Pennell Institute - Whirlpool Yearbook (Gray, ME)

Page 16 text:

PENNELL INSTITUTE — GRAY, ME. GENERAL INFORMATION This institution was founded in 1876 by the late HENRY PENNELL, a former citizen of Gray. Though not born in Gray, Mr. Pennell spent nearly the whole of a long and industrious life in this town and was closely identified with all its interests, and was fondly attached to its people. Commencing with nothing but his own hands, and a determined will, by dint of the most rigid economy and perse- vering labor he amassed an ample fortune. He was always the firm friend of education. Though he was the largest taxpayer in town, his voice and vote were always in favor of the largest appropriations for this purpose. It is reasonable to suppose that many years ago he formed in his own mind the plan of providing for the children of the town means for a more liberal education, which he felt had been denied to him, but of which he would most gladly have availed himself had they been within his reach. In pursuance of this plan the Institute building was built during his life and under his immediate supervision. The building is large, commodious and commanding. It is heated by steam, lighted by electricity and is supplied with an abundance of pure running water. This building, together with its grounds, Mr. Pennell gave outright to the town, to be used for educational purposes, under provisions fully and minutely set forth in his last will and testament. The institution was endowed by him with a fund of twenty- five thousand dollars. He also gave the sum of five thousand dollars for a library, and philosophical and other apparatus. The last named sum is to be appropriated from time to time, at the discretion of the Trustees. Two sanitary drinking fountains have been presented to the Institute, one by Mr. H. L. Forhan and the other by the Alumni Association. The Alumni have also contributed a hardwood floor for the assembly hall, and the town has supplied steel ceilings for the rooms below, and flush toilets,

Page 15 text:

THE WHIRLPOOL 13 who, having won a letter in one of the sports, then has the highest rank in his or her studies. Mr. Skillings’ thought is to encourage athletics and scholastic standing at one and the same time. In honor of his mother, Mr. Skillings has chosen to call this the Sarah Jane Skillings Award.” At an assembly on April 25, the following class parts were awarded: Valedictory, Warren Cole: Salutatory, Ernest DeLorme; Honor Essay, Edward Webb. Other speakers, chosen by the class, were: Address to the Undergraduates, Mary Sawyer: History, Frank Cooper: Prophecy, Dorothy Edwards; Will, Glennis Morrill: Gifts, Phyllis Barton and Silas Foster. The class ode will be decided later. JUST IMAGINE! (IMPOSSIBLE!) l auris Segars and Marie Pousland separate! Phy! Frank not flirting with Ernie DeLorme! Priscilla Dunn talking slowly! Nancy Webb and Elizabeth not wearing out the pavement! Si Foster getting to school two minutes early! Earla Whitney making a sound! Miss Clough not saying, “THE BELL HAS RUNG”! Marian Whitney dieting! Winona Stilphen not looking at the boys! The Juniors agreeing in a class meeting! Charlie Tripp not arguing! Miss Chick forgetting to give an assignment! Robert Merrill not having a new girl every week! Ernie DeLorme studying his Algebra! The Sophomore Latin class having a perfect lesson! Lul Pousland not being shocked by her sister's actions! Warren Cole saying something! Gigs Delorme walking home with a girl! The Freshmen being uniform in size! Frank Cooper with all his lessons completed! Glendon Cobb walking upstairs quietly! The boys not using the girls’ Ping Pong table! The Sophomore girls not giggling! MARGARET SAWYER, 36. HISTORY I think that I shall never see A subject hard as H-I-S-T-O-R-Y: A subject which I do detest But one I know I should like best; A subject that is such a bore I'd like to drop it evermore. Poems are made by fools like me But only “the boys know history. GLENNIS MORRILL, '34,

Page 17 text:

THE WHİRLPOOL 15 A laboratory was built in 1899, with the aid of the State for the chemical and physical departments, and is now equipped for the indi- vidual work of students in chemistry, physics and electricity. A library of a thousand miscellaneous books and books of reference, selected especially to meet the requirements of the school, has already been pro- vided, to which additions will be made from time to time as the interests of the school may demand. Although this school was primarily intended for the education of the young people of the Town of Gray, it is nevertheless open to others who will pay the tuition and comply with the rules. As a free high school it has the approval of the State Superintendent for the col- lection of tuitions from those who attend from towns not supporting such schools. Students may fit for college or prepare to enter the tech- nical schools from the courses offered; and the expense of preparation may here be kept at a moderate figure. Pennell Institute is on the approved list of the New England College Entrance Certificate Board. The associated colleges are Amherst, Bates, Colby, Massachusetts Agricultural College, Middlebury College, Tufts, Wesleyan University, Williams. Pennell Institute is also accred- ited by Dartmouth, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire State with the Certificate privilege. Students whose rank and deportment are satis- factory will be recommended to the college they desire to enter. Students who wish to enter college on certificates must have a grade of 85 or better for the course to assure a successful continuation of the subjects in col- lege. Since the requirements for admission vary, it is well for the student to decide on his college by the beginning of the Junior year. There is a large athletic field in the rear of the buildings for baseball and field sports. Pennell Institute has the support of a strong Alumni Associa- tion, the members of which have always taken deep interest in the affairs of the school. They have further shown their interest by donating to it from time to time valuable and appropriate gifts.