Our hearts are full, and “out of the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaketh.”
Especially to the School Committee would we convey our grateful thanks for the interest you have manifested in the Class; and for the kindness and consideration with which you have met all our wants, doing all in your power to facilitate our studies.
We trust that our success in the future may be such as will reflect credit on this Society.
To our teachers, Mr. Mason and Mr. Spaulding, you who have so well performed your part, we hardly know how to thank you for your patient and persistent efforts to fit us for the calling we have chosen. Taking up this work after the fatigue of the day, with body and brain already wearied, your task, as well as ours, has been a difficult one.
But you have ever been ready with words of encouragement to help us over the hard places. Faithful, conscientious, you have gained our respect and esteem, and we feel that in parting to-night we bid good-by not only to teachers, but to earnest, helpful friends. And yet, not a final good-by. For, are we not looking forward to many pleasant meetings of the “Phonographic Alumnæ Association,” when you have promised to meet with us, and by your presence aid and encourage us to continue our practice and by united efforts help one another?
For we believe the old maxim is true in this connection as in many others,—“In union is strength.”
Fellow classmates: For seven months we have met and studied together; and now that the term is over it is with mingled feelings of joy and regret that we meet to-night for the last time in this place.
Joy that our task is done; that the time to which we have looked forward has come; for to many it has been a severe strain to continue to the end. We alone know the difficulties we have had to contend with; the pleasures given up and the sacrifices made to be present at the class.
But who shall say it has not fully repaid us? Is not this knowledge we have gained all the more precious because so dearly obtained?
Some have already begun to reap the reward, others are eagerly looking forward to the time when they shall be able to put this knowledge into actual practice.