Pennell Institute - Whirlpool Yearbook (Gray, ME)

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THE PENNELL WHIRLPOOL LITERARY ° “THE PLOT THAT FAILED’’ Paul Vernon, a world renowned sci- entist, Was sitting before the fire place in his New York Mansion in a thought- ful) mood. His seeretary who had served him five vears was leaving the next day and he had engaged a new one who was arriving at seven that night. In his profession, a dependable secretary was an important item, and he dreaded the thoughts of a new assistant. As he gazed into the fire, his thoughts wandered back to days gone by and he remarked with a start, ‘‘Why, it was just twenty years ago tonight!’’ He raised his eyes and looked thoughtfully at a large painting of a beautiful young matron and a sunny haired child. “ Poor Maria,’? he sighed. At this moment the door opened and a large grey haired woman entered. She was Julia Chamard, the scientist’s sister. As she seated herself by the window, Mr. Vernon turned to her and said, ‘ Julia, did you realize that it was just twenty years ago tonight that we were in that ship wreck ?”’ ‘‘No, Paul, I had not given it a thought,’’ she responded, with a voice full of annoyance. “Tf only the child eould have been saved, I might not have been so lonely m my old age. T suppose it was the wil] of God,’’ and he again gazed into the burning embers. Julia quietly left the room and closed the door. In the hallway she met her son, Jack, the heir to the Vernon mill- ions, a happy go lueky youth of twenty- five, who spent his leisure moments thinking of new ways to spend ‘““nele’s’’ money. ‘ Paul has had another spell tonight; my conscience troubles me when he appears that way. I wonder what really did become of Virginia after I left her?”’ “Oh, the deuce with Virginia! Where would we come in if she had been saved? There’s no danger of her appearing, so forget it,’’ interrupted Jack, ‘‘Well, I ’m off. I'll be in about midnight. Good night,’’ and, with a slam of the door, he was gone. With a sigh Julia slowly mounted the stairs. When she was in the seclusion

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to TILE PENNELL WHIRLPOOL Pennell Institute should have a debat- ing team. During the last quarter cen- tury the art of public speaking has fallen into disuse. In the past, weekly declamations were required of the stu- dents of Pennell. In some respects this method of speaking was practical; in others it was not. The chief argument against it is that it was exceedingly painful for those taking part. At the present time humanity and the Soph- omore class would be greatly benefited if this system were to be employed as a means of curbing unruly freshmen. Having disposed of the ‘‘freshies’’, how about the remaining classes? A clear understanding of English grammar is necessary to the average student. De- bating brings into play those points of grammar which are emphasized in the English classes. It also gives the school much publicity which it would not receive otherwise. Another advantage is the financial side. The profits real- ized from the debates could be used for many improvements which are needed at the present time. Perhaps the great- est argument in favor of a debating team is its benefit to the future citizen. Arguments presented in a logical way train a person to think for himself and not be swayed by the empty enthusiasm of the mob. America’s future citizens must have logical minds and clear heads if they are to decide wisely on the great issues which will confront them. Such minds enabled our leaders of the past to lay the foundations of a mighty republie, and sueh minds will enable our leaders of the future to make America the friend of right and the enemy of wrong. I have given you several reasons why Pennell Institute should have a debat- ing team. I[ct’s get together and work hard, and may sueeess reward our efforts. W.S.C., ’29

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2 YHE PENNELL WHIRLPOOL Pennell Institute should have a debat- ing team. During the last quarter cen- tury the art of public speaking has fallen into disuse. In the past, weekly declamations were required of the stu- dents of Pennell. In some respects this method of speaking was practical; in others it was not. The chief argument against it is that it was exceedingly painful for those taking part. At the present time humanity and the Soph- omore class would be greatly benefited if this system were to be employed as a means of curbing unruly freshmen. Waving disposed of the ‘‘freshies’’, how about the remaining classes? A clear understanding of English grammar is necessary to the average student. De- bating brings into play those points of grammar which are emphasized in the English classes. It also gives the school much publicity which it would not receive otherwise. Another advantage is the financial side. The profits real- ized from the debates could be used for many improvements which are needed at the present time. est argument in Perhaps the great- favor of a debating team is its benefit to the future citizen. Arguments presented in a logical way train a person to think for himself and not be swayed by the empty enthusiasm of the mob. Ameriea’s future citizens must have logieal minds and clear heads if they are to decide wisely on the great issues which will confront them. Such minds enabled our leaders of the past to lay the foundations of a mighty republic, and such minds will enable our leaders of the future to make America the friend of right and the enemy of wrong. I have given you several reasons why Pennell Institute should have a debat- ing team. Let’s get together and work hard, and may success reward our efforts. W.S. C., ’29