Minnehaha Academy - Antler Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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CATALOG, MINNEHAHA ACADEMY Though many are older, the great majority of our students are young people in their teens. This is the critical age in any person’s life. The habits of thought and conduct formed during these years are not likely to be changed later. It is a well established fact that the largest number of people who ever become Christians make this decision during these years. The right influences at this period in life may do infinite good; the wrong influences will certainly do incalculable harm. The Teaching Staff The greatest factor in a school is not its walls of brick and stone, nor its grounds and equipment. These things have their importance, but in the last analysis they are not the supreme test of the worth of a school. It is the teachers that give an educational institution its real character. The members of the Faculty of Minnehaha Academy are men and women of Christian faith and Christian experience. In their professional preparation they represent well-known colleges and universities in various parts of the country. The teachers are always willing to give sympathetic attention to the individual needs and interests of their students. By training, experience in teaching, and personal character, they are worthy leaders of the boys and girls entrusted to their care. Very truly did Dr. Cyrus Northrop, late president emeritus of the University of Minnesota, say, “It is a great thing to be a good thinker. It is a great thing to possess a noble character. But it is a greater thing to plant thoughts in intellects, where they will grow, and to put the principles which have made character into hearts where they will be cherished.” Bible Study No education can be complete that omits the Bible, the Book of Books. The world has not outgrown the need of its living truths. It is the greatest book in the world even from a literary point of view. In its redeeming and uplifting power as the Word of God it constitutes the most precious heritage of the human race, and its greatest hope. To instill its truths into the minds of the rising generation is to sow seed that will unfailingly yield a blessed harvest. At Minnehaha Academy every student in school is in some Bible class. This is one of the fundamental rules of the school. The Bible itself is the textbook that is studied. The instruction is plain and practical, aimed at the heart as well as the head. The deep interest in these studies constantly manifested by the students is a mighty inspiration to all friends of the school. All the Bible classes are taught by the President of the school, who thus comes into personal contact with every student. S

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Minnehaha Academy Character of the School 1NNEHAHA ACADEMY is first and foremost a Christian school. This is the definite purpose for which it was founded. We make no apology for emphasizing that this is its distinctive feature. On the contrary, it would he necessary to apologize if we did not stress this fact. There is no lack of schools of the high school grade either in the Northwest or elsewhere in this country, but there is a lack of schools that are positively Christian. Minnehaha Academy believes that true education consists of more than the acquisition of knowledge. It stands for the training of the heart as well as the head and the hand. Knowledge is power, as the old proverb reminds us, but it is a power that may be abused. In fact, the more keenly a person's mind has been trained, the more dangerous it is if misused; but on the other hand the more valuable it is if used alight. The development of character is even more vital than the training of intellectual power. Minnehaha Academy aims to give the right direction to the lives of the young people entrusted to its care. There are four departments in the school, namely, High School, Business, Bible Institute, and Music. In all of these we aim to give a training as complete and thorough as is offered in any school of the same rank. The various courses are fully explained later in this book. The instruction in all departments of the school is in the English language. A characteristic to be noted, however, is the offering of four years of Swedish in the High School Department. The rapid growth of Minnehaha Academy has shown clearly that there is a real need to be met. In 1913-1911 the enrollment was 112, while in 1921-1922 it was 431 The Students Minnehaha Academy makes its appeal especially to boys and girls, young men and young women, in Christian homes. It seeks to maintain in the sphere of studies and school life the same atmosphere as prevails in a good home—an atmosphere of cheerfulness, industry and sincerity, and also of reverence and devotion.. That there is a homelike, sympathetic spirit in the school is the appreciative testimony of hundreds of former students. 7

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CATALOG, MINNEHAHA ACADEMY Educational Standing Minnehaha Academy is on the list of the schools fully accredited to the University of Minnesota. This means that the graduates of our High School Department may enter the State University—and hence also other colleges and universities—without any entrance examination. This recognition by the University is a guarantee of the quality of instruction offered at Minnehaha Academy. A considerable number of our graduates are now pursuing studies at higher institutions of learning, particularly at the University of Minnesota, and are making an enviable record. In all our departments, the best educational standards prevail. Debating Debating is one of the prominent activities at Minnehaha Academy. The school annually debates North Park College, Chicago. These debates alternate between Chicago and the Twin Cities. Minnehaha Academy also belongs to a triangular debating league, the other two members being Minnesota College and Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis. Within our own school debates are held at frequent intervals throughout the year so that all who are interested may share in this wholesome training. Earning Your Way Students who are dependent on themselves for an education often wish to find part-time employment. The school tries to find such work for all who may require or desire it. During the past school year a large number of students made their own way through school, at least in part. About fifty earned their board or board and room during a part or the whole of the school year. Others were paid in cash, the sums thus earned aggregating hundreds of dollars. Girls who are willing to assist with housework in return for room and board can generally secure such positions without any difficulty. Ordinarily we have far more positions than we have girls to take them. Honor Scholarships In the spring of 1922 a young business man and his wife, who prefer to have their name withheld, offered to give the sum of one hundred fifty dollars annually to the school to be used for free scholarships. This donation is divided into three scholarships of fifty dollars each, bestowed on the respective students who make the best grades in the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. These students re- 9