Grafton High School - Re Echo Yearbook (Grafton, WV)

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GRAFTON’S SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

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It is a pleasure to write the history of such a class, as this, the class of 1909 We have always been the favorite class ot the High School teachers, because it has constantly been our aim to be obedient and pleasing. As for the Board—well, we will cite for you two instances to show you how we have always stood in their estimation. Upon our entrance into the High School, the Board, ie-alizing the unusual merit of our brilliant class, decided to add a fourth year to our then three years course, in order to afford greater opportunity for the development of our superior talents. No class before us had ever attracted the attention of the Board in this wav. The classes following us will also profit by this additional year in the High School. Then this spring, when the question of caps and gowns was discussed, some of the members of the class, together with the High School teachers, objected to using them on the ground that they properly belong to colleges and universities and not to high schools. The board was earnestly besought and entreated to suspend or to repeal for our class this law requiring the use of the cap and gown at Commencement. The board sat in grave counsel for some time. It was hard for them to refuse any request coming from the members of this class, whose progress they had so eagerly watched, but finally, after hours of deliberation and discussion they came to this conclusion: “The only objection to the use of caps and gowns as 'lie apparel for the Sermon and the Commencement exercises are, as far as we can see, the extreme modesty of ihi class lest they shall in some way ape the dignity belonging as they think, strictly to colleges and universities. Now, since the objection is attributed to sheer modesty, we believe it is our duty, as well as our pleasure to confer upon them the dignity befitting their superior abilities and attainments and in no other way can we do »his except bv vesting them with the cap and gown.” Our popularity is not confined to the teachers and the Board of Education, important as these may be. Our gills especially have always been very popular, particualrlv among the young men. In the year nineteen hundred and seven,' two of our girls left us and entered upon the matrimonial sea of life at a very early age indeed. And from the present state of affairs, we would in all probability lose another one if we were to remain in school anothei year. Our boys are the best and the brightest that ever graduated from the school. We point them out as the future educators of the country. It is but fitting that such a class—a class with brave hearts, trained minds and willing hands should pass from High School to take up the more serious problems of life while the century i yet young.—Historian.

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MINNIE CATHERINE BYERS This young lady is especially talented in art. Even in the midst of a very solemn explanation has Minnie's contagious giggle been heard as she exhibited a new caricature of one of her instructor . She is a pleasant class-mate, and has many warm friends. FRED LUTHER ABBOTT Frits is majoring in biology. This spasm took possession of Fred only the last school term but sterns to holding on tenaciously. He is making a collection of insects, and thinks his collection will be complete as soon as he has captured the Miller.” MARY EL ZAHETH COLE Blue eyed Marv is ‘he most perfect bond in the elms. M ry is quip- studiou«. and is noted for her very flowery trsnsUti ns -n Cicero. The bovaare quite fond of her and she has been know n to ogle at very s nsibl • youi.g men; but we are s » ry f s ly she has a special liking for Coys.