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Show PAGE 16 WEBER ACADEMY Public Speaking.The demand for able public speakers is more evident each year. The Academy has provided special instruction in this art, and each student receives individual attention in voice building, presentation, self confidence and thought development. Extemporaneous speaking is especially encouraged. Great orations are a part of the prescribed study. The desire of this course is to give each student the ability to accurately and pleasingly express himself before any audience. Contests in extemporaneous speaking and oratory are held throughout the year. All students, whose studentship shows sufficient merit, are eligible. Generous citizens have contributed medals and awards to encourage these arts. Two annual prizes are offered for contests. (1) The Dr. Edward I. Rich prize of fifty dollars is offered for contests in oratory between students of Weber and the Ogden High School. These contests occur each year on the 9th of April. (2) The J. S. Lewis Co. gold medal is offered each year to the students of Weber for contests in ex-temporaneous speaking. In addition to these, several special prizes are offered each year. During the year of 1915-6 the Kasius-Taylor gold medal was offered for excellence in oratory. The T. Earl Pardoe gold medal was given for the best rendered declamation. Last year's students wo nfirst places in the State and local High School contests. Over two hundred readings were furnished by the Academy students during the last school year for local organizations, thereby giving them additional public, practical experience. Drama.The second annual play to be presented was "Commencement Days." This was given to an Orpheum audience during December, and scored a much merited success. Thirty students received expert coaching in stage conventions and enacting of character parts. Certain requirements of voice and body technique are essential for all dramatic aspirants. Merit in scholarship is one of the requirements. WEBER ACADEMY PAGE 17 Athletics.Our most important game is basketball. This is played during the winter months. To stimulate interest and to encourage school spirit, Weber has joined the Church and State High School basketball leagues. Track work and baseball are engaged in during the spring months. The school now has two fine tennis courts, which are in use from morning until night. Tennis is fast becoming popular with the students, because of the clean, healthful exercise. Much interest is added to athletics in the school by the inter-class contests in basketball, baseball, track and tennis. |