The data listed below pertains to the 73 academic years ('85-'58) that Hampton Academy operated as a high school. The consolidated Hampton Academy and High School -- authorized by the State Legislature in 1872 -- opened its doors on September 13, 1885. From that time until the last class was graduated on June 13, 1958, 71 classes were graduated. (There were no graduates for the academic years 1885-86 and 1887-88.) Classes consisted of as few as one member (1893 and 1896) and as many as 52 (1957). As reflected by the number of graduates listed on graduation programs. 1,304 students were graduated by H.A. & H.S. during its existence. For the most part, the following information was assembled from graduation programs donated to the Tuck Museum Academy Collection by individuals, families and estates. Capitalization for mottos is, generally, as found on the programs. (Where data is missing, there either is nothing to report or the information was not readily available in time for this publication.)

The graduating exercises of the Academy and High school were this evening held in the Town Hall, which was attractively decorated with streamers of pink and light blue, flags and wild flowers and ferns. Special care had been bestowed upon the stage, above which was displayed the class motto, "Fervet Opus," The Work Is In Full Progress.

By a peculiar combination of causes in a class which at its entrance numbered 20 and which last year contained eight members there was left to graduate but one, Warren Harrison Hobbs, of this town. He may enter Phillips Exeter next year.

As usual the attendance was very large, fully taxing the capacity of the hall. The exercises began at eight o'clock with the usual procession up the central aisle of scholars, teachers, school board and speakers, led by the marshals, Walter Brown and Henry Hobbs. The school took the seats reserved at the front of the hall. The school authorities and participants in the exercises ascended the state.

After a selection by the orchestra, composed of Mr. Fred Nutter, Chelsea, Mass., violin; Mr. C. L. Akeley, Exeter, cornet; and Mrs. Howard G. Lane, piano, prayer was offered by Rev. D. W. Downs, of the Methodist Church. Then came four declamations -- "Maid of Orleans," Arthur L. Young; "Kate Shelley," Annie P. DeLancey; "Miss Edith Helps Things Along," Belle Kelton; "Aux Italiens," Ella M. Atkinson. These and all following declamations were well and spiritedly given, with the case of delivery and the perfect enunciation characteristic of like occasions at the Academy and the result of Mrs. Harris' intelligent instruction. Music followed, and then Edward J. Brown declaimed "Self Reliance;" Annie M. Fogg, "Automatic Cradle;" and Annie M. Page, "Fate of Virginia." Music was followed by two more declamations, "Breathless Glory," by Winfield M. Hobbs, and "Spinning Wheel Song," by Josephine Joplin. Mrs. Hobbs then gave the valedictory. Starting with the proposition that a straight line can be drawn between two points, he took for his subject the class motto and spoke earnestly and well upon progress, which should be taught in all things. The valedictory proper was of the conventional type -- appropriate words of parting from schoolmates, teachers and school authorities, Mr. HObbs excellently acquitted himself. The exercises closed with music; an excellent address on "Domestic Aids" by Prof. Joseph Kimball, of Andover, Mass., and the presentation of diplomas by President Merrill.

The graduates' reception which has customarily been given on the evening after commencement will be omitted this year.    E.

{From the Friday, June 19, 1896, Exeter NEWS-LETTER; of the 71 classes which were graduated from H.A. & H.S., only one, the Class of 1896, did not have a printed program.}