Bob Maine is looking at a row of houses where he used to run.
The first student president of Hammarskjold High School remembers that when the school first opened 50 years ago, it didn’t have a gym. Instead the physical education classes were held across Clarkson Street.
For football practice, they’d have to be bused to nearby Lakehead University.
“I remember a lot of water leaks, lots of things weren’t set up yet,” he said Wednesday as hundreds of current students gathered with former classes to celebrate the school’s 50th.
“There’s been some great changes to this building and it’s nice to be back and walk around and see the students that are here now.”
Of course Main had plenty of opportunity to visit the school over the years as basketball coach for Churchill. But Wednesday was important for the retired teacher to reflect on all that’s been accomplished since he left.
Current president Emma Tranter said it meant a lot to hear stories from people like Main.
“It feels awesome to be part of something like this…a history I care so much about,” she said.
For Tranter and her fellow students, the school is about way more than just a place to go every day. The people and the events make it a huge part of their lives.
“Everyone who comes here every day I couldn’t imagine a better place to come and learn,” she said.
And while it’s a long way off, Tranter is looking forward to being remembered as the 50 th anniversary president when the school celebrates a century.
“I love this school and I can’t imagine missing something as important as that,” she said.
Students gathered in front of the school for a photograph before celebrating the milestone with a barbeque.
The school has a much larger celebration planned for this summer. A 50th anniversary reunion is scheduled for Aug. 16-18 with a variety of events being planned. Former students are encouraged to register online to participate.
