Vermilion School of Agriculture - Yearbook (Vermilion, Alberta Canada)

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c7 Miss O. Melnyk H. Scraba Students’ Council Miss F. Clement Miss M. Maire E. SwiNDLEHURST R. LENT Social Activities W ho among us has not looked forward to the social gatherings that make such a pleasant break in the weekly routine? This year there has been a varied programme presented by the various Committees and enjoyed by Staff and Students alike. Our first social event, likely to be remembered by newcomers as a fitting climax to an otherwise trying day, was the “Initiation’’ Dance. Before this took place we were entertained by the “Freshies” who were eager to show that the initiation had by no means dampened their spirit and that they were “game’’ to provide amusement for their erstwhile toimentors. The Staff Reception to the Students, given cn November 22nd, will be remembered as a time when games and singing were followed by a very enjoyable dance. At the invitation of Mr. Pilkie. of the Columbia Theatre, we all enjoyed a free show during the early part of the term. Our thanks are due Mr. Pilkie for this “Theatre” night, which we have ccme to look forward to as an annual event. The evening of December 6th found the V.S.A. young people on their way to the High School where they were cordially received and entertained. At the Opening Dance held on December 12th a large number of ex-students and Vermilion people were present to help us appreciate the good music and the equally good refreshments served at the close of the dance. A short concert, Christmas tree and play closed out our fall functions. Just what happened among the left-overs at Christmas is too much of a mystery to dig up at this late date and we shall therefore have to leave it out. The organization of our School Orchestra since the holidays has added much to the social evenings and the practice dances to it’s music have been very popular. The skating party under the auspices of the Athletic Committee made a welcome break in January’s series of dances and a Valentine’s Novelty Dance put on by the “Radio” Committee was also a special feature. At the time of writing we are still looking forward to several more entertainments and have no doubt that they will be up to the standard of those which have gone before. [ Page twenty-two ]

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THE RADIO COMMITTEE W e feel that the “Radio” has had a successful year. The issue has been restricted to a semi-monthlj ' publication rather than a weekly one. and the aim has been towards quality rather than quantity. To Percy Howe, the Editor, is due much credit. He has worked hard and consistently and the success of our school paper has been due, in no small measure, to his efforts. To Miss Fern Clement, too, who although not a member of the Committee, has given her typing ability so faithfully, we tender our thanks. An open Valentine dance put on by this Committee was well attended. There were new lighting effects, and several novelties were introduced which, no doubt, helped to make the affair an outstanding event. Financially, the “Radio” is on its feet. It contributed $15.00 to the “Little Royal,’’ and, with the profit reaped from the dance, there is a surplus with which to begin next term. We hope that you treasure your “Radios, and, that years from now when you wish to freshen your memories of dear old College days, you will cast an eye over their pages. Until next year, then—good-bye! VERSATILE CLUB irst formed in January 1928 the “Versatile Club” has kept as its aim the bringing of outside speakers to address the members on various subjects not too closely connected with agriculture. The Club originated among the Second Year Boys and for the first year the membership was confined to boys. However this year as last, the girls were admitted to membership and took an active interest in the welfare of the Club. In spite of a somewhat late start this has been a very successful year. Our membership stands at practically one hundred, we have enjoyed four lectures to the full, and we still look forward to having one or two other speakers visit the school. Mr. L. Higgins, a well known Edmonton authority, gave a very interesting talk on “Fine Prints.” This was the opening lecture of the season, and gave the Club an excellent start. Mr. Higgins set an extemely high standard for the succeeding lectures to try to equal. Our second speaker, Mr. Sackville, addressed the Club at the time of the “Little Royal.’’ In his talk “The Problems of To¬ morrow,” Professor Sackville threw fresh light on many of the much discussed problems which are facing us at the present time. The name of “Big Bear’ will long remain fresh in the memories of those attending Mr. Bleasdale Cameron’s lecture, the third one on the list. Mr. Cameron, an old timer, past editor, author, and the sole survivor of The Frog Lake Massacre was bound to be an interesting personage. Such he proved to be, holding the attention of his audience with a vivid account of the early days and his association with the Indians. Mr. Ottewell’s addr ess was perhaps the most humorous of all. The serious nature of the subject “Unemployment” did not Iqnd itself to humor readily, but Mr. Ottewell entertained us rather than lectured us. The Versatile Executive wish to thank all members for their support, and to express the hope that the present First Year students will return to carry on the good work of the Club. Radio Committee From Left to Right: Miss F. Clement, J. Don, Miss Duprey Miss M. O’Brien, Miss O. Melnyk, P. Howe Athletic and Gymnasium Committees Standing: E. Johnston, B. Smith, W. Durda, G. Ogston Seated: Miss V. Dempsey, A. Russell, Miss M. Clouston, Miss L. Withnell D. MacDougall, Miss MacLean Page twenty-one ]

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Inter-School Dehate The Literary Committee T X he evening of Friday, March the sixth, found staff and students of the V.S.A. gathered in the assembly hall of the High School for the fourth successive debate between the two schools. Keen interest has always been shown in what has now become an annual event and this year, again, a large and appreciative audience listened to the contestants as they brought forward their arguments pro and con the New School Act. The resolution read: “Whereas the present system of school admin¬ istration in the Province of Alberta has proven inefficient, therefore be it resolved that the proposed changes as put forward by Hon. Perrin Baker be adopted.” Miss Lucille Erwine and Miss Ethel Shields up¬ held the resolution for the High School, and Mr. Thos. Hall and Miss Edith Hutchinson supported the negative. All except the last speaker had debated before, nevertheless she, too, showed a marked ability to speak in public and the standard of previous debates was well maintained. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the evening Dr. W. W. Bell outlined the system that it was proposed to follow in judging the debate. In order to test the ability of the audience everyone present was to be allowed to vote, though this vote was in no way to affect the decision of the judges, which was to be final. We were fortunate in having as judges Professor A. E. Ottewell of the University of Alberta, Mr. J. W. G. Morrison of Vermilion, and Rev. Halliday of Lloydminster. At the close of the debate, Prof. Ottewell in his usual kindly way, criticised each of the four speakers in turn and congratulated them on their effort. It remained for Dr. Bell to give the decision of the judges which proved to be in favor of the High School. This is the second consecutive win for the High School and the next debate therefore pro¬ mises to be even keenly contested, as each school has now won the cup twice. We must not forget to mention in closing the musical numbers given by members of the High School and the short programme put on by the Glee Club at the close of the debate, all of which were enjoyed thoroughly. Ed. Swindlehurst “Ladies and gentlemen, before I begin rry remarks I have something I should like to say to you. Mr. Whitbread (also might apply to Miss S.)— “I can do some¬ thing none else in the world can do.’ Mr. Turnbull “No, what is it?” B. J. W. “Read my own writing.’’ T X he Friday afternoon programmes sponsored by the Literary Committee have been most enjoyable and a good deal of unsuspected talent was brought to light for the entertainment of the students. Stump speeches and stunts of various kinds enlivened the various lit. periods, while budding violinists and soloists presented items of marked interest. Bob Mac¬ Donald delighted the gatherings on several occasions with solos played on an ordinary handsaw. After the Christmas vacation we enjoyed a talk given by Ian Mac- Lean on the work of the Boys’ Parliament, which he attended as Member for the Vermilion School of Agriculture. Plans for the future develop¬ ment of boys’ work in Alberta were outlined and an interesting resume of what has already been accomplished was given. The Literary Interclass competitions have provided an outlet for the enthusiasm of the various groups in the School and were very successful. The annual debate with the High School, held under the auspices of this Society, occasioned considerable interest and the account of this event, given elsewhere in the Yearbook, will be interesting to ex-students Social and Literary Committees Standing: Miss E. Hutchinson R. MacDonald Miss V. Latam Miss D. Hetherington R. Foster Miss J. Cochrane Seated: M. Reid S. Pawliuk D. Hay 1. MacLean [ Page twenty-three