Medina High School - Medinian Yearbook (Medina, OH)

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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

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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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present, during the reconstruction period. The world is in need of men — trained men. Great industries have sprung up since the war began. America’s wonderful wealth and resources have placed her at the top ; the great increase in foreign trade ; the demands for manufactured goods, formerly supplied by foreign countries, now made in America has opened up vast opportu- nities for men ready to assume responsibilities. Who are the elect ones for these positions? Time has made evident the fact that these places are almost entirely filled by high school and college graduates. But since the demands for capable efficient workers are greater than is at present supplied by our high school and college graduates each year there is still room for more. The preparation of our class has been excellent. The oppor- tunities before us are wonderful. It is our hope that we may prove worthy and capable of grasping the opportunities that to- day lie all about us. Hence, as a class, we are glad to have you at our commencement and we trust that our future lives may be such that you will look upon us as deserving of the honors you tonight accord us by your presence. Now, again in behalf of the class I extend to you their most hearty and sincere welcome and most cordially invite your at- tention to the program of the evening. Welcome, parents, teach- ers and friends, thrice welcome in the greeting from the class of 1919. □ □ □