The Barre Daily Times

PRIZE SPEAKERS COMMENDED Spaulding Contest as Whole Pronounced the Best in Years LOUIS O'LEARY AND RUTH WYLIE FIRST Aubrey Marrion and Doris Burke Awarded Second Prizes

At the annual prize speaking of Spaulding high school, held last evening at the Barre opera house, judges, after commending the excellence of the contest as the best in years, unanimously awarded the first prizes to Louis O'Leary and Ruth Flora Wyllie, and second prizes to Aubrey Augustine Marrion and Doris Genevieve Burke.

"The Duty and Use of Patriotism" presented by Louis O'Leary in a serious and feeling manner that was convincing. His well-modulated voice and easy delivery were especially pleasing. Aubrey Marrion repeated Cardinal Mercier's "Belgium Shall Rise," with a distinct persuasiveness that carried the interest of everyone with him.

Ruth Wyllie greatly amused the audience with her sympathetic and well-voiced interpretation of the bedtime conversation of a small boy and girl as portrayed in "Who's Afraid?" (Cooke). By careful shading of her voice, she brought very successfully the boy and girl before the audience. Understanding and genuine feeling made Doris Burke's exposition of "What They Brought Out of France" (Patterson) very appealing, so that it reached the sympathies of the audience.

Not only were the prize winners very distinctive in their presentations, but each of the speakers did admirably and had many commendable points. Aldo Poletti, with clear enunciation and calm dignity, recited Poincare's speech at the opening of the peace conference. Mary Cerasoli told with considerable effect the story of an Eskimo dog and his master as told by London in "For Love of a Man." Doris Gerrard held the keen attention of the audience through her sympathetic portrayal of the sorrows of a deserting soldier. George Douglas ably presented President Wilson's address at Mechanics hall with stage presence and voice that made the well-known address more interesting.

The evening's entertainment was pleasantly supplemented by several songs, excellently rendered by the high school glee club, directed by Miss Wallace and accompanied by Miss Papin. There were selections by the high school orchestra and a trio, Nevin's "Slumber Song," on 'cello, violin and piano, by Reardon, Collins and Miss Papin.

The contest was ably judged by Supt. George J. Seager of South Barre, Bennett C. Douglass and Harrison G. Woodruff of Montpelier.

The attendance was large, the auditorium of the house being filled with relatives and friends of the contestants, as well as by returning alumni and the public in general. This, the opening event of the 26th commencement of Spaulding high school, augurs well for the success of the other events of the week, which will consist of the alumni ball at the Spaulding assembly hall this evening, class day exercises at the opera house Thursday afternoon, alumni banquet at Hotel Barre Thursday evening and graduation exercises at the opera house Friday evening when Prof. William Lyons Phelps of Yale university will be the chief speaker.