Nixon Township High School - Nixonia Yearbook (Weldon, IL)

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Til K NIXOMA some mistakes; but there is no thought of regret for we believe that in our slight failures we have been trained to avoid greater ones. We have been taught the real meaning of our class motto, B-, ami we hope to always be found living up to the principle of our motto. Personally, I want to add a word of sincere gratitude to my classmates, tor the honor of being selected as your president for our senior year. Especially. do I wish to thank you for your loyal support in all our undertakings; without your unselfish and untiring assistance, we could never have accomplished what we have. I think that I can say truthfully and without appearing boastful that no class the size of ours will ever be able to place before the public a better record than ours. I believe the faculty and student body will join us tonight in saying that the 1919 edition of the Xixonia will be an everlasting credit, not only to our class, but to the students and the community. It is with a mingling of sorrow and joy that the ('lass of '19 greets those assembled here tonight at our final exercise as under-graduates of our dear old school and our earnest wish is that we may repay by our later deeds the interest and regard shown us on our class night. Charles W. Adams ’19. PRESENTATION OF GIFT It is tin custom in this school, that the graduating class of each year shall leave a fitting memorial of their efforts in this school. Mr. .Johnson, in behalf of the Senior Class of 1919, I wish to present to the Nixon Township High School this beautiful silk flag. This flag is doubly dear to us because, first, it represents the respect and love which our class as a whole has and always will have for dear old Nixon Township High School. Second, it represents fond affections for our class-mate and comrade, Harry T. Gale, who made the supreme sacrifice upon the battlefields of France. This symbolizes the love lie has shown for his country. It is our desire that this Hag shall always be cherished ami held dear in the hearts of the students of Nixon Township High School. Ray W. Olson ’19. RESPONSE It seems very fitting indeed to me, (’lass of 1919, that your gift to your alma mater should be our national flag, presented as a memorial to your classmate, Harry T. (iale. In behalf of the present and future students of the Nixon Township High School. I accept this beautiful flag with a feeling of sorrow and great pride. There comes to my mind at this time the immortal lines of Rupert Brooks. “If I should die, think only this of me. That there is a corner of a foreign field that is forever England. So, too, there arc seventy-five thousand graves in France which are forever American. This flag as it hangs from the assembly walls of X. T. 11. S. will speak to the students working there of all these graves but will remind them more especially of one corner which is forever theirs. Such a memorial as this will appeal strongly to the sentiment of the student body of your school and through all the coming years it will be cherished by all their hearts and upheld by all their hands. Supt. Roy 11. .Johnson. 16

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THE NIXOMA in this school. We have been taught prudence, foresight, ami responsibility— those qualities most essential in any undertaking. Our minds have been greatly broadened by the painstaking efforts of the Faculty and our own individual initiative. As we leave this high school and go forth in the world some will go to college and some will not. But no matter what our occupation or undertaking may be, we shall always have our motto “Be Square” before us in our endeavors to uplift humanity. We realize that no one can make the future for us; but it can be greatly altered by circumstances. No matter whether these circumstances be good or bad we will always function so as to be a credit to our high school and a pride in the hearts of our friends. In our future work, great difficulties will confront us; but we are so strongly shielded by the learning attained from old X. T. II. S. that we will overcome all difficulties ami ultimately attain victory. Soon you will listen to our last speaker and then only once more will you see us as a Senior Class. After that we will be only a memory in this community and we will give our place to others who shall follow. Friends, I now introduce to you the Class of 1919 in their class-night program. They have won the regard of merit. They have overcome great difficulties. Barents, Teachers, and Friends, again I heartily welcome you to this class-night program and I hope vou mav regard this evening as well spent. Kay W. Olson ’19. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS This week of graduation exercises marks the last appearance of the Class of ’19 and this, our class-night will be called our final assembly before we become the Alumni of Nixon Township High School. We have been looking forward to this event for four years. To each of us it has a deep ami melancholy significance, for it means that our activities as members of our high school are drawing to a close. Never again will we, the Class of ’19, take part in programs or other activities in the assembly room which has become so familiar to us. Many have the opinion that the sole purpose of the class night program is for the graduation class to tell to the public their intentions of conquering the world. But it is a mistaken idea, for the true purpose is to place before the public the graduating class for its approval or disapproval, whichever the case may be and also to give a history of the class and to give examples of their respective merits. Traditionally the exercises are not finished until we say the Class of ’19 has never been excelled in abilities. During the four year’s which have passed so quickly from us, we have met with many experiences which will never again be ours. In accordance with the new experiences in life’s school, we are poorly prepared. Some of us may go to a higher institution of learning than that from which we are soon to bid farewell, while others will venture forth, upon life’s broad battlefield inspired by prudence ami determination. We shall not, however, depreciate our victories or cynically speak of our utter inabilities. We can truthfully say to our Alma Mater whom we leave behind, that we have a great deal indeed to be grateful for, ami little to regret, by the past lour yeans’ experience in dear id V T. H. s. in looking ever our past activities,as students of the high school it is not difficult to see that we have made 15

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Til K NIXONIA SENIOR CHARGE Juniors and under-classmen wo, as the Seniors of the Class of ’19 take this occasion to place before you some advice. Especially do we wish to speak to the Juniors, that worthy band here in our midst, with colors flying prepared for the occasion. Juniors, we hope you will take facts as they are and do not think we are handing bouquets or boasting for this is far from our purpose. Throughout the passing year you have displayed a peculiar air of importance which could not be accounted for by your superiors. You are forced by circumstances to admit that the Class of ’19 has held sway in the achievements of the year. Juniors, we charge you to enumerate one accomplishment which represents the work of the school in which the Seniors did not have the controlling influence. To be successful and noble Seniors there are two important essentials which characterize this rank initiative and good judgment. As Juniors your actions and endeavors have only very faint traces of these qualities. During the year you have left impressions of undignified actions which are not creditable to Juniors. As veterans in the service of seeking a high-school education, we are capable of advising under-classmen. Juniors, since we have attained the highest rank, we feel that you do not apprehend the duties, obligations and opportunities that confront you. We charge you to uphold the standards laid down for you by the (’lass of ’19. Never before in the history of this school has a class, under such adversities, carried out as great undertakings without letting the standard of our school totter. We commend the Class of ’20 in that they have never doubted our authority as dictators, but have humbly bowed beneath the yoke. We congratulate the Sophomores and Freshmen, that they have had such an inspiring example in launching into their high-school career, and we are sorry that we arc compelled t » leave them to their own devices. Juniors, what class was it that always excelled in contests between classes? To be sure it was the Senior. Who was it that excelled a Junior in percentage according to the judges of debates? To be sure it was the Senior. In fact Juniors, we can not think of a single instance where intelligence was the concrete basis for success in a contest, whether between classes or in public, that you have excelled a Senior. Who is it that has been made conspicuous because of the many medals given as a decoration of talent ? To be sure it is a Senior. During four school years this person has not had a rival as a public reader. It would take a magnifying glass and search warrant to even find a blue ribbon awarded to a Junior in a contest. In the French class composed of Juniors and Seniors who was it that excelled in grades? Why, the Seniors, to be sure. Juniors, there is no use harping on your abilities for you never could, never will ami never did any thing worth while. Juniors you boast of a soprano singer while we have with us an alto singer, if you please, who can sing soprano equally as well as your soprano can sing alto. Think what effect the loss of three girls of the Class of ’19 will mean to the “Girls’ Glee Club.” Think also what will be the effect of the loss of that noble Senior’s voice which has served as a leader to th Boys’ Chorus. Juniors, in the three years of our relationship we have never heard a member of your class play an instrument, while we have with us two musicians. Juniors, think how embarrassed you would feel if called upon to furnish some musical number. 17