28

account of the First commencement exercises of the Seminary, May l9-20, 1875, provides an interesting account of the work at the school. At the public exercises at the Warnersville Church on Wednesday night, May 19, a large audience heard a sermon by the principal, the Rev. Mr. Par- kinson, and brief speeches by Greensboro citizens, including Judge Albion W. Tourgée. The next day, Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., a large number of visitors came to see the accomplishments of the students at the examinations. In the Thursday night public exercises, students participated in a variety of selected readings, recitations, dialogues, and songs.

According to the news reporter at the examinations, excellent

abilities were displayed in reading, math,.and geography. Enunciation,

punctuation, and “regard for position“ were noted, while some of the more advanced were “very pleasing and accurate in their reading." The advanced students were also especially good with 1'fractions and reduc- tions." In short, said the reporter, "we thought the whole examination creditable to teachers and scholars, and of a character that neither need be ashamed of.”26

The problems and concepts which challenged the students during their education were indicated by such titles of recitations and read- ings on Thursday night as ”Cheerfulness,"The Necessity of Education,"

“Young America,” and ”Wonderful Schola‘ro”27 ________.__________

Ibid.

27Ibid.