One of the most interesting conferences ever held in Shelby County came to a close Sunday noon at the High School.  The first Older Boys Conference of Shelby County was pronounced a decided success in all of its aspects.  Eighty eight were registered at the conference and better than one hundred and seven persons attended the splendid banquet held in the Presbyterian Church Saturday evening.
        Delegates and leaders were present from schools at Anna, Botkins, Jackson Center, Pemberton, Plattsville, Houston, Russia and Sidney High.
        The conference had its origin in a meeting held last May.  About sixty attended the meeting at that time and it was decided to sponsor a movement, county and city wide in its aspect, to promote Boys Work in conduction with State Boys' Work leaders.  A continuation committee was appointed at that time consisting of Judge WYMAN, THomas ANDERSON, J.H. HENKE, Ernest SHIVELY and Frank MELKUS, at that time, served on the Sidney High faculty, but soon after left for another school, and Allen REED of Lima took his place.  The committee formulated the plans for the first Shelby County Older Boy's Conference.
        Several State Boys' Work leaders gave splendid assistance in promoting the conference.  H. Ross BUNCE, Northeast Dist. Secretary for Boys' Work, Glen DALTON, University Y.M.C.A., Secretary of Ohio State and WM. S. CHAMBERS, State Boys' Work Secretary and were among those present.
         The Conference opened at one-thirty o'clock Saturday in the High School Building.  After a general meeting in the auditorium, the various groups held their discussions under the leadership of the various discussion group leaders, namely Dean SNYDER, Rev. Robt. ELLSWORTH, Glen DALTON, Wm. CHAMBERS and Ross BUNCE.  Discussion groups each had a particular topic pertaining to the theme of the conference for their consideration, the theme of the Conference being "Living our Lives at their Best."  At four-thirty a group picture was taken on the west steps of the High School.  The time between 5 and 6 p.m. was given over to the delegates to meet their Sidney hosts and hostesses in their homes.
        Judge Charles WYMAN acted in the capacity of Toastmaster.  Mr. Thos. F. ANDERSON, sponsor of the Boys' Work movement in this community was introduced to those attending the banquet.  Four minute welcome speeches followed: for the City, Mayor Emerson DEAM;  for the school, C.C. CRAWFORD; for the Homes, Mrs. Fred L. GRIFFIS, and responses for the boys, Wm. BROCKMAN. Special music was given by Wm. G. BLANCHARD, Walter FAULKNER, and John LONGANECKER.  The banquet address was given by Glen DALTON of Ohio State University.  Mr. DALTON, in his address, stressed the importance of every boy shaping his life into a form, as nearly as possible to the perfect example exemplified by Christ.  He pointed out what constituted life at its best and very forcefully gave examples of men who did or did not stand for the best things in life.  He emphasized the fact that living a life at its best is hard, extremely hard, and needs all the life force and expression which an individual can muster to reach the high ideals so desirable.
        At the close of Mr. DALTON's talk, the delegates and guests were led in singing of "Let the Lower Lights be Burning" and, in the opinion of the writer, the tremendous impulse of the conference was exemplified very clearly during the singing of this song.  The clear strong voices of the boys assembled harmonized beautifully in the song and one could feel the spirit of sincerity of purpose and good living which those young men were giving voice to living a life at its best was meaning something to them.
        The entire conference was invited to attend the Sidney Farview basketball game as guests of Sidney High.
        Delegation meetings were held beginning at 9:30 A.M. Sunday in the High School.  Faculty leaders were in charge of the discussions, the theme being "How can we Live Better Lives in Our Own School and Community".  At 10:15 A.M. there was an assembly in the High School Auditorium.  There was special music and group singing.  The closing address of the Conference was given by Wm. S. CHAMBERS, State Boys' Work Secretary of Columbus, Ohio.  His topic was "Playing the Game of Life." The closing devotional service was in charge of H. Ross BUNCE.
        Too much can not be said of the splendid results obtained during this conference.  The best of co-operation was manifest and Sidney should well be proud of having had the privilege of acting as hosts to so many splendid young men and leaders.  The committee in charge deserves much credit and to them goes the profound gratitude of the whole community.  The citizens of tomorrow are receiving splendid training through the efforts of men well versed in the better kind of living, men who have let Christ enter their lives and aid them in "Living Their Lives at Their Best."