What Constitutes a School?

[John Richeson]

This is the original. I really like original works in their pure form.

Taken from "Spirit Of The Everlasting Boy", Part IVa
(Ode for the Hundredth Anniversary of Lawrenceville School)

Henry Van Dyke - June 11, 1910

"What constitutes a school?
Not ancient walls and ivy-mantled towers,
Where dull traditions rule
With heavy hand youth's lightly springing powers;
Not spacious pleasure courts,
And lofty temples of athletic fame,
Where devotees of sports
Mistake a pastime for life's highest aim;
Nor fashion or renown
Of wealthy patronage and rich estate;
No, none of these can crown
A school with light and make it truly great.
But masters, strong and wise,
Who teach because .they love the teacher's task
And find their richest prize
In eyes that open and in minds that ask."

Click here to download a copy of Mr. Van Dykes' full poem.

[John Alton]

Thanks for the post john appreciate it