Olivet College - Oaks Yearbook (Olivet, MI)

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selves into a self-governing body, took their stand as Freshmen and hung their banner aloft, the Sophomores strove to tear down the banner. THE BATTLE FOR THE BANNER, ocr., 1906. Then a mighty battle was fought, a fierce struggle which only the higher powers could bring to an end. It was on this field that the new- comers proved their Fitness to survive as an honorable division of the in- habitants of Qlivet. A CONDITION OP 'II-IE PEOPLE. Henceforward, since they had so bravely won their rights, the Fresh- men stood in an established position, and, free from hostile attacks, could follow the paths of peace. They chose themselves leaders from among their number-first, one called Hike, and afterward, one VVings, brave chieftains both, whose very names are symbolical of rapid progress and swift upward flight. And the powers looked down favorably upon the Freshmen, bestowing signs of their appreciation of the fact that this was an extraordinary class-the best, in fact, it had ever been their good for- tune to work with. PROGRESS AND INTELLECTUAL GRONVTH. Times of peace and intellectual growth are the outwardly uneventful periods, not the history-making epoehs in the life of a people. It but re- mains to describe briefly the growth and character of the band. ln all branches of life they showed the adaptability, the Versatility and the underlying strength that make great achievement possible. Pow- erful athletes have shown by their courage and vigor how effectually they might defend a great cause. Qrators have arisen, who in greater crises could arouse the fires of patriotism. Poets have felt the necessity of giving expression in song to the spirit of the class. And in art, in music, who shall say what bright lights will some day shine out? And how have they entered into the life of their new hlome and adapted themselves to every need and' custom! How readily have they discerned every available means of avoiding unnecessary labor! How quickly their light hiearts have learned to rejoice in simple pleasures-the lake, the moonlight walks, two by two, the consumption of pie! Their faults? They are but those of the youthful and immature, mis- taken attempts to follow the example of those who should be far wiser than they. XV ith the capacity for development thus far shown, what may not be the significance for the future of this young band? Even now their influence hovers cheerfully within the gloom of confining walls, or ten- derly in the sunshine and shadow of the pleasant paths and by-ways. Here the account ends. May the succeeding chapters evidence the fulfilment of the promise shadowed forth by so auspicious a beginning!

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THE PREPAR, my THE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT. The Preparatory Department of Qlivet College, after an existence of many years, will soon be but a tradition. This is by no means to be called a failureg the department is outgrown. When it was founded, there were many students who needed thie preparation there. Since then the public schools of the State have been growing until the place once filled by the Preparatory Department is now occupied, by the well-equipped high schools, which are open to every one desiring an education. Therefore the authorities have deemed' it best to discontinue the department, begin- ning with this year. The class that entered this year will be given oppor- tunity to graduate, and for their benefit, full work will be possible under the usual instructors for three years, but during that time no new class will be admitted, and in IQIO the whole department will be abandoned. In the meantime, this branchi of the college is very much alive, and shows a determination tomake the most of what life remains to it. In scholarship, in athletics and in all phases of Olivet life, its members hold their own, and lay a foundation for their college course that makes them tlze leaders among their fellow-students.