From the Reporter Dispatch, White Plains, N.Y., Tues., June 28, 1955:

Cost of Success High, Johnson Tells Class

"Don't hitch your wagon to any star without figuring the cost," 449 seniors were told at White Plains High School's 58th annual commencement exercises last night.

A capacity audience crowded Into the County Center auditorium. Superintendent of Schools Carroll F. Johnson was the speaker.

Dominating the center rear stage was a colorful, accurate reproduction of the front of White Plains High School. The scenic backdrop was designed and painted by students of Miss Bessie Moore, retiring art teacher.

To a soft undercurrent of humming by the a capella choir, a capella choir, salutatorian William Alexander declared "This Is My School". He told the audience:

"You are the stockholders in possibly the most important enterprise in the world - a school - A school, in its essence, is a group of young people learning and growing together.

"White Plains High School actually is three schools: vocational, business and academic. Yet each study course is integrated into the whole school community . . . as in adult life.

"One course not listed in any catalog - and for which no credit is given - is perhaps most important. That is a course in living . . . in learning to work together . . . to be, not only a good leader, but a good follower as well."

"This Is My Country," related valedictorian James Swan . . . a nation, like our school, which encompasses all races, religions and ways of thinking . . . living and working together, with respect for each other ... "America has no monopoly on freedom . . . Yet American freedom is unique; it lacks pomp, self-exaltation. We live it . . .
"This ceremony has no pomp; yet it has a certain dignity, air of accomplishment. America isn't perfect but she is, we feel, great and good - in way uniquely American."

Education Never Complete

Climaxing the student speeches, the a capella Choir sang a medley of songs including "This Is My Country" and "God Bless

America." As the music reached a crescendo, the American flag in front of the school backdrop fluttered proudly in the breeze.

"You are not educated," Dr. Johnson told the seniors. "None of us ever achieve that goal - we just continue to work towards it . . .

"Except for obvious limitations, such as health or talent, what you are to be is up to you. For the first time, your road begins branching - forcing you to choose direction again and again.

"Some choices have to do with character. Your character is the sum-total of all your yesterdays.

Excellence Demands Work

"But character is a plastic, onflowing quality which can change, and which does continually change, as days potent with decision roll by.

"In the face of choices I call your attention to an old adage - 'Whatever you want, pay the price and take it' . . . 'Know thyself,' Cervantes said 'is the most difficult lesson of all.'

"For excellence in any field, you will have to work harder and give up more leisure than many of your associates. For prestige or pre-eminence, the price is greater.

"You pay in loneliness, heartbreaking set-backs, or personal sacrifices of family life or companionship. The road to success is studded with disappointments, and you must learn to 'pick yourself up,-dust yourself off, and start all over again'.

"Have you that kind of fortitude and resiliency?

"Graduates, 'This Is Your Life' that you sit here facing tonight. Yours, to trade for the goals in life that you respect most.

"Just try to be sure that the goals are worth the candle. Above all, don't trade your self respect or the spiritual values you know to be the root of life."

Miss Caulkins Leads Choir

Dr. James A. Davidson, pastor of the-First Baptist Church, delivered the invocation. Reginald C. Williamson, industrial arts teacher, was organ accompanist.

Miss Alice Caulkins,s who is retiring after teaching music at the High School for 30 years, lead the a capella choir.

Diplomas and certificates were presented to 449 seniors by Board of Education members. In his address, made on behalf of his co-workers, board president Frank X. Briante congratulated the graduates.

"We also congratulate your teachers . . . not only those who instructed you in High School, but those who, taught you through the elementary grades and junior high school.

"Remember . . . the strands of America are woven with the threads of service to the people . . . Good health, good luck, and God-speed"