Lee Academy - Crescent Yearbook (Lee, ME)

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yu, THE CR ESCENT I7 old-time motto. The 20th century is demanding men and women who under- stand their own possibilities, who are thorough in educatirin, strong in purpose and strong in action. Shall we, the class of 1911, heed this call to duty? Some- where in this great world there is a place for every one of us, and no one but our- selves can fill that place. Each one of us was put on earth for some definite purpose and we each must set ourselves directly at the task of discovering our place in life: then never relaxing, never relenting, with a brave determination we must do our best. Even if we never reach the goal that we desire, we may accomplish much by struggling per- sistently for it. Although we may have different works, although our aims are vastly different, we have within us every- thing that is needful to make our character. For surely the Creator who has given us this longing to do something and to be something will grant us the ability and the opportunity to realize the ambition. 'fThe soul contains in itself the event that shall befall it. The slave is held in bondage by the work of his own hand because he does not possess a knowledge of his own rights or know how to assert them. It is the man that posesses the power of knowing what is best, that is sovereign over his own mind and body who masters every difhculty. He rules the world. Knowing our own mindsmakes us more sympathetic and more considerate of the failures of others. We feel within our- selves a sincere desire to assist them, to improve their condition and to hold loving, helpful thoughts toward them. Knowing ourselves helps us to know God by showing us that we are made in His image. Every work of creation bears witness to the fact that some great mind must have been behind all, plan- ning, arranging and constructing. When we- understand the possibilities and capabilities of the human mind, we can- not help but admit that it is the master- piece of a greater intellect. Our physical, mental and spiritual natures bear un- disputable evidence to the wisdom and omnipotence of the Divine Creator. Through the reading of elevating books many lives have been brightened, and many souls have been awakened to noble aspirations. By making the noble characters of which we read our examples, we may derive unlimited good. Un- consciously we take them as ideals and they undoubtedly influence in a great measure our thoughts and actions. We would never progress if we had no other than ourselves to copy, but com- parison of our lives with those of the virtuous must awaken within us a desire to emulate their virtues. In childhood our characters are largely moulded for us by our parents, teachers and companions. In afterlife the only way to improve our mental nature lies in our own effort. Our teachers may

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I6 THE CRESCEENT is for young people and you will receive more help in this way than you realize at present. I think it would he a great help for you boys to establish a branch of the Y. M. C. A. here. I am sure that all of us who have attended the Y. M. C. A. conference meetings can see the good that this organization is doing throughout the United States. We can also see that the success of our whele life depends more upon our moral charac- ter than upon any other thing. This is reason enough I should think to make you consider this subject carefully. The number of rules of our school is regulated by the character and conduct of the students. It is only the few in any school that cause rules to be made. If each one is more careful not to abuse privileges few rules will be made and many will not have to suffer for what a few have carelessly done. Students, the success of Lee Normal Academy for the next four years depends largely upon you and I am sure that each one of you will do what you can to further the interests of the school. We as a class rejoice that you will have a better chance than we have had. With the changes that have been made in the school courses, with the Alumni Associa- tion and friends of tl1e school to assist you and with the eictra five hundred dollars appropriated by the state this year, the outlook is bright for dear old Lee Normal Academy. ' ERNEST A. DELANO, 311. CLASS MOTTO KNOW THYSELF' In the heart of Ancient Greece, far distant from all centers of activity, was the quiet, secluded grove of Delphi, the common altar of the Greek race. Here from a chasm in the rocks con- tinuously arose a cold vapor that stupined the priestess who was enthroned above it, and who in her frenzy prophesied to those who sought to gain some knowledge in regard to the future. Suspended above her in letters of gold and contain- ing a meaning unparalleled to the Greeks was the significant motto, 'tKnow thy- Self. Although far removed from Rome, Persia, Cartilage and Magna Graecia, this great oracle, by providing worship and imparting knowledge to all, embraced in a religious union the whole Hellenic world. just as the Jew looked upon the sacred city of jerusalem, as the Mo- hammedan in his pitiful ignorance turned his face toward Mecca, and just as every true Roman citizen regarded Rome, the Greeks held in reverence the sacred oracle of Delphi. It was to them an all- seeing, all-knowing power, a place to which they might turn for guidance in time of great perplexity, and help in every trouble. The days of Greece are passed, l1er glory faded, nevertheless there is just as much need to obey the command of that

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1 1 I I ig , I8 THE CRESCENT assist us over the rough places, but if we wish to be rewarded in mental strength we must exercise our own mental powers and think for ourselves. By a rigid self- examination, made conscientiously and prayerfully, we may discover our weak- nesses and conquer them. We may sometimes allow this thought to come to us, I'll hide my failings. The world will never know. But is it worth while to hide them? Why not erase them? Truly, it is not an easy thing to probe the hidden sin of which the world has no suspicion. However, if we appear what we are not, we are living cowardly lives, and are not only injuring ourselves but those about us. We all have influence, it may be great or small. Our words, deeds, and even our thoughts infiuence others. When we consider these things carefully, reason forces us to the admission that we owe it to ourselves, to our race and to our God to live a good, true life, to develop every talent we possess, and to reach the highest possible plane of living. And how shall we serenely accomplish the highest that lies in our power unless we know ourselves? Know thyself was the call of Greece to her sons and daughters. Know thyself is the call of the 20th century to each member of the class of 1911. May we obey. ETHEL A. IIIERRILL, '11. 1.....+.+.l4 CLASS PROPHECY The die was cast and I, poor un- offending victim, was declared prophetess of the class of 1911. But how was I to reveal the future? I couldnft find even a witch or a gypsy charmer, to help me in this delicate work. I became more and more discouraged. Easter Sunday still found me longing for something startling, adventurous and unique to happen. I realized that this was not the right con- dition of mind for Easter, atime when all should be happy and at peace, so I went forth into the woods to commune with Nature. I had gone some little distance, when I saw a rabbit bobbing out of sight. Going to the place from which he had jumped I discovered the most beautiful gold and silver Easter egg. As I stood looking at it the shell broke and a chicken appeared. He was very unlike most chickens when they first make their debut into the world. A green cocked hat was on one side of his head and under his wing a sword about the size of a darning needle. Suddenly he Hew to my shoulder andin a squeaky little voice said, 'tFol1ow me and you shall -know what the gods hold in store for the class of 1911? Here at least was my knight- errant and I followed him gladly, at first through tangled underbrush, but soon to scenes familiar. We reached the shore of Park Pond before I knew it. My guide, without a word, pulled from his tiny wing a green feather, dropped it