Nodaway High School - Quill Yearbook (Nodaway, IA)

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Qlibr 'Wirtnrian literary bnrirtp The Victorian Society was organized early in the fall of 1915, The primary object of this organization was to de- velop in the student the art of speaking in public. This was accomplished by various means. For a while every member took a few minutes each alternate morning and ac- quired the power of talking before the school. Later came the programs that were rendered each month, where they not only appeared before the school, but also their parents and others interested in school activities. True it is, at first, the paper of the new debator shook, his knees smote together' and the voice of the timid singer trembled. But we enjoyed it all. Each was willing to do his part, all were interested in the different phases of literary work so we came out vic- torious in the end. All have gained a better choice of words, realized a broader knowledge of current problems, and more systematic methods of research. Each feels as if he has gained some practical good that he can well apply in the discharge of the duties that are sure to fall upon him. The eliminating of the inter-society debate chilled our fondest hope of making our prowess felt as a worthy com- petitor for the penant. The society has lived up to the name of H Victorians by defeating its H Athenian brethern in the annual contest for the basketball championship. We are still confident of stamping the name indelibly upon the records of the closing year by handing them 'the same friendly compliment when it comes to baseball. A. EVERETT.

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e eclamatnrp Qllnntest The growing interest in public speaking and debating sug- gested to the faculty early in the fall of 1915 that there might be a talent for oratory or dramatic art lying dormant in the intellect of some of our home boys and girls. To ap- ply the drawing outuprocess would be only one step toward the development of these hidden treasures, and to afford declamatory work could not fail to be beneficial in every re- spect. i So it was with these ideas in mind the plans for a mid- winter contest were discussed pro and con. At the onset there seemed to be few who were sufficient-ly interested to be willing to sacrifice time for training. Some lacked enthusi- asm because the idea was entirely foreign to them, but as the plans for the contest began to materialize, one after an- other joined the ranks until there were thirteen in all. Three of this number, however, were compelled because of sick- ness it-o drop from the list even before actual training began, but stil-l there were ten eager contestants in the race for honors. On February l4, Mrs. Ida C. Robb of Creston began the training for the contest. As the students were merely v beginners in the declamatory work, she found several H back woods preachers and others whom she considered almost hopeless. But with the most careful and diligent training for one week Mrs. Robb was able to produce a decided change in the character of the work. Each contestant made such a marked improvement, that at the last rehearsal there was a question in the minds of those who had watched the progress of the work, just who would have the honor of win- ning first over all. A ' So with this narrow margin existingjten pupils from our little school gave the first declamatory contest in the his- tory of the institution. The high grade work done in the rendering of each selection showed the careful preparation which had been made. There was no doubt' but that each student did exceedingly well, and truly deserved the applause given them. But throughout the contest, the gradings of the three judges were so close that in order to make the final decision, they were compelled to total the per cents. Harry E. Moore in sum total won first over all, the prize was a five dollar gold piece., Gwendoline Gibson took second over all, which entitled her to the two dollar and a half prize.

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Qthenian literary buttery On the fifteenth day of September, 1915, an event of greatest importance passed into the annuals of history. This most noteworthy event was the organization of the Athenian Society of the Nodaway High School. For this reason, September the 15th, 1915 will be 'remembered until the earth shall cease to revolrve on its axes, until the stars shall fade from the midnight heavens and time shall be no more. From the various names suggested at our Hrst business meeting, the name Athenian was adopted because we wished to represent the best in our high school as Athens did in the Ancient world. With this ideal always in mind we hoped ic accomplish great things. In every line of work in which we took an active part our ideal has been nobly and bravely pursued. The aim of the society has been to create a spirit of friendly rivalry and thus to bring out the best in athletics as well as in literary work. Then too, we desired not only to accustom the individualtto appearing before an audience with some ease and self possession, but also to train him to collect his thoughts and ideas and to present them to an audience with as much force as possible. We feel satisfied that we have not entirely failed in our purpose. In order to accomplish our aim various means were em- ployed. During the first four months of school the Athen- ians gave a short program each morning of alternate weeks. When the members had attained some ability in the art of public speaking, an open program was given. This was followed a few weeks later by a joint program of both so- cieties. The last public performance staged by the society was a program celebrating the birthday of St. .Patrick, the saviour of Ireland. The work done by the individuals on these programs was highly commendable and worthy of great praise. Thus in our literary work our ideal, Athens has been carefully followed. Success not only crowned our efforts in literary work but also in athletics. Although the boys suffered a disastrous defeat at the hands of their rivals the Victorians, the girls retrieved this defeat by carrying away the big end of the score when they met the Victorian girls on the basketball floor. We hope to repeat this victory on the baseball diamond this spring and we sincerely trust that the boys will avenge their defeat when they match baseball games with their opponents. We certainly have sufficient cause to be proud of the place the Athenian Society holds in high school athtlfetics. .The star positions on both boys' and girls, basketball teams were filled by members of that society and we trust that this reputation will be retained during the base- ball season. CMissJ KATHERINE STAFFORD.