50th reunion planned for Woodroffe High School
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Rosalyn Stevens
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EMC Events Ever wonder what happened to your old high school boyfriend, or the president of student's council who had a Trudeau-esque personality? 
Rosalyn Stevens, Ottawa West EMC
A special 50th reunion of Woodroffe High School students and staff is planned for May 28 and 29. The reunion committee is made up of students and staff both current and from the past, including Brenda Kendall, Eleanor O'Connor, Nancy Romanovitch, Jocelyne Cory, and vice principal Richard King.
Now is the time to find out.
On May 28 and 29, Woodroffe High School will welcome back staff and students, from the early days of the school's existence to the current roster walking the halls, to mark and celebrate the school's 50th anniversary.
A group of former students and past staff has come together to create a planning committee for the reunion.
Trish Morgan, a former staff member and chair of the reunion committee, said it's important to celebrate the past and present in a school as rich in history as Woodroffe. From the laying of the first corner stone by then governor general Georges P. Vanier, to the opening of child care spaces at the school, every step along the way is worth celebrating, she said.
"It's a great place and it's always been a great place," she said, adding that in its prime location off Woodroffe Ave. "it has served the community well."
Ms. Morgan said she looks forward to seeing former students and recalling the memories of days spent within the walls of Woodroffe High School.
"Everyday is a memory," she said. "Every time I see a kid or somebody mentions something, it flashes up."
She said her years in education, which started at Woodroffe in 1974, gave her many great memories and stories that she looks forward to remembering and sharing at the reunion. As a teacher, Ms. Morgan said, it is exciting to see how all students have progressed over the years.
"People who have not been in education might not understand that for teachers, the highlights are any student being successful," she said.
The reunion is centered on two major events for former staff and students. A kickoff video-dance party will bring current students into celebration mode on the Thursday night. A pub night is planned for alumni the following night, designed to replicate the old days of high school dances. Before that gets started, an assembly will be held featuring the former and current high school bands. Anyone who has participated in the band is encouraged to sign up for that event, organizers said.
"We're looking for anyone who's been in the band, from past to current," explained Brenda Kendall, a former student and member of the reunion committee.
On Saturday, various activities are planned, including a three-on-three basketball tournament, foul shot contest and soccer game pitting alumni against the current varsity team.
Finally, a dinner and dance event will take place on the Saturday, with live music and catering.
Between the major events, a number of ongoing activities are planned to bring back the good memories of high school days. Various classrooms will be set up with memorabilia from each decade the school has been open, including cheerleading uniforms, clothing, yearbooks and more.
The group has created a website, where information about events is listed, and a list of registered attendees will be updated. Anyone wishing to attend is invited to register soon, so organizers have an idea of how many to expect. The hope, Ms. Kendall said, is to have 2,500 people on site for the reunion.
Volunteers are also sought to help organize events and contribute to the decade rooms.
Individuals wishing to lend a hand, or those wanting to register for the event, should visit www.woodroffehs50.com.
