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Friday, April 26, 2024

Claude Trafton Wins D.E. Williams Medal for Declamation, April 26, 1924

Trafton Is Winner of Williams Medal

Claude Trafton was awarded the D.E. Williams medal in the declamation contest Friday evening in the South Mills High School, carrying off first honors with the other contestants doing so well that the judges were disturbed that there weren’t enough medals to go around. Leon Halstead, Milburn James, William Perry and Ira Pearce were the other four entrants in the contest, and each showed such ability and so much serious preparation that the audience, like the judges, was puzzled to know just who would be the winner. However, general sentiment in the end favored Trafton, it was declared, and the young orator, speaking fearlessly, easily and earnestly, with no show of nervousness, with distinct and careful enunciation and with delivery free from superficial attempts at the oratorical, made an excellent impression.

A medal for spelling was awarded to Weldon Burnham.

Prior to the declamation contest, there was a pleasing program of songs by the grades. Piano numbers were interspersed throughout the program, and the high schools’ pupils rendered a chorus while the judges were out making their decision.

The judges were Dr. John Bell, Ralph Holmes and Herbert Peele. A number of other Elizabeth City people attended the exercises, enjoying the enthusiasm of the students, the progressive spirit of the South Mills school, and the pleasant automobile ride over the good roads.

Sunday morning at 11 o’clock, Rev. F.H. Scattergood will preach the baccalaureate sermon at Trinity church. Monday evening the senior play will be given at 8 o’clock in the auditorium, and Tuesday evening Dr. J.H. Gorrell of Wake Forest College will deliver the commencement address.

The graduates are Tacie Burham, Irene Etheridge, Ethel Hastings, Ralph Harrell, George Ira Pearce, Lucy Sanderlin, and Lula Whitehurst.

From the Elizabeth City Daily Advance, April 26, 1924

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