Roxboro High School - Rocket Yearbook (Roxboro, NC)

Page 31 text:

SSV1D YOINNF AHL 29

Page 30 text:

C) JUNIOR CLASS ROLL Janie Abbitt Millie J. Brooks Janie Bradsher Pearl Bradsher Sallie Day Edwin Eberman Bertha Featherstone Robert Featherstone Elizabeth Featherstone Felix Fleig Elaine Goode Mary Hatchett Mattie Hatchett Mary B. Hall Clyde Hall Foy Jones Odelle Lunsford Elizabeth Masten Odell Mitchell Eva Newton Kenneth Oakley Eddie Perkins Marion de Vlaming Nathaniel Warren Muzette Winstead ' Dorothy Younger 28

Page 32 text:

THE MODERN PRODIGAL SON Davie Conley, a brilliant boy of twelve, and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Westmore- land M. Conley, was gleefully playing with Beauty, his pet dog. His parents were sitting in quietude in a large swing, located under the spreading branches of a big elm tree that stood near the house. They seemed to be perfectly contented watching the mannerly ac- tions, the courteous graces of their boy, as he went to and fro, in merry romps with his dog. They had a daughter also, who was three years the junior of “Brother Davie,” and equally as lovely. However, she, Adriene by name, was visiting relatives in a near-by city at the time of this little event. “Oh, father! Isn’t it real joy to have such a son as Davie?” asked Mrs. Conley with a happy air. “He’s so obedient, so pleasant and graceful.” “Yes, if only—if only we can succeed in keeping him that way. You know boys are so easily influenced, and so often the subject to changes in character when they come in contact with others,” was Mrs. Conley’s somewhat serious reply. “That’s right; and Davie must go to the city to enter high school, andthere he will be with all types. Ill be glad when those tedious high-school years are over,” responded Mrs. Conley, solemnly. The Conley’s were possessors of a beautiful farm home, in the heart of Henry County, Virginia. The farm was utterly wrapped up in country nature, game-filled forests, emerald fields, sparkling streams, and warbling birds—everything the human heart could desire. Mr. Conley was a prosperous farmer, though not an extremely wealthy one. How- ever, he went wanting nothing that was necessary for a pleasant life. Neither father nor mother of Davie were unexcelled in kindness and good disposi- tion. They lent happy smiles and kind words everywhere. Besides their excellent char- acter, they were graceful in form and had enduring constitutions. Mr. Conley was noted for his strength and courage. . So how could one wonder at the loveliness of Davie Conley, or Adriene, being the offspring of such praise worthy parents? They, as children possessed all the individual characteristics of father and mother. These characteristics so perfectly blended in the children, tended to bind them closely to their parents with cords of love, hard to be brok- en. If such ties of affection are broken, intense sorrow and suffering must fall upon some- one. In this case they were destined to be broken as shall be seen later. ar During the next two years, those of Davie’s first teens, he worked earnestly in school combating every temptation to do anything wrong with real success. At the age of four- teen he entered high school. The first year there proved to be remarkably good. | He: gained the confidence and love of his teachers by his obedience, courteous manners and honesty. His parents rejoiced in his excellent work; they urged him on, and did everything in their power to incourage him. The people of the country enjoyed his presence, honored him, and many times he was the subject of conversation among them. This exalted merit clung to Davie until he was about in the middle of his second year in high-school. What then? Ah! woe betide thé two succeeding years—the blossom- ing time of his future. At that point in his schoolincy, Davie fella victim to the usual lessening mcral standard that boys of his age all want to do. He began to associate with boys of low force of character. Gradually he yielded to their persuasions, and more and more did things to undermine his good foundation, He succeeded for some time in keeping his parents igno- rant of the part that he was sadly wandering astray. Ruta revolving wheel cannot turn noiselessly forever, so the dreadful fact finally became known to father and mother. They 30