The commencement season of the Asheboro city schools opened Friday evening, May 23, with an annual recital by Misses Nannie Bulla and Bertie C. May’s music pupils. Account of this excellent entertainment was given last week.
On last Friday evening, May 30, an operetta, “the Olden Whistle” was given by pupils of the primary and grammar grades. the production was an artistic one and reflected much credit on teachers and pupils. Among the leading characters were E.L. Moffitt Jr. Elizabeth Ross, Werth Brooks, Reitzell Smith and others.
The baccalaureate sermon was preached on Sunday evening by Rev. J.H. Barnhardt, pastor of West Market Methodist church, Greensboro. The minister delivered an able sermon from Daniel VI.3, “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him.” Mr. Barnhardt thinks Daniel worthy of emulation by the young people of today. The singing was done by the Senior class and representatives from the choirs of the different churches. Miss Mae Presnell delighted the congregation with a solo, “The Lord is My Light.” Rev. C.L. Gregory of the Friends church pronounced the invocation; Rev. W.H. Willis of the M.E. church offered prayer during the service; and Rev. C.G. Smith of the Presbyterian church pronounced the benediction. Rev. H.F. Fogleman of the M.P. church read the Scripture lesson.
The class day exercises were given Monday evening. Following was the program:
Part 1
President’s Words of Welcome—John Redding
Chorus, Springtime—Class
Poem—Frank McCrary
History—Margaret Moffitt
Statistics—Hal Johnson
Last Will and Testament—Thyra Wright
Part 2
Twenty years later.
The Class gives an account of itself.
Chorus, Forget-Me-Not—Class
Part 3
Valedictory—Nannie Adkins
Chorus, Fairwell—Class
Part two of this program was unique. Instead of giving the usual formal prophecy, the members of the class projected themselves 20 years into the future and held an imaginary reunion, at which the class gave an account of itself. According to these young people, there will be great changes during the next 20 years. Asheboro will become a city of 50,000; trains and automobiles will become old-fashioned and aeroplanes will take their place; a flight to Mars will even be planned by daring airmen; the United States will surpass Germany in medicine and surgery; and members of this very class will become world-famous in helping bring these wonderful things about.
Tuesday morning grammar school diplomas were awarded to 30 girls and boys completing the seventh grade. The diplomas were presented by Mr. J.O. Redding, chairman of the school board. At the same time, Mr. J.D. Ross of the school board made the presentation speech when about 300 certificates for perfect attendance were awarded. Several prizes were also awarded, a list of which will be given in another column.
The graduating exercises were held on Tuesday evening. Following was the program:
Song, America—Congregation
Prayer—Rev. C.G. Smith
Introduction of Speaker—Mr. L.F. Ross
Address—Dr. N.W. Walker of the University of North Carolina
Chorus, Fealty Song—High School
Awarding of Certificates and Diplomas—Mr. J.O. Redding, Chairman, School Board.
Remarks—Supt. W.H. McMahan
The following received diplomas:
Girls
T. Grace Ashworth
Leila Mae Bulla
Grace Lillian Cooper
Trena Callicutt
Virginia Agnes Barker
Margaret Moffitt
Nannie Emily Adkins
Thyra Varrick Wright
Gladys Mae Phillips
Nancy J. Lowdermilk
Callie F. Way
Boys
James Franklin McCrary
Alph J. Hamlet
Evolyn Herman Cranford
James H. McCain
Harris A. Coffin
George W. Ferree
John O. Redding Jr.
Hal Clancy Johnson
Receiving Certificate
William J. Armfield Jr.
The people of Asheboro were glad of the opportunity to have them on this occasion and to hear Dr. N.W. Walker, Dean of the School of Education at the University of North Carolina, formerly principal of the Asheboro school. Dr. Walker spoke on “Education.” He said that three factors determine what a person will be in life. These factors are as follows: heredity, environment and a conscious purpose on the part of the individual. He believes that young people should be encouraged to form ideals early in life, to set some definite goal of achievement, and strive to win that goal. He is striving to encourage his own five children to determine early on some purpose in life.
A pretty and impressive feature of the graduating exercises was the daily chain ceremony. The Juniors preceded the Seniors into the auditorium and formed an aisle of the daisy chain, through which the Seniors marched. After they were seated on the stage, the Junior marched up and encircled the class of ’23 [’24?] with the chain.
The commencement season closed last night with the Senior play, “A Bunch of Fun,” given in the Capitol Theatre because of the fact that curtains have not yet been hung in the new auditorium of the school, where all the other exercises were held.
From the front page of the Asheboro Courier, June 5, 1924
The population of Asheboro was 27,160 in 2020.
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