Ilion High School - Class of 1915

The Utica Herald Dispatch - June 23, 1915

HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT

Article 2

Finely Rendered Programme of Exercises Was Greatly Enjoyed – The Graduates.

ALUMNI RECEPTION: SATURDAY'S EVENT

The commencement exercises of the class o f 1915 was held at the Ilion High School last evening and the auditorium was filled with parents and friends of the graduates, which number 26. The exercises started promptly at 8 o'clock, when the class marched to the stage to music played by the school orchestra. The Rev. A. H. Conrad offered the invocation and afterward the following programme was carried out: "Dolores" (Moreti), High School Orchestra; essay, "The Almighty Dollar," Mildred H. Gray; essay, "Where the Siren Calls.," Antoinette C. Stone; essay, "The Professional Woman," Edna M. Cole; essay, "Masters of Achievement," Lavinia Murtaugh; overture, "Sans Soucil," arr. by Leon. High School Orchestra; essay, "The Meaning of the Flag," Irma J. Ingersoll; essay, "Shylock and Antonio," Bessie M. Davies; oration, "The Aeroplane, a Useful Invention," Albert M. Ross; violin duet, "Aufhoher Alp", (Ludwig Andre), Constance Miller, Richard Van Wiggeren.

In the announcements made by Prof. Schwartz, he said that in looking over the records of 1911-12, he was astonished to find that 117 boys and girls were registered as freshmen. Of this registration, the present 24 were the ones who were successful in acquiring four years of study and finishing their course. In connection with this he explained that some had moved away, while others fell by the wayside, left school and entered employment. He also explained then new rule, which was enacted in 1911 in regards to the Regents' examinations. All persons having obtained an average of .857 in classroom work are not obliged to pass the Regents' examinations. Mr. Schwartz was proud to say that only one person graduated on this basis.

The first honor, valedictorian, falling to Miss Bessie M. Davis, who attained a school average of 91 8-10, and a Regents' average of 88 2-10. Second honor, salutatorian, was awarded to Miss R. Lavinia Murtaugh, whose school average was 82 4-10 and Regents' marks of 77 2-10 per cent..

The diplomas were presented by E. K. Harney of the Board of Education and the Rev. A. B. Conrad closed the exercises with the benediction. One of the pleasant features of the evening was the music numbers rendered by the High School Orchestra under the direction of Miss Hulburt, Teacher of music.

The following is the list of the graduates:

Latin Course
Harold Haggery Ackler,
Edna Marguerite Cole,
Leo John Coughlin,
Bessie Marguerite Davis,
Irene Florence Fosgate,
Mildred Helen Gray,
Ruth Edna Hazleton, * not listed in class roster
Irma Josephine Ingersoll,
Ruth Lavinia Murtaugh,
Verna Mae Ostrander,
Albert Miller Ross,
Callie Rachel Sterling,
Antoinette Creighton Stone,
Charles Winslow Tucker
Ethel Anna Williams.

English Course
Gordon Hagan Day,
Louis Irving Diss,
Gladys Irene Fear,* listed in class roster as 1917
Harold Everett Fear,* listed in class roster as 1916
Kathryn May Hallenbeck,
Elliott Thompson Lester, Jr.,
John Edmund Matthews,
Esther Bellinger VanAlstyne.

Elective Course
Albert Cady,
Vernon Edwin Gifford,
Arthur Douglas Williamson.

The Alumni Tonight ---

The annual meeting and reception of the alumni of the Ilion High School Building this evening at 8 o'clock to which are urged to attend not only all graduates but those who received their diplomas under Prof. Curtis. The only manner in which these annual meetings of former schoolmates can be made a success is for each and every member to attend and to do their part. Among the speakers at the dinner will be Frank Giblin of Utica. After the business and social session, dancing will be enjoyed.