A Treasured Discovery For the Simpkins Five!

As I was going through Mom's and Dad's things; which is the hardest thing I've ever done; I came across a yellowed paper containing this treasured memory, entitled simply, VALEDICTORY.

Gentlemen of the Board of Education, Members of the faculty, Classmates, Ladies and Gentleman:

Tonight, for the last time, this class of '31 is assembled here in dear old Chauncey-Dover High School; tomorrow, we begin our new life.

We used to think, in days gone by, that our Commencement would be the end; but now, we have come to realize that it is--Only a Commencement.

We realize that on such an occasion as this it is but natural for us to look not only over the past but also into the future.

We look back upon the past with its years of strenuous study, constant association with teachers and students, and hours of play.  We see things which can never be again, but things which will live forever in our memories.

Now we must turn our minds towards the future with its possibilities. We do not know exactly what the future holds in store for us, but we do know that there will be opportunities and disappointments.  We hope there will not be many of the latter, but we must expect them, for life would not be life without both joy and sorrow.

If we hope to gain much progress in the future, we must be willing to give to the world the best we have.  In this way we will gain the best for ourselves.  Success awaits us at Labor's gate, but that success is too dearly bought which is purchased at the expense of others.

When we reach the period of old age, we will find that we care less for many things which gave us pleasure in our youth.

If our time has been well used, if we have warmed both hands wisely "before the fire of life", we may gain even more than we lose.  Hope is gradually replaced by memory; and whether this adds to our happiness or not depends on what our life has been.

To make our life one that we would like to remember, we should labor hard and willingly, keep smiling, and always be fair and square with ourselves and others.

We have endeavored to qualify, to measure to the more important duties entrusted to us.  We have tried to acquire knowledge, a large fund of patience, a smile that will not rub off, and a better understanding of human nature, and we hope that these attributes will continue with us as we enter upon the bigger field of life.

We pride ourselves in the fact that we are now graduating from Chauncey-Dover High School, but we are already wishing that we could come back again next year to the dear old school we love so well.

Classmates! The hour has struck.  The time for parting has arrived.  Though we must separate, let us not separate in spirit.  Let us often think of these high school days, and, while passing out into the world, face our duties with hope and courage.

To you all, our beloved friends, the Class of 1931 bids a last farewell, with our best wishes for your future, and sincere regrets that our high school days have gone forever.  With grateful hearts, we pass out, greeting cheerfully to those who are to follow on tomorrow, and with a last lingering look into each other's eyes, we say farewell!

Roena Shafer

*I will remember that this is our legacy from "Our Mother", who was so very wise at the age of 17; and hold her memories in my heart forever.