New York State History

CLASS DAY ADDRESS

For twelve long years have we toiled and labored in order that we might be able to stand at last on the threshold of this our graduation. Commencement Day has come at last and the Senior's work is done. Like those who have gone before us, we are about to enter a new world as it were; some of us will attend higher institutions of learning, others will take up immediately the present duties of life. But whatever position we fill, may we always keep in mind our class motto, "To be, rather than to seem," and may we strive to do our service as one, for the general uplift of humanity. We realize that this goal in school-life has been reached only through the kind assistance of parents and teachers; but all future goals we more fully realize must be attained through our own individual efforts. The poet gives us this truth in the following quotation, "Success comes not from wishing, but by hard work, bravely done."

It now remains for us to show in this new period of life upon which we are about to enter, the appreciation of the training we have received in this High School. In the delight of graduation and the anticipation of a new round of duties, we feel a keen regret in leaving our Alma Mater; but we shall always cherish the memory of the very pleasant four years we have spent in this delightful environment of study and pleasure. May our future life bespeak the many opportunities and advantages afforded us here.

Let us not therefore, shirk the duties which await us, but undertake and accomplish them. And as the world is a theatre and we who live upon the earth or stage the players, may we always strive to play a noble part in the great drama of life.
DAVID WARD WHITE, President. Class of 1917.