Medina High School - Medinian Yearbook (Medina, OH)

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made entirely a matter of scholarship a certain two rows were allowed to go but those of us who were obliged to stay back were assured it was not a permanent arrangement but we could be re- mitted again. This all sounded very well, but it dawned on us too late that we were six months behind our former class mates. This was somewhat of a blow to us, but our class never lacked grit and we decided that we much prefered to graduate in June rather than in January. When we came to the eighth grade with Miss Wheatly as teacher we were greatly disappointed not to be able to have our eighth grade commencement, but as it had become such an elaborate performance in previous years it was wise not to have one. We finally arrived at the great event of our school history — many changes and now many new ones joined us. With these new companions we diligently went on our way and caused as little trouble as possible. In our Sophomore year we became better acquainted and had many parties and good times together. In the fall of this year the whole high school gave a carnival to raise money for the Gym Fund. Our class had a flower booth. Our Junior year was as full of events as our other two years in high school. This year we were responsible for our High School Annual and did all in our power to make it a success. We came to our Senior year with thirty-eight enrolled in our class. Shortly after school began we heard of the “flu” epidemic. From October until January school was closed for a period of twelve weeks. This greatly interfered with our school work, of course, and it was necessary for us to study very hard to cover the work. Early in March we celebrated “Kid Day” for the first time in the history of Medina High School. Since we had worked so hard, Mr. Conkle gave us the whole day to celebrate. In the afternoon Frances Van Epp invited us to her home to a tea party. In the evening we all went out to Fred Lowe’s and enjoyed a lovely party at his home. We appreciated this holiday and other kindnesses showed our class by Mr. Conkle. We all regretted that Carter Bennett, who had been our class president for four years, was unable to graduate with us because of serious illness. We finally arrived at the close of the school work and the commencement gayeties. We haven’t the space to tell all about the good times but just mention them briefly. There was the Senior Banquet which was a real affair with programs for the dances and splendid music. The week before Commencement we had a party at Helen Starr’s, Sylvia and Zelah Stewart’s, Caskade Park, Elyria, Ohio. We finished our school life in Old Medina High with some credit to ourselves we trust, but with much regret at leaving our dear friends and class mates.

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June Class History By MARGARET RANDALL If you had happened to have been in the vicinity of the pri- mary building on a warm September morning in the year 1906, you could have seen many children, accompanied by their moth- ers, making their way to join Miss Ella Canavan’s kindergarten class. They were an unusually attractive group as you can well imagine, when I tell you there were Katherine Shane, Katherine Hemmeter, Elizabeth Spitzer, Violet Pelton, Beatrice Kongacre, Louise Jones, Wanda White, Frances Van Epp, in their prettiest dresses and smartest hair ribbons. Carter Bennett, Vernon Stouf- fer, Paul Jones, Robert Ferriman, were also among those who formed the circle around Miss Ella on this memorable occasion. There was a little question as to whether Vernon Stouft’er hadn’t come without his parents’ knowledge, as he was so tiny he ap- peared to be about three and a half years old, but when asked as to his age he boldly answered in a manly voice: “I was five in August,” so he was allowed to stay. Miss Ella told our mothers in confidence, that we were the cutest class she had ever had and we have always kept the idea that she spoke truly, and Mr. Conkle will testify. At this time the Kindergarten had no regular place to meet and as the schools proved to be crowded we soon took up our work in the dining room of the new Odd Fellows Building. It was a splendid place to learn to “skip” as we had plenty of room. We then went back to the primary building with Miss Gladys Harrington as teacher, and slowly wended our way upward in the primary grades. V r e remember the patient care Mrs. Wright gave us and the confidence she gave us in ourselves as we left the “little school house” for the big one. But for some of our hopes were to be dashed to earth for we were not allowed to stay at the old school house as it was a year when every room was crowded to its capacity and something had to be done with part of the fifth grade pupils. It was finally decided that all of those living in the northwest section of the town be sent to the Waters Building at the corner of West Liberty Street and Elm- wood street. Miss Smoyer was secured as our teacher. This arrangement had many drawbacks and one of the strongest ones was the insufficient heat during the winter. Day after day we were excused and sent home as it was too cold to stay. Finally the parents complained and a gas stove was put in the center of the room. This arrangement was far from satisfactory, but it made it possible for us to go to school. When we were again with our original class in the sixth grade the effect of our fifth grade experience was most keenly felt, but we were soon to enter the new Garfield School Building in 1913. By this time we began to think that we were hoodooed for our class was never able to stay together after our fifth grade experience. It was at this time that we first heard of the half year promotion plan and when it was carried out instead of being

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The Opportunity That Lies Before Graduates Of Today By LUCILE HUNT We, as a high school class, have reached, in our course of study, tonight what comes to all through patient perserverance — the end. It is a pleasure to use to have completed our high school work and to stand before you this evening prepared to take a step beyond. We feel that our education thus far is but a beginning — a commencement; for that part of our education received in school, is mainly of value in that it trains us in the habit of continuous application and enables us to continue to grow and develop after a definite plan and system. I believe our school life has done well and fulfilled its purpose in giving us true ideals and a start toward a method of independ- ent thought. We truly hope that our years spent in the Medina High School has resulted in these things and with the feeling that we have been thus benefitted, our thoughts turn to you kind friends and patrons in heartfelt gratitude for the excellent educa- tional advantage with which you have favored us. We appreciate the fact that we have been exceptionally fa- vored by having secured the exceptional benefits derived from having completed the course of study in Medina High School and that our chances for success in the active, busy world of every- day life, are materially enchanced by having secured these bene- fits and if you will pardon me for pausing for a moment I shall attempt to state some of the benefits that I believe we — as a class — shall have derived from this education. It has been said that efficiency is the magic word which opens the door to opportunity. In the early history of our country few men received special training. Man could do many things, since it was necessary for him to make everything he used. The pioneer home was the main work shop. From the home new ideas originated, for as the demands came inventions were made. Great changes have taken place within the last century. Our class goes forth into the world to battle with complex problems of a modern civiliza- tion, for vast manufacturing plants have replaced the home work shop. Invention and specialization have necessitated training and thorough training must be pushed to the greatest extent if these positions are to be filled by capable men. With the increasing demands for efficiency, a good educa- tion is the fundamental requisite. Education is not simply knowl- edge nor is it a shampoo to be applied to the scalp. The purpose is to stimulate men to think, to reason, and to solve problems. This great war was won only because of the fact that American people possess ingenuity and initiative. Our leaders were more efficiently trained in the tactics of war than the leaders of either her allies or her enemies. The people were able to solve the great problems which confronted them. The soldiers, l ikewise, were quick to grasp their situation and prompt to act. Never before have the opportunities been greater than at