Mount Vernon Seminary - Cupola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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oreivot J The Greeks were our ancestors intellectually, artistically and politically. The tales of Greek mythology throw light upon what the early Greeks were i tli the rise of Greece, man became the center and most important crea- tion in the universe, and the world was more humanized. Although the myths are explanations of some aspects of nature, in them is a deeper expression of what human beings need and must have in their gods. We have chosen Greek mythology for the theme of the 1954 Cupola in tribute to those highly civilized people who developed the myths and whose cultural deseendents we are. In carrying the theme throughout this volume, we have begun by picturing a modern oung girl in Grecian robes looking upon the past, the present, yes. even the future, through the pages of our book. Zeus has been chosen to represent government since he was the sup reme ruler of the universe, and the organizer and source ot law. Valor was dear to him. Justice was his. Apollo, who portrays the acti ities in the school, was the ideal of fair youth, having divine insight into the nature of every power and faculty. Among other things, he was patron of music and poetry. Hermes represents athletics at Mount Vernon, since his agility and strength made him ea il prince in athletic events. His cunning rendered him a dan- gerous foe. He was the god of physical strength, athletic sports, and good Hebe, goddess of youth, who is surrounded by the “freshness of nature”, represents the underclassmen. She was a delightful personality, attractive and gay. The seniors are represented by Athena who was the goddess of wisdom. Th rough our years here, the clas of 1954 ha acquired knowledge and aware- ness that will help them to h e better women and citizens of the world. We have chosen quotations from several well-known poets to further the description of the gods and goddesses used. These will he found on the di- vision pages. like. lmk.

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MOUNT VERNON SEMINARY Washington, D.C. “That which we look on with unselfish love ... is surely ours. MARY C RD1NK- BK MN KI» 1

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As I try to put into words our good wishes and our farewell to the Class of 1954. the newspapers are full of stories of the latest man-made explosion to date and of its almost unbelievable results. What words can we find to sa as we send you out to meet so strange and unpredictable a world? 1 turn, as I think of you and your gradu- ation. to E. M. Forster who wrote in another critical year. 1939. that he discerned in the world a sort of aristocracy — an aristocracy of the sensitive, the considerate, and the plucky. I And by plu ck, he meant the power to endure.) Its members are to be found everywhere and there is a secret understanding between them when they meet. It is to that aristocracy that we commend you. There may you be found — among the sensitive, the considerate, the plucky — for with them you will represent man ' s permanent victory over cruelty and chaos. May you be able to say with Rufus Jones. 1 find it absolutely real that God holds one’s hand. There’s nothing, anywhere, to be afraid of.” April. 1954