Fairview High School, Class of 1942 Memorabilia, Allen Parish, Louisiana Submitted by Sheila Parker Conque ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ A Welcome of Memories Salutatory Address presented by Kathleen Reid on graduation night (Unfortunately I do not have a copy of my mother's Valedictory Address) In behalf of the class of 1942 of Fairview High School, I bid you all a cordial welcome to our exercises. It is a source of pleasure to us and we deem it an honor that so many of our friends have gathered here to witness these our last ceremonies. Our school is every happy to welcome to her halls those who are interested in her welfare. There is, however, one occasion which stands out above all others. That is the one which we are assembled here to celebrate. The occasion is a happy one to use for our work here is finished. We are full of hope and eager for the great world in which we must take up our life's work, not as here under the ever watchful eyes of our faculty but armed with that power which we have acquired through years of effort under their direction. Even now we are straining at our bonds to be free to take our part and do our share in this present conflict. But before we buckle on our armor, it is well we pause and review the circumstances which have made possible this realization of our ambitions. They have been happy days, very happy days. It is not without a pang of regret that we enter the path which separates our school days from the broader unknown life before us. The exercises of to-night will be a review of that school life, a holding up of the mirror of our past. Therein you will see reflected the associations and experiences which have bound us together into one body. Though our interests have a times been diversified, our purpose has been common and this has formed among us a tie of allegiance not soon to be forgotten. Fellow Classmates, tonight we meet for the last time as a class. It seems fitting, that within these walls where we first assembled years ago, we should take leave of our Alma Mater. It is a moment of mingled joy and sorrow, joy that our goal is reached and our work here finished, sorrow that the pleasures of school life all over and its pleasant associations must be broken. During our school life we have been actuated by the same hopes and fears. A spirit of mutual respect and confidence has ever kept us harmonious and united. To the school we have been loyal and devoted. Every effort to extend her influence and increase her fame has met with our earnest and enthusiastic support. In our records as a class we may justly take pride. As we separate let every one bear none but the pleasantest memories of our high school life. If there is aught that is dark and bitter, may it be left behind. If the hopes and ambitions of any have not been realized, let the disappointments be forgotten. Let the same spirit which has characterized our school life distinguish our after life. May our Alma Mater never be forgotten. Let us ever strive to maintain her honor and promote her interests. The feeling of regret that comes over every one of us is fittingly expressed in the following lines: "My classmates, of the thoughts this hour involves - the parting sighs and final resolves, no casual observer can conceive, nor any who have ever felt the pain of parting friends who may never meet again. 'Tis not alone at parting that we grieve, but well we know though some of us may meet, some will be absent whom we used to greet." In parting, classmates, I will not say "Good-bye" but "Farewell, until we meet again."