Graduation

This time of year one’s thoughts turn to, yes, spring, and graduation. Whatever graduation means to you, from preschool to PH.D, it marks an accomplishment – an end and a beginning. Education was valued in our family. I once asked Mom how she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her answer was that she always knew. When she was just a kid she’d place her dolls and stuffed animals on the stairs and teach them the alphabet. I’m sure my grandmother and grandfather wondered more than once if they could make this dream happen. Martin Finken was a tenant farmer. He never owned property. Elizabeth Finken took in laundry. Somehow they made her dream come true. Here’s a few photos from her school days.

Mom graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1927. Her nickname was “Friday” . The yearbook said, “A quiet studious girl whose well deserved reward is success.” She had taken the College Preparatory classes and was a member of the Franklin Literary Society. She played the part of Ceres in the Franklin Society’s Thanksgiving Program, “The Meaning of Thanksgiving” held November 24, 1926.

She then attended Bowling Green State College in 1928-1929, and 1930-1931. She graduated in 1931 with a two year teaching certificate.

Her first teaching position was in a one-room schoolhouse, Roseland School, in Carroll Township, Ottawa County, where she taught all 8 grades. She also taught kindergarten at the Catawba Island School.

Alfrieda was determined to get her Bachelor Degree. She continued her education at Baldwin -Wallace College as a part-time student and finally graduated in 1969. She accomplished the degree while teaching second grade in Parma and North Royalton for 20 years. (1956-1976)