CLOSING EXERCISES
The First Graduation in the History of the Wray School.
Friday evening, May 19, 1899, thei first graduation exercise in the history of the Wray school was held, the class graduating from the Tenth grade. It was a notable event, being the first real demonstration oft the progress of our School. The graduates may well fell (sic) proud of their distinction, for they were instrumental in helping to build up the school. There were six graduates, Brown Earl Sisson, Minnie Susan Mason, Elizabeth Alice Hoy, Edmund O'Donnell, Coral Elmer Willis and Flora Belle Finn.
Miss Finn led the class. By dint of hard and persistent work she attained an average in her studies which is flattering. In her the knowledge acquired has assimilated. It has served to not only enrich her mind, but has ennobled her character, and she possesses those composite traits which form the true woman. Her assiduous toil and gentle patience is deserving of much encouragement.
The class received the highest praise from their teacher, Professor Dow, when he presented them to the public. His words were from the heart. He thanked them for their friendship and for their help to him during the term. He also reminded them that their education was not complete; that they had simply laid the foundation upon which to erect the structure. In their journey through life they must strive for greater knowledge, choosing always the highest and best.
In presenting the class with their diplomas, the president of the board, Mrs. L. M. Butts, spoke very encouragingly. She alluded to them as the pioneers, having hewn out a path through the forest so that others might find the way more readily. She was proud of them and their achievements, and entreated them, as they go into the world, to ever go forward; to strive persistently for the goal - perfect man and woman hood.
Each of the class read an essay. Their delivery was first class and some new and good thoughts were advanced. The essays will be published from week to week in this paper, and their merits can best be judged by a perusal.
The music by Mesdames Zepp and Hudgel was good as was that by Miss Beckwith. The clarinet sold by Mr. Ralph Cutler was greatly enjoyed. This was Mr. Cuttler's (sic) first appearance before a Wray audience. It is hoped that it will not be the last. He is a good musician and handles the keys of his clarinet in a masterful way.
2The church was beautifully decorated with flowers, flags and bunting. The prevailing color was pink, the chosen color of the class. Suspended over the stage was teh class motto "Green, but Growing." The building was entirely too small to accommodate the crowd and many were unable to get even standing room.
The essay of Miss Flora Finn will be found on the fourth page of this issue.
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August 22, 1902 the Rattler reported that Zella Weaver, popular teacher and one of Wray's most beautiful girls, daughter of the George Weavers, married Ralph Cutler of McCook at the Weaver home August 20. Ceremony performed by Rev. D.C. Cowan, pastor of the Wray Presbyterian Church. Guests were Misses Mollie and Flora Finn and Ida Hedrick and Mr. Roswell Cutler, brother of the groom from McCook. They visited the bride's relatives in Peoria, Illinois. The groom has fitted up one of the nicest little houses in McCook for his bride. He is a "R & M Operator", which must be a railroad telegrapher. That was his 1900 occupation in Oxford, Nebraska and he was a train dispatcher in Sterling in 1930.
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