AR Gazette June 2, 1900; Wilmar, Ark., May 31 - The commencement exercises of the Drew Normal Institute were held here from May 25 to 29. The exercises Friday evening consisted of two contests in elocution. In the young men's contest Mr. Walter Nelson of Nelson, Ark., won the medal. Messrs. Paul Rorie, Wilmar, and Fitzhugh Fentress of St. Louis, Mo., received honorable mention. In the young ladies' contest Miss May Hart of Monticello was awarded the medal, honorable mention being made of Misses Pearl McClure, Wilmar; Emma James, Warren, and Willie____of Johnsville. [Fitzhugh Fentress sounds like the counter part of "Miss Goodie Two Shoes. ha] In the infant class elocution contest Saturday evening Master Elsa Bond, Wilmar, won the medal and Misses Grace Kidd, Wilmar and Jean Sutton, Warren, received honorable mention. Following the infant class contest, Mr. R. Guy Davis of Nelson and Mr. W. H. Duncan of Hamburg represented their respective societies, Euphemian and Mermean, in annual debate. Mr. Davis was declared the winner over his most worthy competitor. At 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the sabbath Rev. P. L. Pierce, D. D. of Monroe, La., delivered most eloquent sermons. It was a treat to hear him. On Monday evening the music class had its annual contest, Miss Lula May Morris of Allis being awarded the medal. After the contest Hon. J. J. Doyne of Little Rock addressed a large audience for a period of one hour and thirty minutes, and made many friends among his hearers. On Tuesday evening the annual concert took place, which was a great success. At the close of the evening Prof. Spence presented the above successful medals; also one to Miss Birdie Stewart of Cornerville for advancement in the theory of music, and a second medal to Miss May Hart of Monticello for progress in the theory of music. Miss Berdie Stewart of Cornerville was then awarded a scholarship for next session by the principal for having made the hightest record during the session. R. Robt. Collins of Cornerville received honorable mention. About 600 visitors attended commencement. There was not a town or village in southeast Arkansas unrepresented. Great was the enthusiasm of the friends of the Drew Normal Institute. Substantial assurances were made the principal in regard to the future prosperity of this school, the pioneer college of southeast Arkansas