Mount Vernon Seminary - Cupola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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INTRODUCTION The motto of Mount Vernon Seminary is the Latin inscription, “Vincit jui se vincit. “he conquers who conquers self.” This motto plays a very important part in the life of each person at Mount Vernon. Success in any P i. ase of school activity depends largely upon a comprehension and observance of the ideas in this motto. For this reason it has been chosen for the theme of the 1959 yearbook. To conquer ones self is a large demand, an accomplishment that takes many years of effort; but the foundation of that accomplishment is laid at school through the series of even-day events in which everyone takes part. A conquering of one ' s self requires an under- standing of one ' s strengths and weaknesses, and the desire to live and work harmoniously with one’s fellow human beings. As each girl meets the obli- gations and undertakes the tasks presented to her at Mount Vernon, she discovers many of her capa- bilities and limitations. And in associating closely with students and teachers, she learns the impor- tance of showing them sympathy and understanding, and of always being able to offer and receive assist- ance and advice. In the introductory section of each part of this yearbook is shown the way in which the motto pertains to sections of school life and to the people who make them up. 4

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Mr. and Mrs. George W. Lloyd MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMISTRESS “. . . All the business of life is to find out what i ou don ' t know by what you do; that’s what I called ' guessing what was on the other side of the hilT” Duke of Wellington (Croker Papers 1885) These lines sum up in a telling way what these four years have meant to you and to those of us who have worked with you. We have been trying to help you find out what you don’t know by what you do. Sometimes in our satisfaction over what J we do, we forget that larger purpose — the revealing to us of what we don’t know. And now, a hillside is immediately ahead — the hillside we have been approaching together. No one of us knows what lies on the other side of the hill, but, as you pass round it, we hope and believe that you carry with you the equipment to meet whatever it may be — high- hearted courage, a sense of values, the love of learning for its own sake, the willingness to try and fail if needs be — and try again. A visitor to the little Scottish Island of Iona talked of her trip to her old gardener when she returned to the mainland. “Ah,” she said, “Iona is a very thin place. There is very little between Iona and the Lord.” This gift we pray may also be yours, a sense of the nearness and reality of God. May you find the land on the other side of the hill a very thin place, and mav vou know that there is very little between the new country which is to be yours and the Lord. Our love goes with you all — gratitude for what we have shared together and a prayer that you will find the other side of the hill a sunny and blessed place in w hich to grow and live. 3

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DEDICATION We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Student Council of Mount Vernon Seminary in its efforts to uphold the standards of the school. By outlining the Honor Code, the Student Council has sought to bring a clearer understanding and a more complete knowledge of its purpose, thereby g aining the greater support of the student body. In student body meetings and assemblies the Council has urged active and constructive partici- pation concerning the observance of regulations, in order to stimulate a greater interest among the students in the creation of a finer school. It is a goal each year to establish the Student Council more firmly as an effective and democratic part of our government, so that it may enjoy full cooperation and respect. OUR ADVISORS We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Mademoiselle Bounous who has helped to make this last and most important year at Mount Vernon one to be remembered with happiness and satisfaction. With patience, dignity, and understanding she has eased 11s over the troubled spots during the year. With her support and advice we were able to give a Junior-Senior party and a Valentine Dance, both of which we are certain were considered suc- cessful. “Mademoiselle” dealt with all of our prob- lems perceptively and thoughtfully and has been present when we have needed help. In addition to being a wonderful advisor, how- ever, she has taught French to many of us during our years at Mount Vernon. Through gentle, vet firm words from “Mademoiselle” we were encouraged to work hard and to do our best in her classes. We are thankful to Mrs. Jenney, who helped our class establish itself in our freshman year, and to M iss Miller, who guided us through the next two years. Mademoiselle Bounous But, most of all, we are grateful to “Mademoiselle” for being a sincere and understanding friend and advisor to all of 11s. 5