High School Commencement – 1913

Prepare To Pay Price For Worthy Things, Speaker Tells CHS Grads - 1963

High School Commencement – 1913

(Coaldale Observer, Saturday, May 31, 1913)

The five graduates of the local high school acquitted themselves very creditably at the commencement exercises in St. Mary’s Hall on Monday evening.

John P. McGeehan as Salutatorian presented the aims of the graduate in a clear concise manner and showed the makings of a first class orator.

Matthias Vorsteg the Class Historian recited some of the inner workings of the class in an amusing manner that pleased the auidience.

A piano duet by Misses Jennie Bachman and Lucretia Maury gave evidence of the musical talent possessed by these two young ladies. The High School is fortunate in having them numbered among its scholars.

Miss Anna Breslin as Class Prophet outlined a bright future for the class members and it is to be hoped they will achieve the goals Miss Breslin has foretold for them.

Raymong McTague delivered a masterly essay on the class motto “Virtuis in Arduis” and Raymond certainly showed the result of careful study in preparing his essay.

Miss Bernadine Hoben pleased everybody with a well rendered solo after which Raymond McTague presented the graduates with articles supposed to be of use to them in future life. Miss Breslin was presented with a hoop for a ring: Miss Boyle with a tea cup and tea pot; Matthias Vorsteg with a head of cabbage and two dried herring; John McGeehan with a horseshoe for good luck and Prof. John E. Gildea was presented with a tie pin, set of cuff buttons and a tie clasp as a token of the esteem in which the class held him.

Mary M. Boyle as Valedictorian reflected credit on her high school training and showed that the class honors had descended on worthy shoulders.

The presentation of diplomas followed, the presentation being made by Thomas J. Evans, president of the board of education.

The annual address by Prof. John G. Scorer showed the benefits of Optimism as measured against Pessimism and the graduates were urged to look upon their future in an optimistic manner and grasp all opportunities for advancement that present themselves here without dreaming of green fields ready for their invasion at California or other distant points.