Forest Glen Public School alumni celebrate 50th anniversary

The organizing committee for Forest Glen Public School's 50th-anniversary reunion included, from left, Dan Boshart, Sharon Wigle, Susanna White (Seibel), Caren McLaughlin (Tye), Wendy Brown and Ken Brown. Missing from the photo is Judy Riley (Burrell). Gary West photo

By Gary West

Former students and teachers gathered in New Hamburg recently to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Forest Glen Public School.

The reunion, organized by a volunteer committee, was held at the New Hamburg Legion and brought together alumni from the school's earliest graduating classes.

Attendees enjoyed reconnecting with former classmates and teachers while viewing photographs and memorabilia documenting the school's first 50 years.

Forest Glen Public School opened in 1974, with its first graduating class completing Grade 8 in June 1975.

Committee chair Ken Brown said the reunion focused on graduates from 1975, 1976 and 1977, marking the 51st, 50th and 49th anniversaries of those classes.

"The committee started organizing the event in July of last year and was able to reach nearly 75 per cent of the original 215 graduates through various means," Brown said.

Of those contacted, 67 graduates purchased tickets and attended the celebration.

Former students and teachers travelled from across Ontario, including from Windsor, Welland and Toronto, to take part in the event.

Organizers said the reunion provided an opportunity for attendees to share memories, reconnect with old friends and celebrate the history of a school that has played an important role in the New Hamburg community for five decades.

Brown added that any proceeds remaining after event expenses will be donated to a local charity.