The tradition continued recently when some 100 former students of Napanee Collegiate gathered for an annual reunion luncheon that has been going on for more than 35 years.
It was in 1980 that a small group of former teachers and office staff got together for a casual reunion lunch. This became an annual occasion and quickly attracted more and more people.
“The numbers have continued to grow over the years and have levelled off at about 100 in recent years as word spread that it’s a great occasion to renew old friendships and exchange stories about our wonderful high school years in Napanee,” explains Sylvia Lovelock, a long serving volunteer organizer.
The luncheon takes place on the first Wednesday of August and those attending this year came from as far away as Ottawa. Elizabeth (Betty) Salsbury, now in her 90s and a popular and longtime member of the teaching staff and regular luncheon attendee, was honoured as the oldest person present.
The audience was informed of a new video tracing the history of high school education in Napanee going back to June of 1846 when the first recorded high school was opened on Robert Street and was known as the Napanee Academy.
The video covers highlights of events, programs, students and staff right up to the present Napanee District Secondary School, which traces its Belleville Road origins back to 1952. The video is narrated by Ed Thomson, who served as principal of NDSS from 1970 to 1978, and is being widely viewed on the Internet.
The ‘special guest’ at this year’s luncheon was Sir John A. Macdonald — or rather a close facsimile of Canada’s first prime minister who grew up in this area and made his last political speech at the historic Napanee Town Hall.
Well-known local artist Gesina Laird-Buchanan, who produced the life size Sir John A. look-alike seated at the luncheon, explained to the audience the unique process of needle felting she uses in her art. In addition to Sir John A., she has also produced replicas of famed Canadian artists Emily Carr and Tom Thomson and she is currently working on Molly Brant.
Laird-Buchanan, who lives in Napanee, uses sheep wool to create her art and much of this wool is produced locally.
In keeping with the luncheon tradition, donations were collected from those in attendance and this money will be used to support a local charity.
Members of the audience were urged to consider volunteering to help ensure the annual reunion luncheon continues to reach out to former staff and students who may wish to attend.
“We’re always on the lookout for volunteers who will help keep this important event vital and growing in the years to come,” said organizing committee member Monna Splinter.
“Many of our volunteers have been involved for a long time and we’re hoping younger people will see this as an opportunity to come forward and help celebrate the proud history and great memories of our high school days in Napanee,” she said.
Sally Barnes,
NDCI Reunion participant