Dear Classmates, As we take a retrospect of the two years which we have spent here together, we cannot help from recognizing the bond of fellowship which had sprung up among us and enabled us to work in so much unison. Of course there have been differences of opinion, as is only natural, and which always exists among progressive people, but we have been one in aim and purpose. We have felt the spirit of sympathy and good will of teachers and classmates hover around us. As we are about to go forth, may we ever take the optimistic view of people and things that have so characterized this class. And now, may peace and happiness, the rewards of faithful service, ever follow in the paths of each and every member of the class of 1900.

These words were written by Nellie May Quander and published in the June 1900 edition of the Valedictory, of the Myrtilla Miner Normal School. Those same prophetic words, that same thought of good will, single-minded aim and purpose, and the optimistic view would later serve and characterize Nellie May Quander throughout her 81 years, and serve as a beacon for how she directed others to look for the good, the high ground, the roads that otherwise would not be taken.