Kemper County Agricultural High School - Yearbook (Scooba, MS)

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18 KEMPER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL one who never intends to do practical work on the farm, the work will not be useless. A Of course text-books vvill be used with this work, but the Work is correlated with practical experiments on the school farm. This is worked exclusively by the students by ap- proved methods under the close supervision of the agricul- turist, and as means are provided, will be equipped and con- ducted as a model farm in all respects. Manual Training While We lack equipment, yet special instruction has been provided for an independent course in mechanical work, and will be added to in the near future. In the meantime, a course in farm mechanics will be required in connection with the Agricultural Department. Boys in this department have constructed a temporary dairy barn from refuse lumber, desks for the Domestic Science Department, and did various other such mechanical work. Some 95350.00 will be added to our equipment the com- ing session. Music While not included as one of the regular departments of the school in the sense of free tuition, we have an excellent Music Department. This department is under the special direction of a mas- ter and Will offer special advantages in piano, voice, sight singing and instrumental music. Expression Those studying expression, like music pupils, will be re- quired to pay a special fee, but the department, under the direction of Mrs. Whitmire, affords an opportunity for val- uable training and is a strong department of the school. This department also contemplates the production next year of some Shakespearian or other standard literary plays, the instructor having had successful experience in the pro- duction of such plays previously in other schools.

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547' ' HIGH SCHOOL, SCOOBA, MISS. 17 a balanced, nutritious meal, has as much cultural, value as to be able to understand music or paintingg and that girl who understands the relative value of foods, who is interest- ed in her household duties, and who is technically prepared for the work of housekeeping, stands a better chance of hav- ing a happy home than the girl who has mastered music, drawing or French to the exclusion of these household economics. Remember, that we do not discount the value of culture, but insist on the average woman being prepared for her true sphere in life. The Cooking Department has already been equipped with desks and tables, stoves, cooking utensils and dishes. The classes last year served meals to the faculty and trustees, and conducted public demonstrations during commencement. The sewing class has now three machines, and exhibited at the close of last session specimens of hand and machine work, each girl having been required to make a complete set of clothing, including a dress costing less than one dol- lar. Many of the dresses worn at the close of school were made under this requirement. In Domestic Art consider- able design work was done from original drawings, with special attention to stenciling. These classes will do more advanced work next session. Agriculture The purpose of this department is to train the boys in the art and practice of farming. We might express its aim as threefold: first, to teach the boys how to make the best pos- sible living on the farm: second, to teach the many and use- ful secrets of plants, giving thereby an intelligent interest and love for the workg third, to teach the dignity of labor, -to make the overalls as respectable as the dresscoatf' There will be a four-year course in Agriculture and allied branches, such as stock-raising and veterinary work, study of soils, plantstudy, shop work and all things needful and practical for up-to-date and progressive farming. Even for

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---jf. 'wa -- HIGH SCHOOL, ScooBA, Miss. 19 Student Labor In the preceding pages it has been stressed that one of our main objects is to teach the dignity of labor. We, ,there- fore, encourage boys and girls to do all the work possible. Of girls in the Domestic Science Department and of boys in the Agricultural Department, We require about ten hours practical work each week. No one' in the High School De- partment is exempt from this. All work in excess of this is paid for at the rate of ten cents' per hour. If a boy is industrious it is possible for him to make a good part of his expenses. If a student is up with his class work he is allowed to leave school in the afternoon, and then many will have several hours to work on the farm. While there is less work for girls to do, there will be opportunity for several to make part of their expenses by working about the dormi- tory. Preference will be given to those who are cheerful and efficient. The orphan and widow's daughter will be looked after. Lectures and Literary Societies It is also the intention of the faculty to organize literary societies among the boys and girls, in which, under the over- sight of the faculty, the girls may receive practice in sing- ing, playing, reading and reciting for an audience, and the boys receive practice in parliamentary practice and the various forms of public speaking. To think on your feet and express those thoughts forcefully is an accomplishment to be very much desired. The Knapp Literary Society offers exceptional opportunities for these drills. , - Athletics While we consider too much athletics a thing to be avoided, we hold that a certain amount, furnishing vigorous and wholesome exercise, is beneficial to the health and spirit of students. We will'provide facilities for such sports as