Stockbridge High School - Panther Yearbook (Stockbridge, MI)

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fare that we bid farewell to you. A But it is not to you alone that credit is due, for you are as the twigs. with our beneiicent board and self-sacrificing parents as the main branchesg while the liberal public and tax-payers form the great trunk of the grand school system of which our country may well be proud. Worthy friends and parents. we are truly grateful. to you for your generosity insupplying our many needs. Do not falter in your noble work for you are aiding in building character that will last even in eternity. You may, per- haps, a live to the time 'whenyou will be proud to say, I am glad that I had the privilege of helping to form so noble a character. Then, in behalf of the class, I ask you to ac- cept our heartfelt thanks. Farewell. 'Now we mu st turn to the future and think of you who will .soon stand in our places. We will not say follow in our foot-steps, but profit by our experience and thereby save to yourself much valued time. Be, not discouraged if sometimes the way seemslong. Remember what Holland Heaven is not reached ata single bound: ' But we build the ladder by which We rise From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies, ' And we mount to the summit round by round. Ah, yes we must travel carefully and steadily. Thus we bid farewell to you. . I Dear classmates of 1903:- While I highly appreciate the honor, confered upon me, I feel utterly, incompetent of speak- ing the farewell words of council and instruction. Sadness iills my heart when I reflect on the past and know that the happy school days are gone, forever: yet with this sadness is mingled pleasure. We feel glad that we have been priv- ileged to enjoy such rich opportunities. Along our path were scattered roses, helpful words, and untold pleasuresg butoften our thoughts would .wander to the dim unknown future when the happy schoolfdays should be a thing of the past, and we must. face the stern realities of lifeg, when thorns would appear among the roses and a frown take the

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Ualebictorv. time has now come When each must start upon his great voyage, over the stormy seaoflife, alone. Hither- 'WHY' to our small barks have glided smoothly along, side by side, down the narrow river, with scarcely a ripple to dis- turb its tranquil Waters. Vie have drifted easily along down the stream. until now We have reached the grand and mighty deep. Hereafter Weriaautst -not DRIFT but STEER. During this short jcoumpty, owe have learned to value the trials and temptations, Whichhave beset us, as stepping stones to higher and nobler-purposes. We can no longer seek the assistance of others, but must rely upon ourselves. ' 'God never intended thatpowerfuliandl independent beings should be reared by clinging to others, like the ivy to the oak for support. , a it We trust that the discouragements and failures Which We have encountered, and Which, With the kind assistance of others, have been overcome, Will lead to final victory. Though the discipline may havesometimes seemed harsh and the punishrnentsunjustg yet these things teach us to better improve our valuable opportunities and appreciate the precious timeg Our future success depends largely on what has already been achieved. . ' Kind teachers, it is to you that We are -deeply indebted for your Wise council, your many helpful instructions and encouraging Words. These things cannot be too highly es- timated, and it is with a feeling of sincere regret that We did not more fully appreciate your kind interest in our Wel-

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place of the approving smile. .This futurevvhich We fain Would have placed in the distance, perhapsfyears, months, Weeks or days has at last come into view.-L f. n. -. ' - f We now stand on the borderland of Ether broad future- -fand ponder over its .mysteriesf and now, dear friends. of my school-days, Words almost fail to a-.: e Xpres-s-arthe' thoughts I would impartto you. Meth-inks, I hear you breathlessly yvhisper, HI-Iovv can We climbf thosefrugged rocks ?.'? Let me ask, How did you attain the: - present theights?'7 By 'stumbling and becoming 'discouragedfi No, by rising 'with renewed determinations? and perseverance. 1 All greatfeats -are accomplished little by littlepfa 'How didi the ' great- H-anr nibal and hisbrave army cross the Alps? 'By taking a step at a time, conquering the mountain tribes and bravely fac- ing the fearful' snowstorm-s.. And so, Weebyeonstant efforts and 'labor 'Will conquer. As -Hannibal?s men obeyed and followed-him, let us look to they Great Commander for guid- ance and when as-Christian, the Pilgrim, We fear the lions in our path, let us press constantly forward with the assur- ance that they are chained and cannot harm us. Turn not aside from the path,'of duty, but bravely bear the trials for these Will come. ' ' ' '. i , Life is before you from its fated road, You cannot turn: then take-ye up theeload N t Y t t d 1 the k O SOUPS 0 F63 Ol' SUNG UD DOWI1 Way, YG IDUSIJ 20 o'er ill, IIIGBU X6 what YC may. - . Gird up your souls Within you to the deed, ' E ' ' Angels and fellow-spirits, bid you speed. V -'Perhaps youhavefnotthought that our class is slightly different from those which have precedediusg Q We have a greater majority of boys. Then pardonme if the greater 'part of the remarks are directed to them. But as We believe in a singlestandard of purity. for both boys and girls,Words that are prudent for boysfare equallyl so for girls. 5 We, the girls of this class, are proud to say that during our-friendly associations With you, Wefhave never been .annoyed by any 'debasing habits. Noble motives arise fromt good habits: and men of this stamp are desired in hundreds -ofpositions in our great country. Who has not said, when reading of