Kutztown University - Keystonia Yearbook (Kutztown, PA)

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“We are stronger, and arc better, Under manhood's sterner reign: Still we feel that something sweet Follow'd youth, with Hying feet, And will never come again. “Something beautiful is vanish'd, And we sigh for it in vain: We behold it everywhere, On the earth and in the air, But it never comes again!” HAROLD G. DIETRICH

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Returning in the fall of 1915 as seniors, we adopted a quiet and dignified attitude as becomes those who have attained seniority. The reception given by the Christian Associations on the first Friday evening of the school year was a marked success. Strenuous efforts were put forth at this time by both societies in order to obtain as many new members as possible. Our work in the literary societies was supervised by Miss Stier during the year and fine programs were rendered as the result of her efforts. At the beginning of that initial term of the year the new library across the street was opened to the public. This has proved a great opportunity for us and the degree of our appreciation, as well as that of our fellow students, is evidenced by the number who gather in the library from day to day. The crowning event of the fall term was the Philomathean anniversary, held on the evening of Tuesday. November 3. The general theme of the symposium was “America first, or the primacy of the United States.” In this public func- tion a number of our classmates showed marked oratorical ability. The society used this as a fitting occasion to add one hundred dollars to the fund started for a Pennsylvania alcove in the new library. Towards the close of the winter term eight members of our class were vic- tims of the scarlatina germs which invaded our school. This number was aug- mented by members from other classes. Because the school was quarantined for a period of four weeks the Keystone anniversary was postponed until the spring term. On the week following our return to the work of the spring term the Key- stone anniversary was held. The speakers, likewise members of the class of 1916, added honor to the class with their splendid performances. Their theme was “Historical Pennsylvania. They, following the example of their fellow-society, also added one hundred dollars to the fund for a Pennsylvania alcove. On account of the quarantine many public speaking programs were rendered by members of the class during the spring term, since the course demands that each senior must appear in public at least once. Some of the themes of the pro- grams were “Whittier,” “Lincoln, “Temperance,” “Peace, “Flag Day,” and “The European War.” Now the present school year approaches its end and we must prepare to enter upon a new and larger life, a life not under the guardianship of superiors but a life in which we are to guide and direct the steps of others. We bid our Alma Mater farewell, the buildings and grounds which have afforded us days that shall never be forgotten. In leaving we realize too well the words of the poet: There arc gains for all our losses, There are balms for all our pains: But when youth, the dream departs. It takes something from our hearts, And it never comes again. 12

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CLASS PROPHECY rWENTIETH century education offers various opportunities for educational achievement. Never before in the history of the world have there been offered to men and women greater advantages, richer opportunities, or larger possibilities to rise to the pinnacle of usefulness and fame. But those whom fortune has led to the altar of fame are invariably individuals of the strictest integrity and honor, men who have labored strenuously amidst pro- found discouragements, even in the depths of despair, unknown, unrewarded, until the hour arrived when they won success. There always have been individuals whose objective in life is higher than it is possible for them to attain. Some will be instrumental in elevating the standards of human life to higher planes because they have probed the mysteries of nature to their deepest depths and have assisted in broadening the scope of intellectual possibilities and the psychic capacity of those with whom they asso- ciate. 'I'hose who reach such special and professional heights may be compared to fertile oases in a great desert, to which oases come great caravans of people seeking intellectual nourishment. Or they may be likened to bright lights illum- inating the darkness of the vicinage, dispersing the widely prevalent gloom of ignorance and superstition for these substituting truths and lofty ideals. The successive pages of history are being turned silently, but we are too much engrossed by the events of the present to think much of the past. Each successive age is like a volume laid aside to be opened no more. The popular idol of to-day displaces the hero of yesterday in our attention. To-morrow this object of interest will, in turn, be displaced by its successor. There is a continuous evolution, a striving to attain to higher planes, ever new developments of strength and beauty, creating new ideals in literature, philosophy, science, and art. Constantly men are rising to diviner heights of love, wisdom, and power. To-morrow the members of the class of 1916 will part from each other. W herever we go, however, we shall yet be united by memories of the comrade- ship which we enjoyed while here at school. Twenty years from now fifty per cent, of our number will be successful in the profession of teaching, forty per cent, will be achieving success in other fields of activity, and the remainder will have passed to their eternal reward. The first man whose future is to be predicted is William A. Albitz. He will some day be an eminent pedagogue, having gained renown by his ability and his winsome appeal to his pupils Edna Aldcrfer will change her name to Grace and will be the wife of a Lutheran minister in New York. Lillie Alshutz will take the place of Professor Surface in lecturing on scien- tific farming and insect study. 14