Last evening the Bethel Evangelical church was beautifully and tastefully decorated. Over the stage were the suggestive words, “no footsteps backward.” At each side were ladders so thoroughly concealed by flowers that the labor of climbing would be forgotten in the beauty and attractiveness of the surroundings. The occasion was the graduating exercises of the Class of ’97. The words were their motto. The ladders speak their determination that each step will lead them onward and upward. We trust the flowers which concealed the ladders are a favorable omen: that in the struggle for continued culture and further development of the noble and useful manhood and womanhood, the pure, the grand, and the beautiful may make all toil for further acquirements and achievements a delight.
The class consisted of five members, Misses Carrie Bender, Lillian Moyer, Kittie Cheeseman and Messrs. William Kuter and Ellis Lutz.
The programme was a very interesting one and the house was filled with an appreciative audience. The graduate’s showed careful and excellent preparation for the occasion, handled their subjects well and appeared with ease and grace upon the stage. All the graduates were recipients of numerous and handsome bouquets and presents from admiring friends. If time and space permitted we would publish a brief synopsis of the excellent thoughts of each essay and oration. Time is too short however before going to press to make arrangements for that.
County Supt. Grossman addressed the graduating class and in terse and well pointed remarks dwelled upon the value of good reading and of good books as companions for contained self culture through life. Prof. S. D. Shiley spoke briefly of the extraordinary high standing and thorough honesty of every member of the class in their school work and closed with a feeling and graceful farewell to the class as they passed under his jurisdiction as Principal of the Shannon Schools. Supt. Grossman presented the diplomas to the class.
Excellent music was furnished by the male quartette composed of Messrs. H. L. Kuter, J. C. Moyer, R. C. Miller and Eli Bohen, and by soloists Mrs. C.H. Kable and Misses Bird, Leonard and Lulu Kopf.
The graduating class goes out from our public schools with the sincere good wishes of the Express and of the community and with the earnest belief that their reputation for honesty, thoroughness and success, which they have established in their work at school will continue to be theirs weather they seek elsewhere a higher education or at once enter upon the active duties of life. Success to every one of them and may Dame Fortune smile upon their efforts in life. May they live long and be a power for truth and righteousness in the world.
Contributed by John Sharp from the Shannon Express June 25, 1897
Also from John Sharp - the Freeport Daily Democrat
Shannon, June 16- In spite of the extreme warm weather, the Bethel Church was packed tot the utmost capacity last evening to listen to the graduation exercises of the class of 1897. The church was beautifully decorated with a flags, flowers and festooned with evergreens and in a semi circle over the pulpit was the class motto, “No footsteps backward.”
It was fully half past eight before the crowd could be accommodated and then Mrs. George Ward seated herself at the organ, and as the first notes rang the graduates entered led by Prof. Shiley and followed by Superintendent Grossman and others who took part in the program.
The exercises were opened with a fine selection by the male quartette followed by a prayer by the Reverend Mr. Kosler. Miss. Bird Leonard then rendered a solo, “The song that reached my heart” in a clear sweet voice.
Miss Carrie Bender stepped forth and in few well chosen words, delivered her salutatory. Miss Bender and Miss Moyer both having equal rank were entitled to the honor but by lot it was awarded to Miss Bender. However, by her wish Miss Moyer also delivered a salutatory which was very gracefully rendered, as was her essay on “Music” in which she enumerated the exalting influences of the art. As Miss Lillie is a thorough musician it is needless to say she was right at home with her subject.
William A. Kuter’s oration on “Statesmanship of Hamilton “ clearly demonstrated the fact that he had given the subject study as well as his ability to clearly present his ideas in an easy and graceful manner.
Miss Lulu Kopf’s rendition of the solo “Love was wedded in the grave” was appreciated and well received.
“Does prosperity depend on morality?” was the subject chosen by Miss Carrie Bender and it was handled in a masterly way. Her arguments were to the point and her delivery fine.
Ellis O. Lutz followed with an essay on “Webster defense of the constitution” which was full of good thoughts.
Mrs. Cyrus Kable then rendered a solo” The light house light” in very acceptable manner after which Miss Kittie Cheeseman delivered an oration on “ Our country” which was patriotic and spicy. Miss Kittie was awarded the highest honors of the class and the valedictory, which was delivered in a manner that reflected much credit upon her.
County Superintendent John H. Grossman made a short address to the class which was full of excellent advice, he also complemented them on the work they had done during his term as superintendent.
Professor Shiley followed with a few words of farewell to the class and Superintendent Grossman presented the diplomas.
The male quartet closed the exercises with “Good Night” and Rev. George Gable dismissed the congregation with the benediction, so the class of 97 is launched out in the world to take up life’s work followed by many kind wishes and showered with congratulations.
The closing exercises for the High School Class of 97 Were Held Last Night.
An Interesting Program Given in the Presence of a Very Large Audience
