Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
date clipped off, probably May of 1911

In a program that was a departure from the usual custom of attempting to cover the whole range of human thought, delve into the past, and push aside the curtains that all may have a glimpse of the mysteries of the future, the eleven graduates of the Mount Ayr high school acquitted themselves creditably in the commencement exercises held in the opera house last evening. No attempt had been made at elaborate display in decorating. The drop curtain was covered with the class colors, old gold and blue, the wings being covered with material of the same colors, and across the rear of the stage, done in the class colors, was the class motto, "With the Ropes of the Past We Ring the Bells of the Future."

The members of the class occupied seats arranged in a semi-circle across the stage and behind them sat the faculty and members of the board of education. Prof. J. W. WILKERSON, who for many years was superintendent of the Mount Ayr schools, also occupied a position of honor on the stage.

The exercises were opened with prayer by Rev. J. W. BIRNLEY of the United Presbyterian church. Then came a piano solo by Miss Lena OGDEN, "Grande Valse Caprice," and the salutatory by Miss Elsie HOLLOWAY. Following this Lester WRIGHT gave his oration, "The Comus of Today." Miss Edna LAIRD sang a solo, "The Shoogy Shoo." Carroll SPURRIER delivered his oration on "Athletes," followed by Burrus BEARD'S oration on "The Crusades."

Next came the instrumental baritone solo, "Jeruselam," by Frank WILSON. Rex LAWHEAD gave a reading, "Claudius and Cynthia." Clifford HANKS gave his oration on "Agriculture," and this was followed by a piano solo, "Two Angels," by Miss Lova THOMPSON. Miss Edna LAIRD then read "How the LaRue Stakes Were Lost," four boys of the class sang, the class poem was given by Miss Zoe SPURRIER and Frank WILSON delivered the valedictory.

Hon. George S. ALLYN, who has been president of the school board for about one-third of a century, then presented the diplomas. He congratulated the class, the faculty and the parents and his presentation speech was in harmony with the spirit of the occasion and in brevity and simplicity was in conformity with the other numbers of the program.

Possibly no commencement program ever given by the Mount Ayr high school was so well received. It was a fitting close of a successful school year. While the purpose of commencement is to do honor to the young women and young men who successfully complete the course of study in our schools, the exercises last evening marked the close of a year's work in which wonderful progress has been made.

Superintendent E. T. SHEPPARD, in his management of the school, has brought order out of confusion and has inspired in all a desire to work in harmony for the upbuilding of the one institution in which all have a common interest. In his efforts he has had the hearty co-operation of the teachers, the members of the school board and the patrons of the school, all of which is essential to the success of the school.

President ALLYN suggested in his address that the board is planning for better equipment and a larger course of study. The outlook for the Mount Ayr schools is promising.

Burris BEARD	Clifford HANKS	Elsie HOLLOWAY
Edna LAIRD	Rex LAWHEAD	Lena OGDEN
Carroll SPURRIER	Zoe SPURRIER	Lova THOMPSON
Frank WILSON		Lester WRIGHT

 

Submission by Theola Weeda, June of 2013

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2013

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Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 30, 1961

Mount Ayr Class of 1911
50th Reunion

Six of the surviving members of the graduation class of 1911 of the Mount Ayr high school enjoyed their 50th reunion Saturday in Mount Ayr. Present for the observance were Burrus BEARD of Aurora, IL; Dr. Fay NORRIS of Houston, TX; Earl FENDER of Glenwood Springs, CO; Lova THOMPSON of Des Moines; Elsie HOLLOWAY MOFFATT of Daytona Beach, FL; Clifford HANKS of Kewanee, IL and Frank F. WILSON of this city. Three other members of the class, the Rev. Rex LAWHEAD of Canoga Park, CA, Lester WRIGHT of Des Moines and Carroll SPURRIER of Woodlake, CA sent greetings and expressed their regrets at not being able to attend the reunion. Deceased members of the class of 12 are Edna LAIRD, Lena OGDEN and Zoe SPURRIER.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2011