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About The Chemawa American (Chemawa, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1913)
6 THE CHEMA W A AM ERICAN own matchless Edison, “ the wonder-worker?” Deprived of his hearing in his early youth, yet has he accomplished such tasks of inventive genius as no other man of any former age had even dreamed of. As he sits with his gray head pressed against the instrument from which he ex pects to realize so much in improving our music, he typifies to us indom itable will-power and courage. So might we name many others who have fought the battle and con quered, but we shall take time to mention only one more. At the name of the blind senator from Oklahoma, Thos. P. Gore, our hearts thrill with pride for that man of our own race and blood, who has, through Ins difficulties, yet attained to a place of such high destinction. So, classmates, let it be to us an inspiration and stimulus to bravely face difficulties and overcome the conditions that we shall meet in the world, as have these men who have gone before us. Not only will it take patience and perseverance, but it will take bravery also. Let us then add to our motto the words of our own great chieftain, the noble Massasoit, who, when he stood upon the field of battle and saw his war riors falling all about him, as fall the leaves in Autumn, stimulated them to renewed effort by his stirring battle-cry, “ Be brave! Be brave!” And so, too, shall we accomplish much, if we, like them, are brave. Indeed, there is no way in which we can better express our gratitude to the government, our teachers, and instructiors, for all that has been done for us here than by putting into practical use the things that have been taught us while in the school. How glad we are to think we have sometimes conquered here; have been patient when things have not gone just as we wished them to; and have persevered when our own difficulties have confronted us. But now the time has come for us to bid farewell to this institution and to all those who have done so much for us. As we go out into the world we shall carry with us only the fondest memories of the kind ness and care which has been shown to us during the past year by our superintendent, Mr. Wadsworth; and we know that his interest in us does not end with our departure from Chemawa. All that lie has done for us here will be woven into our lives, and we promise him it shall bear fruit in the future. Our gratitude goes out. also, to the teachers and instructors who have helped us, in every way possible, to prepare for this time in our lives when we must face the world alone. To the schoolmates whom we leave behind us—the class bids you press forward always; set your aim high, and do ever your part toward making the school better year by year, for it is onlv through you that Chemawa can fulfill her great mission of education.
