This Week in Odessa History

Graduation is near at hand for Odessa High School’s class of 2012. As the community observes the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Odessa, we look back at the first high school graduation exercises, which took place 103 years ago this week.

There was one graduate, Ella Williams. She must indeed have felt honored, as 300 persons came to see her receive her diploma. Even though the Class of 1909 had only one member, it nevertheless had a class motto, a class flower and class colors. Presumably, Miss Williams made all these choices.

Here is The Odessa Record’s report in the May 21,...