Orations from the Pomeroy High School Graduation Class of 1906

Source – Pomeroy Herald, Pomeroy, Iowa, Thurs., June 7, 1906, p.8

A large and enthusiastic Pomeroy audience were delighted Friday evening in listening to the exercises of the graduating class. Of course home people, such as parents, brothers, sisters and friends are always interested in the success of school pupils, and especially those who have gone thru the High School course and who are prepared to graduate and receive their diplomas.  Friday evening last was no exception to this rule.  The audience expected a pleasant entertainment and they were not disappointed.  The program as given above was fully carried out.  First was the invocation by Rev. H. W. I. Mahood.  The solo by Miss Edna Davy was well rendered and especially enjoyed by lovers of music.

Walter Hammon
Walter Hammon then welcomed the people to the evening’s exercises in a few well chosen earnest words.  In this he manifested the training he had had in school and the earnest sincerity of his every motive.  His oration appears elsewhere in print in this issue.
"Address of Welcome by Walter Hammon"
Ladies and Gentlemen, the class of 1906 extend to you a most cordial welcome.  We hold the distinction of being the largest class that ever graduated from the Pomeroy High School, and we welcome you here that you may judge for yourselves the merit and standings of this class compared with the classes that have preceded us, hoping that as you listen to our class productions you may form some estimate of the work we have been doing the past four years. Another reason for welcoming you here is that it is our last chance to appear before you as seniors of the Pomeroy High School, for as we are given our diplomas this evening our relations to this school as seniors are cast off forever, but will never be forgotten, for no matter what work we engage, there will always be some little incidents that will turn our thoughts back to the happy, the sometimes tedious hours spent in this school. For four long yet seemingly short years we have been wrestling with our lessons, and now comes the question, how are we to be repaid for our time and study? Are we to take our diplomas and without determinations for future effort, go off and sit down and think that we have gained our fortunes or made our in this world? No. We are to push forward, in order that some may gain good honest fortunes, while others may win fame in some line of work.  The diplomas which we receive tonight, in themselves will not be very valuable, but they will be of great value to us, not that they will insure success for us in any undertaking, but just so far as they give us prestige over undergraduates.  Although these diplomas indicate that we have gained a general knowledge that should enable us to fill positions of trust and profit, they do not qualify us and it is only by determination and personal effort that we will be able to hold such positions.  Our training has been of the very best quality and now that we pass from out old duties to new ones, the times and a higher power demands that we engage in a worthy profession and develop the awakened ambitions and powers to a high degree of perfection.  Some people blame their training for their lack of success, but it is to be hoped that not one of this class will ever be in such a position as to have to use this as an excuse.  You all know what it has meant to us or our parents to have sent us to school these last four years, but you who have completed a similar course can best appreciate what it will mean to us in the future.  The young men and women who leave school in the grammar grade and think that the next four years work would be of little value to them are making the greatest mistake of their lives.  If you doubt this statement read some of the writings of the most earned men of today on wasted opportunities.  Is there any honor in being a graduate of a High School? There surely is, for if there is not, what makes the fathers and mothers of these young men and women look so proud and happy tonight? Now as time is fleeting and other members of the class wish to entertain you, I again extend to you in behalf of the class of 1906 a cordial welcome.

Grace Parker
Miss Grace Parker, one of the charming girls of the class presented the class history, giving the details, “from away back,” when they were little tots come ten years ago, up and on thru grade after grade, where they had tugged with knotting, and to them naughty problems, met discouragements and conquered all things before them.  The history proved of interest and the reading thereof was attentively listened to and highly relished.

Lloyd Harmon                 
Lloyd Harmon sang a bass solo in an entertaining manner.  Of course this is a part of a program upon such an occasion that is not as eagerly sought after as the mental productions of the different members of the class, but he acquitted himself very creditably and will have no cause for regrets at any failure whatever.

Oma L. Foster
“Making An Orator” by Oma L. Foster, was one of the chief entertainments of the evening. Although a reading, yet it was attractive, amusing and highly entertaining. Miss Foster delivered the piece in good shape.  She enjoyed the distinction of speaking louder than did any of the other girls, and all could hear her.  She put spirit into the piece and her dramatic and vehement acting set if off in fine shape.  This young lady can make a public practice and elocutionist, meeting with success, if she so desires.

Georgia C. Holmes
Miss Georgia C. Holmes, delivered her oration in a clear forceful manner and it ranked as one of the leading entertainments of the evening.  She told of the importance of embracing opportunities offered and that good judgment is required in being able to choose right from wrong opportunities. As this oration will appear in the Herald soon, we will be brief in comments upon it at this time. 

Edna Davy
A double quartet of the class furnished vocal music with Miss Edna Davy at the piano. 

Lora Cunningham
Class Prophecy, by Lora Cunningham consisted of respective predictions about what would become of the various members of the class.  Some would go west, some east, some to foreign countries. One would follow this occupation, another that, etc.  It proved of interest to know what would become of the different members and that their life’s work of usefulness was assured.

Elizabeth Nixon
Reading, The First settler’s story by Miss Elizabeth Nixon consisted of a detailed account of the lives of early settlers, embracing the trials of the woodman, especially the devoted wife who sacrificed her life by hardships not entirely foreign to the commands of an imprudent overbearing husband.

Mable Peterson
Before going to New Mexico, Miss Mable Peterson, had prepared a class poem which was quite unique and interesting to listeners as it was read by Miss Edna Davy in a clear and distinct tone.
“Beauties from Verde’s Opera,” trio, by Misses Edna Davy, Lora Cunningham and Grace Parker was given on the piano in a very neat and pleasant manner.

Anita F. Kloxin
Miss Anita Kloxin next gave us “Class Will,” in a very expressive manner.  Miss Kloxin showed that “where there is a will, there is a way,” and also that the class of 1906 of the Pomeroy Schools, has the will and they will find the way.

Ralph Cunningham
Ralph Cunningham delivered the valedictory address. He has a good strong voice and he was heard in all parts of the room. If he but wills it, he can make a fair speaker.  His address consisted of some historical events from which to draw important lessons, and pathetic farewells to schoolmates, teacher, board and friends. Next came the class song which was quite a pleasant feature of the evening.

Retiring superintendent Patten made a few remarks to the class, admonishing them to choose wisely and act will their parts.  President of the board, Mr. G. B. Peterson closed the evening’s entertainment with a few words of encouragement.  He said he felt gratified at the success of the school and of this class in particular.  In no previous class had he felt a greater interest.  He then presented diplomas to the above named.  Of such was the entertainment of Friday evening.  This kind is always wholesome and good.  It brings parent, teacher and pupils together.  It brings neighbors and friends together in one bond of union stronger than before.