Orations from the Pomeroy High School Graduation Class of 1916

Source – Pomeroy Herald, Pomeroy, Iowa, Thurs., June 8, 1916, p.1

Class of Eight Finish
Graduation Completed with Program Friday Evening – Music and Orations
The high school commencement program was held in the opera house, Friday evening, June 2.  The members of the class were William Behrens, Agnes Doyle, Mary Flaherty, Homer Lantz, Pearl Miller, Elsie Olson, Clara Ohrtman and Marie Tall. The graducating class marched to their places to the strains of Dvorak’s “Homoresque,” played as a violin duet by Elizabeth Behrens and Ed Doyle, Miss Minnie Behrens accompanying.  After the invocation by Rev. F. W. Wilson, a very pleasing vocal solo, “A Perfect Day,” was sung by Irvin Stewart, accompanied by Miss Jessie Peterson.

Elsie Olson
On account of physical difficulties on the part of the valedictorian, interrupting his time and practice, the orations of both the valedictorian and salutatorian were omitted; and the salutatory only was given by Miss Elsie Olson in her usual good style and pleasing voice. The final grades of the salutatorian and valedictorian were very close indeed and a figure to be proud of, being above ninety-five, the decimal part, of course, being in favor of the latter.

Agnes Doyle
“Class History” given by Miss Agnes Doyle, was very interesting and well read, old school friends especially enjoying it. 

Marie Tall
The “Class Poem” by Marie Tall was certainly bright and clever, and read in Miss Tall’s easy and comprehensive manner was an enjoyable number.

Homer Lantz
Homer Lantz’s oration on “Forces That Make for Peace” was a good, strong oration, well written and well given.
A piano solo, “The Dance of the Demons,” by Miss Doyle, was played in a brilliant and effective manner and elicited much applause.  Miss Doyle responded to an encore by giving “Echoes from the Mountains.”
The “Junior Address to the Seniors” was given by Lawrence Gaedke in his strong and clear style.  Pomeroy audiences are always glad to listen to Lawrence. 

Clara Ohrtman
This was responded to by Miss Clara Ohrtman in “Senior Address to Juniors.”  Miss Ohrtman is a good speaker and covered the ground well.

Mary Flaherty
The “Class Prophecy” by Mary Flaherty was well written and read in a quiet, easy style.

Pearl Miller
The “Class Will” by Pearl Miller, was on the humorous order and the ridiculous personal effects left by members of the class to others who might need them was very funny.

William Behrens
At this time in the program came the valedictory by the class president, William Behrens.  William is a strong speaker and the valedictory was very nicely given.

A solo by Miss Vivian Odiet, accompanied by Jeanette Hanson, was much enjoyed.  After the presentation of the class by Prof. Ray Latham and the presentation of the diplomas by C. A. Marple, the president of the board of education, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Spurlock and congratulations to the class, teachers and parents were in order.  This the audience was very ready to respond to as they felt Pomeroy high school had turned out another class of which we could all be proud.