Luther L Wright High School - Hematite Yearbook (Ironwood, MI)

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John Somppi, the valedictorian of the class of 1913, is a fine type of student. He is a good example of what the Ironwood school system develops when a boy with industry and spirit avails himself of its opportunities. John has become what he is, a noble, manly fellow with any amount of ability, by virtue of two distinct forces; first the one of inheriting from his parents splendid qualities of mind, and heart and body, the other of attending the Ironwood schools through the twelve grades, thus having the advantage of a system so flexible as to meet the individual needs of each and every student and to insure the highest development of every faculty. Surely this school was the agency that brought his many talents to the light. It has proved him to be a most versatile fellow. Any student of the high school can tell you of his prowess on the grid- iron, of his talent as an artist, of his skill in the use of machinery; but his most impressive characteristic is his utter trustworthiness. People will put their money into his bank, or will feel safe in riding behind the locomotive of which he is the engineer, or will tell him their troubles, knowing that he will not abuse their confidence. We predict for him a career of noteworthy achievement and we will not be disappointed if he keeps his present vigorous health. His average for the four years is 94.7. DOROTHY Snavely, the Salutatorion, was a close second for the highest honor of her class, receiving an average of 94.2 for her four years’ work. That she richly deserves the place, is beyond question. The school is fortunate in being able to bestow an honor upon one so worthy. She, too, is a product of the Ironwood schools. From the time she entered the kindergarten up through the present year, she has joined heartily in its activities. In the recitation room she was ever alert, ever ready, and the uniformly excellent standings of her class, have been due in great measure to the inspiration of her leadership. But more than that, her enthusiasm has pervaded the entire school and quickened the spirit to a marked degree. She has had free scope for the exercise of her abilities and she utilized it in such a way as to leave the impress of her personality upon the school. We need not detail the things that she has accomplished, nor the many talents she has exhibited. It is enough to say that students and teachers alike, keenly regret that her connection with the high school, is to end in June. However, much of the credit of her success is due to her parents, for in addition to endowing her with superior mental equipment, they have given to her work, intelligent supervision and to her teachers cordial co-operation. 26