Medina High School - Medinian Yearbook (Medina, OH)

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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. □ □ □

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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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America Has Achieved What Has Been Thought Impossible By SYLVIA STEWART hriends, parents, teachers, one and all, with a last lingering look at our high school days, which have not yet receded far enough in the distance to prevent us from catching a last glimpse of their joys and triumphs, we pause with regret — yes, with sor- row, to think our happy school days have passed away never to be repeated. Nothing can ever erase from our memories the happy hours spent as students in Medina High School. But again mingled with these feelings of the past come anticipations for the future. 1 ime speeds with flying feet and all alike must follow, and while the curtain falls upon the past school day scenes, before us lies a vast and unknown future, with its op- portunities for glorious achievements, and challenging us to take our place in the world as workers ; as men and women who shall contribute our share of service as citizens of one of the grandest countries on the face of the earth. I do not feel that our farewell would be complete without calling your attention to the motto, which our class has taken for their future activities: “Impossible is Un-American.” At first thought this motto may appear rather difficult for a class to accept as a part of its future creed, but when one thinks of the many great and wonderful things that have been accomplished, which at the time of their accomplishment were considered as impossibilities. We may well believe that most of the things which will contribute in the future toward the betterment of mankind and the development of their future salvation might also at the present time be considered by most of us as impos- sible. hen our motto holds before us the underlying principles, that no matter how difficult the tasks that in the future may be, that beset us, nor how unsurmountable the obstacles may be that shall confront us, as true Americans w ' e should never yield to discouragement or concede failure, but should ever push forward and perserve until our efforts are crowned with success. It is true that to the indifferent person this statement may seem foolish and quixotic, yes, even boastful and arrogant, but a care- ful consideration of the elements that have contributed to the success of true Americans in the past convinces us that our motto has much in it of the truth, and that it is not a mere bombastic expression. Permit me to make a few allusions to the history of America thus far. When Columbus first conceived the idea of a new world which led ultimately to the discovery of America, people almost without exception, said what sort of a demented person is this? This thing is impossible. And had he heeded the advice of the ablest counselors of his day, America would no doubt never have been discovered, but he had faith in his ideas, and would not yield to what other people considered to be impossible and by per- severance he succeeded in accomplishing the one great purpose that actuated his whole life.