8
THE
CHEM AW A
AM ERICAN
to grade, she has unfalteringly moved onward and upward, looking to
the higher things of life as her beautiful Christian character will attest.
She has been a leader in the literary societies and is equally proficient in
the domestic arts, being a good seamstress and housekeeper.
In November, a year later, Alaska sent us another member, who was
placed in the fifth grade. He had a most exciting experience in reaching
his destination. While crossing a portage he was attacked by a band of
wolves and but for the timely appearance of a relative, who used his gun
effectively, would never have lived to reach Chemawa. Fortunately for
us, the wolves were deprived of a good meal, he is with us today and an
invaluable member on the printing staff of “ TheChemawa American” ,
being a splendid typesetter and illustrator. In all the class there is no
other whom Nature has so richly endowed with talents as Willie Reddie,
our violinist and artist.
I take pleasure in giving the history of another Alaskan who entered
school in October, 1910. Persevering in his endeavors to get an educa
tion he has reached his aim and fulfilled the wishes of his friends by being
one of our number today. He is a member of the band and known as
“ Trombone Charlie” in musical circles. He has a fine bass voice also,
which has been heard in school choruses and glees. He follows the trade
of a blacksmith and when not in school or otherwise engaged you will
find him at the forge—Charles S. Johnson.
From Siletz there came to Chemawa a young girl determined to secure
an education. Quiet, unassuming, and of a most studious nature, she has
succeeded in keepiug a place in the highest ranks of the class. She has
been active in literary work, debating in a winning team this winter.
She is a excellent housekeeper and seamstress; Lavina Wilbur.
Our next subject is a Montana boy. He was not satisfied with the
limited education which he possessed, for he recognized that in order to
make a success of life he needed more knowledge, so one day as he was
plowing in the fields he made up his mind to go to Chemawa. Imbued
with this idea heat once applied for admission papers and arrived in Au
gust, 1912. In scholarship he has ranked among the highest, winning
the class honors; Charles Eder, valedictorian. Besides his literary en
dowments, he is gifted in other lines, being the accomplished snaredrum-
mer of the band and taking a leading part in athletics, excelling in the
shot put.
Our neighbor to the south, not to be outdone by her sister states, has
helped to increase our class to the present number by sending a represen
tative. Her early education was acquired in Northern Caliiornia, and
upon her arrival she was placed in the seventh grade. She at once won
the regard of her teachers by her strict attention and close application
to study. • She has been connected with the various school organizations,