D.H.S. Commencement Exercises 1938

The school's second annual commencement exercises took place at the pulp mill hall (located at the present location of Wilsons Business Solutions) in early December 1938. The Hall was filled to capacity with family and friends of the graduating students of D.H.S.

The principal of the school, Mr. J.D. Smith opened the cermonies with a few comments outlining the proceedings for the evening and then called upon Mr. Alfred Pitt, a member of the High School Board to act as chairman.

The evening started with the presentation of diplomas to the following graduating students:

• Agnes Blake
• Bryan Crawley
• Amy Corner
• Katherine Evans
• Frances Fraser
• Barbara Humphreys
• Evan Jones
• Leonard Leach. Killed in active duty in October 1942
• Charles Reany
• James Reid. Missing in September 1942
• Margaret Ripley
• Emma Strutt
• Hazel Wall

The evening was followed by the presentation of Field Day athletics awards. (Field day was an annual interschool athletic event held in September of every year. The activities were initiated in 1929 by teacher Mr. Ward Scott). The award winners were:

• Senior Boys, Mac Wigle
• Junior Boys, Frank Reid
• Senior Girls, Phyllis French
• Junior Girls, Anna Kurz

Awards were then given to the Dryden High School Soft Ball team champions. Mr. Proudfoot was the donor of a special cup to the winning team. (Soft ball was a popular sport with the teens during the 1930s).

Next was a presentation by the Public School Board for proficiency in high school entrance exams. For first prize, Margaret Sherwood received a book and Anna Kurz also received a book as an award for placing second.

Books were donated by the Dryden Branch of the Canadian legion for the best essay contest. The Armistice was the essay topic. Winners were:

• Senior Division: Christina Makuch, first . Dorris Jefford, second
• Junior Division Frances McKenzie, first. Edith Elliot, second.

The valedictory address was given by Frances Fraser. She gave an interesting account of the endeavours of past graduates.

A sample gymnastique routine that was performed at a school function such as the commencement exercise. This routine was performed by Gertrude Hutchison



Twelve Grade 9 and 10 students students did a gymnastique routine using a wand. The audience was pleased with the grace and precision. This was followed by a physical training by boys of grades 9 and 10. Their exhibition of skill was very well received.

Finally the stage was then arranged for the final number, a play "The Queen of hearts" that was peformed by the grade 9 and 10 students.

The proceedings ended with the singing of "Oh Canada"