at a time when the colonies were in great need of help in the war against England. At once Girard became a citizen of the United States. As a fervent patriot he subscribed in 1814 a sum of money making it possible for this country to carry on the second war with England. He was a loyal citizen, and in this spirit made provision in his will for the teach¬ ing of appreciation of our American citi¬ zenship where he said, “I desire that by every proper means, a pure attachment to our republican institutions, and to the sacred rights of conscience as guar¬ anteed by our happy constitution, be formed and fostered in the minds of the scholars.” In addition to the instilling of a pa¬ triotic citizenship, Girard boys are taught other practical subjects mentioned by the foresighted Girard in his will. He saw far enough ahead of his time to di¬ rect the teaching of some subjects which in his day were thought to be of no use. Another phase of our education in Girard is religious training. The Bible was the first book brought into Girard College, and all through our stay here we have come to know and appreciate it. Daily Chapel services have inculcated among us the great Good which is derived from the Bible. Talks by leaders in their chosen professions have also been in¬ cluded in our inspirational training. Those who accuse Girard of being an atheist, and Girard College of failing to teach religion, will find among Girard boys a sound and working knowledge of the Bible. For this, which will serve us well in life, we are very grateful. In connection with patriotic, scholas¬ tic, and religious training, we also have health and athletic instruction. Girard has one of the best developed athletic organizations of all schools. There are five school teams in interscholastic com¬ petition, and many other teams engag¬ ing in intra-mural contests. Under this arrangement nearly every boy has a chance to participate in some sport. A modern library containing seventy thousand volumes, a fully equipped vo¬ cational department offering Commercial and Mechanical Courses, and many other facilities for developing one’s personal interests, have grown out of the gene¬ rosity of Stephen Girard. One of the biggest factors of our life in the College has been the kind help of and the friendly relationship with our teachers, governesses, and housemasters. Nowhere else in this country is such a fine group of experienced and thought¬ ful advisers gathered together in one school. We are indeed fortunate to have had the benefit of their training. For cultural, vocational, and athletic education, and the development of our talents, for the best opportunity in the world given to boys, we humbly thank you, Stephen Girard. When we, the Class of January, 1941, graduate, we promise to uphold the high ideals and lofty de¬ votion to God and country, which you, a Great Father to us all showed in your life. 1941 [ 5 ] Site (EnrUttijiatt