CHARLESTON, S. C.
Avery Normal Institute.
[Extracts from the Charleston News and Courier, July 4th, 5th and 9th.]
The Graduation Exercises of this institution were held at the school building in Bull street, yesterday, commencing at nine o’clock in the morning.
The programme included singing by the school, and addresses and essays, which reflected great credit upon the several pupils who delivered them.
A large number of prizes, including several handsome books, were distributed to the successful pupils in the several classes, and diplomas were presented to the graduates.
Many features of the programme were excellently rendered, and it is, perhaps, fair to award the palm to the salutatory and essay by Julia D. Edwards, and to the discourse on “Class History” by Elizabeth R. Tucker. These compositions were well conceived and gracefully delivered. The singing, too, deserves special praise, and there was one contralto voice in particular very noticeable for its strength and clearness.
The institution, which is devoted to the education of the colored youth of this city, has turned out ninety-seven graduates since 1872, all of whom do honor to their instructors.
Reunion Exercises.
The series of exercises which were arranged for three days, closed most auspiciously, yesterday, with a reunion of the graduates. The programme comprised vocal and instrumental music, original essays, recitation, declamation, oration and closing address. The main hall, where the exercises were held, was thronged with an audience highly appreciative, as was continuously evinced.