Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 8 text:

JtbtzjiliEU (f Lzazd, 3 ' ouncUz of fizazd (JotXzcjZ None goes his way alone; There is a destiny that makes us brothers;

Page 7 text:

Class of June, 1955 3 The Editors Dedicate This Class Book with Deep Appreciation to our Hosts

Page 9 text:

Class of June, 1955 5 Stephen Girard was a man who lived and loved and worked and dreamed, just as you and 1 do. But he gathered, through hard work and shrewd financing, a fortune in excess of that accumulated by any other millionaire then alive. The result of this was, as it is with every wealthy man who holds a firm belief in the sanctity of labor, that people who believed that no man should acquire more than another took malicious swipes at his stature. But he, as a truly great man, allowed no untruths to interfere with the attaining of his goal in life. Today we of Girard College are enjoying the benefits of that ultimate achievement. In effect, Mr. Girard himself is among us, distributing—from his own plenteous but hard- earned means — food, clothing, shelter, and one of the finest, fullest elementary and secondary educations in this country. We address to our founder and foster-father, Stephen Girard, an appreciation deeper and stronger than mere thanks—an emotion that finds inadequate expression in words; we must manifest it in actions. Paraphrasing our founder’s own words, we now say, Our deeds must be our thanks.” We have been instructed in such a way that each one of us will fit smoothly into a desirable place in the outside world, despite eight years of relative seclusion. Our achievements hereafter must serve to demonstrate our gratitude for the education and experience that made them possible. Words are insufficient. We realize, Mr. Girard, that you have made us neither what we are nor what we shall be, but rather you have given us the tools with which to forge and shape ourselves. We can do no more, and must do no less, than try to become the men that you hoped to make of your boys through this school. Today we leave your house with a full mind and a suddenly filled heart. Like a fine painting, Girard College cannot be appreciated for all it means to us until after we leave. The greater the distance, the clearer the view.” Then only can we realize how much of us we have left behind in the halls, on the playgrounds, and on the campus of your school. Good-by and thanks again! dCcis .i of ig55