p. 17 | Mt. Vernon Academy by W. T. Bland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1903

Mt. Vernon Academy

By W. T. Bland

Closing of a Most Successful Year

AFTER an absence of seven years it was a pleasure to visit this institution, to join in the closing exercises, to renew old acquaintances, and to mingle once more with teachers and students. Although not many of those who constituted the school forces of the first years of its existence were there, yet the same genuine spirit of earnestness and loyalty remained.

The commencement exercises this year marked the closing of the tenth year's work. The annual sermon was delivered by Elder G. A. Irwin, now of Australia, but who was for several years president of the board of trustees, and always deeply interested in the progress of the school. It was felt by all a great privilege to have him present on the last Sabbath of the school year, though he started on his long voyage the following night.

The final exercises were held on the evening of May 18, in the large chapel, which was beautifully and appropriately decorated with flowers and plants. A large and appreciative audience was present, many having come from the city; others who were especially interested in the academy, and former students back for a short visit, were from various distances.

Nine earnest young men and women were awarded diplomas as an evidence of their faithfulness, together with their willingness and ability to remain at their work until it was accomplished. These young people had dedicated their lives to the Master's service, and already four of the young men have entered upon the work of the gospel ministry, others of the class, together with quite a number of young people from the school in general, have taken up different lines of religious work. It seems worthy of special mention that so large a percentage of the class should have prepared for the ministry, especially as this is a branch of the work,—and the most important one too,—that has been so sadly neglected in the past.

The School Year

The past school year has been the most successful in the history of the institution. Ohio has always been most loyal to her own school, ever willing to respond liberally with financial aid, and to send in their young people; but during the past year those from many other States applied for admission, until even early in the year no more could be admitted. The school was fortunate in having a strong faculty of experienced teachers, besides having comfortable buildings and an ideal location.

Courses of Study

Mt. Vernon Academy has from the beginning maintained strong, practical courses of study, but for the coming year there has been added a full year of advanced work on all courses, thus making the strength of the work practically equal to that of the colleges. The trustees and teachers feel that they are fully justified in thus offering strong work in the production of the more matured minds and substantial characters brought out as a result. However, for those who are not able, or who do not have the time for the higher branches of practical work, the academy still offers the usual preparatory courses.

The Outlook for Next Year

In his final chapel talk to the students, Professor Loughhead announced that arrangements would be made for the admission of all applicants who were worthy of a place in the school, and that already the prospect seemed good for a very large attendance.

This is certainly a most delightful place in which to spend a few months, or even years, and one in which parents may feel sure their children will receive the best possible care, and that their advancement will be continually looked after. A neat, comprehensive calendar is issued, containing all general information, and can be had by addressing the principal, Prof. J. W. Loughhead, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. W. T. BLAND.