Lee Academy - Crescent Yearbook (Lee, ME)

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THE CRESCENT 21 they are tl1e highway to success. Afflic- tions are but blessings in disguise. The nrst lesson in the art of living, is to learn the value of misfortune. There are natures that would only wither and de- cay in an atmosphere of ease and comfort, which blossom and ripen amidst trials, It is the surmounting of difhculties that makes heroes. Trials are a part of our training and without them character would not be complete. The most precious things of life are acquired only through difficulties. If there were nothing to overcome, there would be nothing to achieve. Misfortune teaches us the common things of life, and develops contentment. to appreciate sympathy, patience and As we endure misfortune and surmount difficulties the thought should come to us, 'fNothing is Lost. In nature, this great truth is illustrated again and again. There all is useful, all is beautiful, nothing is destroyed. Things which seem to be lost are only trans- formed. Are the many kinds of seeds hidden in the soil lost? From them grow the plants which furnish us with food and clothing. In the autumn the beautiful flowers lose their bright colors and wither to the ground. No life is visible and they seem to be dead, but in the springtime they begin to bloom again, The leaves of the trees which turn from vivid green to crimson and brown, and then fall to the earth are not lost. These leaves give new life to the tree, they enrich the surrounding soil, and nourish countless plants. The bleak winds of spring seem to be useless, as they blow the snow about and sway the branches to and fro, but do they not have a purpose? Were it not for the March winds which shake the branches of the trees, the sap would not be carried to all their parts. These winds are necessary to the development of the buds. Today coal is the fuel which supplies heat for manufacturing purposes. The coal which is so useful to us was formed from vast forests which grew many centuries ago. Those forests so long imbedded in the rock are not lost, but have been transformed into another form still useful to mankind. In history we learn of many events which may seem to have given nothing helpful to the world, but nevertheless, nothing was lost. The early settlers of our country laid the foundation for our present great nation. With Washington, Hamilton, and other prominent men as leaders, our Constitution was made. These men endured many hardships, and had it not been for their perseverance America would not be today a mighty nation. The Civil W'ar, the darkest period in our history, was not lost. As a result, our states are not divided by slavery, but are united with stronger interests than before. The United States is a country of equal rights and privileges,

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20 THECRESCENT looking broncho, it brought back vivid memories of the time when she and I rode the mule. Wishing to give you something useful Ruth, and something that will always bring pleasant thoughts to you, I can think of nothing better than this A'Rex mouse trap. I trust that the name will enable you to make many a fortunate catch. Next, as a golden hued feather sank into the water I beheld a lady dressed in deepest black. From her quick move- ments I soon recognized Mearle. She had married-A. Alan of course and to- gether they had accumulated a large fortune in one of the up river towns, by raising potatoes. Mearle was just now in mourning because of the death of her husband, but I thought that her troubles would soon cease when I noticed on the table beside her a slide trombone. Mearle, in order that you may weep the more easily over the death of your second husband I present yeu with this onion. I wondered if the next feather, a brilliant red one, would show me a glimpse of myself, but no, it could not be I, for I could plainly see a man seated at a desk correcting papers and whistling softly to himself. It was Ernest who had become a successful teacher. looked much as in former times only now a number of gray hairs were notice- able among his brown curls. Contrary to all expectations he had not gone to Utah after his graduation, but to the surprise of all his acquaintances, had be- come a woman hater and settled down to a quiet bachelor life. I had intended to present you with a box of heart tablets, Ernest, but on further consideration I have decided to give you this bottle of pickles. The last feather, black as night, I knew must be mine. Who knows of my excitement as I grasped it in my hands and eagerly leaned forward to see what would be revealed to me. Alas, for my bump of curiosity! So intent was I upon watching the feather sirk down, down, that I did not know that I too was going down, down, until witl1 a mighty splash I struck the water. I lost all thought of the feather in my wild scramble to get out and when at last I reached the shore my chicken had dis- appeared and I was alone. Vlfith a light heart I journeyed homeward, thinking that if my future was going to be nothing but a splash I did not wish to see it. EDITH WEATHERBEE, ll. i.+.+.i. VALEDICTORY NOTHING is LOST Are misfortune and difficulties to keep us from the bright sunshine of life? Do they not have a purpose? Trials are to some burdens indeed, while to others

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22 THE CRESCENT a country Where the negro has freedom. Our better selves ever teach us that nothing is lost. The mother gives to her child her time, her means, her life, the best of all she possesses. Is it all lost? No! her Work will live through the ages. The true teacher gives herself to her pupils. Is her Work lost? By her the character of her pupils is formed. By her teachings she is determining the future prosperity of the country. The work of the teacher cannot be destroyed. Is the hard work of school and the time spent in obtaining an education lost? More than ever before, the world is demanding trained minds. To be educated is to be able to do things. The more we can do and do Well, the more satisfactory is life. Citizens of Lee:-To you Who have aided us in so many ways during our course, I extend the heartfelt thanks of the class of 1911. You have provided the ways and means for an education which is so essential in our generation. Your interest and support have main- tained our schocl and thus we are better prepared to take upon ourselves the re- sponsibilities of the future. To you, parents and citizens of Lee we owe much. Alumni:-I Wish to thank you for all the kindess you have shown us, and for the encouragement you have given our class during the days spent at L. N.A. By your loyalty we have been inspired to Work for this day when We should receive our diplomas. Very soon We shall be no longer students but among your number. May We show as much interest in the classes of the future as you have in us. Trustees:-To you, who during our entire school life have been ever mindful of our welfare, We express sincere thanks. For our good you have Worked and planned. Through your efforts we have been provided with excellent teachers that We might be fitted for the voyage of life. We as a class truly appreciate your kindness. Schoolmates:4Our days spent to- gether at L. N. A. have been happy ones. Of you We have many pleasant memories which will remain With us throughout life. You certainly have been helpful to us. You have given us cheer as We have climbed toward our goal. Witli best wishes for your future, We bid farc- Well. Teacliers:-What you have done for our class we can never repay, and I can- not express the gratitude which We feel toward you. You have been faithful and ever willing to assist us in our school Work. By your example and influence you have taught us lessons which will be invaluable all through life. Your true Christian characters have been models of all that is truest and best. You certainly have done your part in pre- paring us for our lifeis Work. We Wish you all happiness and success. Classmates:-Today our school days at L. N. A. end, but as We go our different