Ste. Genevieve Herald Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Saturday, June 23, 1883 ST. FRANCIS DE SALES ACADEMY Annual Commencement Wednesday last was a gala day at the convent. Its hall was filled with one of the best audiences that can be mustered from even the refined society of Ste. Genevieve. It was a well-dressed, intelligent, and appreciative audience. The occassion was the 26th annual commencement of St. Francis de Sales Academy, a well-know and popular institution ably conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The programme was long and very interesting, the selections being of a high order. The quality of the various efforts made by the fair young students plainly demonstrates two facts: 1st, that the aim of the institution, educationally, is far higher than the ordinary standard, 2nd, that the present staff is composed of finely educated and skillful instructors. It will be a misfortune to our city if the splendid facilities for a real and thorough education which the convent now affords is not taken full advantage of. We have little doubt that at the beginning of next school year this deserving academy will be hard pressed to find accommodations for its students. We are much mistaken about the intellectual calibre of the good citizens of Ste. Genevieve, if such should prove to be the case. The elocutionary pieces, were rendered with animation, expression, and, when suitable, with dramatic action. Miss Marie STANTON recited "Gualbetto's Victory," in which an exciting contest between two inimical warriors, a strife to the death, was cleverly portrayed. The sudden transition from a death struggle to a soothing, penitential scene was pleasingly performed by this talented young lady. Miss Ida COX's rendition of "Mary, Queen of Scots" was so well done, that although a lengthy piece, it held the audience fast in silent attention from beginning to end. In the dignified dramatic action necessary to such an elocutionary selection, Miss COX figured admirably. Her bearing was confident, her gestures were appropriate, and her voice was clear and full. A class of young ladies spoke, in concert, the piece: "Erin's Flag," and acquitted themselves very creditably. Miss Maria LaGRAVE, recited "Le Printemps (Spring)," Miss Odile JANIS delivered "Conseils a un Enfant," (Advice to a child.) Miss Irma ANDRE also recited "L'ccole (the school.)" All three were brief and in the French tongue, intelligable only to the initiated, but very prettily rendered for such young children. Of the musical portion of the programme it were difficult to exaggerate the praises. Some of the instrumental selections were from the best productions of renowned classical composers. Miss Lulu NAUMAN's execution of "Les Huguenots de Meyerbeer" was a superior performance, and was awarded a round of applause. Miss Blanche HERTICH also rendered a fine operatic piece, "Il Trovatore," and in doing so proved that she is well endowed with musical talent. The other selections performed on the piano were the following: "Grand March Triumphale," Lulu NAUMAN and Melanie JANIS; "Black Key Mazurka," Maggie KEMPF, Lulu and Annie NAUMAN; "Coral Caves," a pretty solo and duet, Blanche HERTICH, Emma LeCOMPTE, and Maggie KEMPF; "Quidant's Grand Etude," (quartette) L. NAUMAN, M. JANIS, B. HERTICH, and Ella HARRIS; "Switzer's Farewell," E. LeCOMPTE, and was assisted on the Harp Celeste by M. STANTON, and on the guitar by Lulu NAUMAN; "Gypsy Polka," M. KEMPF, E. HARRIS, A. NAUMAN, M. ROZIER, M. BOGY, C. MEYERS, A. BURCH, and L. NAUMAN; "Belfsario," (Fantasia) L. NAUMAN, E. LeCOMPTE, and B. HERTICH; and at the finale, "Honeysuckle March," Jessie MENARD, A. NAUMAN, F.HARRIS, A. BURCH, M. KEMPF, M. BOGY, E. BOGY, and, melodeon, E. LeCOMPTE, guitar, L. NAUMAN, harp celeste, M. STANTON. In vocal music the following class songs were sung: "The Spider and the Fly," in which Miss Irma ANDRE's mellow voice was heard with very great pleasure by all; "Meine Heimath," (My Home) a chorus in German; "Music of the Birds" and "Good Night." Some of this class singing was quite harmonious, and in good time. "Only a Dream of Home," a lovely song rendered by M. KEMPF, J. MENARD and M. STANTON, in good style. Miss KEMPF's sweet soprano voice in the leading part evinced qualities which, if further cultivated to their extent, will bring her distinction. A "Medley of Airs," on the harp celeste, by L. NAUMAN, was given toward the close. For so young a lady as Miss NAUMAN, she displays rare talent in music, together with a good mastery of the mechanical difficulties of performance. Immediately prior to the conclusion of this very effective and interesting entertainment, the principal event of the afternoon occurred. This was the awarding of a fine gold medal to the graduate, Miss Emma LeCOMPTE. It was presented with a few well-chosen words of praise and admonition to the talented young recipient by Rev. F.X. WEISS. The young lady then read her valedictory. During its reading she was so overcome with emotion as to be scarcly able to finish its perusal. "Die Tungenden," (The Virtues), a dialogue in German, was rendered by Annie ANDRE, Clara MEYERS, Minnie VIEH, Marie VORST and Irma ANDRE. At it's close two bouquets were given to Father WEISS. Bearing the youthfulness of the fair students in mind, we must conclude by declaring that each and every one of them has reason to be proud of her share in the exercises last Wednesday afternoon. Several of the young ladies, expecially Misses LeCOMPTE and L. NAUMAN received bouquets from their friends.