of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 675

SUDLERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL—DEDICATION

May 11, 1942

Sudlersville

THERE is a two-fold reason for the gratification we derive from attendance
at these exercises. Firstly, there is dedicated your new high school, signal-
izing another step forward in the advancement of education. Secondly, there
is being graduated a class of students who have successfully completed the
course at this institution of which Queen Anne's County and the State of Mary-
land are proud.

Such an occasion brings illustration of the American purpose to maintain
education on the highest possible level. Herein lies the distinction between our
conception of education's high estate and the attitude of the enemies of De-
mocracy concerning the training of their youth.

Our unchangeable belief is that the educational system must not be influ-
enced by any outside consideration. Maryland has afforded, and will continue
to afford, the kind of education based upon the sole consideration of the welfare
of the student. We know that if a course of training in the schools develops
the mind of the future citizen to think for himself and to strive for the better
things in life, then civilization and society are vastly improved.

When we note the fact that youth in the enemy country is being regimented
for no other purpose than to follow blindly the mandates of a dictator, there is
all the more reason for us to strengthen and to support our educational system
so that the sons and daughters of free America may appreciate the value of
their citizenship. There can be no doubt that if they understand the real nature
and distinction of their citizenship, they will treasure it and unite it for future
generations.

Much of the daily routine of our life is being gradually changed, but one
of the oldest satisfactions is still with us. Graduation Day has come for you.
It is a day that all of us earnestly hope will continue to be kept in spite of the
many alterations that may have to be made in matters educational. The speed-
up of industry is making its way into high school and colleges. Three semesters,
instead of the customary two, are, in many institutions, being crowded into one
year. Students and teachers will have to do with fewer holidays and work more
strenouously than in the past.

Graduation Day has come to you—a day that may often have seemed as
far off as the moon, and one more likely to be dreamed about as what might
have been than enjoyed as an actual event. The day, however, is here, and now
the diploma is yours. You have merited it, and you have every right to be
happy about it. I congratulate you. This is a day to remember for the rest of
your lives. You may have other graduation days, but I dare say that none will
have the thrill of this graduation from high school.