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VALEDICTORY.

We are all here; yes, sixty-five of us, sons and daughters of dear old Armstrong, whose purpose is so to correlate the training of hand and mind that every one will be fitted to meet the exacting requirements of the world.

Within these walls we have spent many happy hours at our various occupations, always striving to do our duty and to take advantage of the excellent opportunities afforded us for fine work.  We girls have learned to sew so well that we were able to make our beautiful graduation gowns, and the work of the boys evokes genuine praise from every quarter.  Yet our academic training has been no less thorough than our technical.  We have all enjoyed the works of Addison and Cooper and  Shakespeare and Lowell as much as the humorous tales of "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table" and the thrilling novels of Scott.  Some of us have reached out even farther and walked in German scenes with Goethe and Lessing.  Thus you may perceive that we are as well equipped for the work of the advanced institution as for that of the world.

Graduation which completes the school career or some of us is not the end, but the commencement.  It is now that we face things as they are.  Many of use may have opportunities thrust upon us while other may knock long and often before the door of opportunity is opened to us.  There may go forth from this class of 1903 a Douglas, Langston, or a Booker T. Washington; we know not.  but whatever may be our lot, let us never become discouraged; stem the swift tide and remember "All things come to him who will but wait."  Let us add however, "They reach only him who works."

Now fellow students it is sad to part after so many years of pleasant intercourse.  Just think for a moment of the many happy hours we spent together in the mornings, before class, at the football games and at the competitive drills where we rent the air with cheers for Armstrong. Shall we ever forget those delightful class meetings?  To all these now we must bid farewell.  And also to our dear teachers the time has come to say good-bye.  This is the saddest task of all.

Just a word to the "undergrads," those who are to follow in our footsteps.  The same opportunities which were open to us are open to you with increased facilities.  Our advice to you is to take advantage of them all.  Grasp every chance for improvement, remember

"The past and the time to be are one, And both are NOW."

Lastly dear old school we bid you farewell.  You have given us the key to the gateway of practical knowledge through which we may become useful men and women ready to do the world's work.

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[[image - drawing of the music and words to the class song]]