During the weekend of June 21 and 22, Carman Collegiate was filled with former students, teachers, and staff who gathered to reflect on their past education and the cherished memories it provided.
The 1974 graduating class of Carman Collegiate first entered ninth grade in September of 1970.In order to organise a reunion, high school students and staff who had been involved with the class over the next four years were meant to be invited. Of 137 students in the records, 87 were contacted, along with 7 former teachers. Invitations were sent out, and responses were received from about 65 attendees.
The celebration and reunion took place over these two days and in three venues. The first was at the school itself, where 50 people were taken on a guided tour given by a former classmate as well as former and current staff. On the tour, many changes were noted and appreciated. Attendees were then led on a walk down the River Trail, where the students used to run during gym classes.
Later that night, a group of 81 individuals gathered at Boyne River Bistro for a meet and greet event. According to Carman alumni Lauren Laing, the attendees indulged in appetizers, beverages, and a stunning collection of high school mementos.
The guests marvelled at old yearbooks, photos, newspaper articles, and mannequins dressed in fashion and graduation dresses from the 1970s, some of which had been created in their Home Economics classes. Games were played in which guests could become reacquainted, including “last graduate standing” and “find a person who.”
During this celebration, a toast was delivered by alumni Craig Russell. In his speech, he acknowledged the collective memorable moments and hardships that he and his class have experienced during the years since highschool, and toasted to the future: “Tomorrow, when all of this fun is done, we’ll go home. And we’ll remember we can still help others, to do good, to fix our mistakes.”
The last and third part of the class reunion took place at the Carman Golf and Curling Club, where former classmates and guests met out on the green for a Saturday afternoon 9 hole scramble. Following the game was a Happy Hour and a delicious shared meal. During the meal, the 70 guests had a slideshow presented to them, not only including photos of each of the 137 students but also honouring those of the class that have passed away, in an In Memoriam section. There were graduation photos as well as photos from the 10 year, 20 year, and 30 year reunions.
Over the years, during which alumni have carried their lessons and experiences from highschool with them and shaped their own, individual lives, the class has spread out all over the place: Atlanta, Georgia, Minneapolis, Minnesota, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and different parts of Manitoba. With this reunion, however, those that could attend travelled far and wide to come together again to both honour their shared past and celebrate each others’ presents and futures.
Poem by Pat Whiteside
1974 – ish!
So here we are, it’s been 50 years!
Isn’t that a number that’ll bring ya to tears.
It is hard to believe we graduated so long ago.
Do you Remember being all dressed up for the big show.
We gals were fussed up with long hair wound up just right.
And oh how our gowns made us look angelic for a night.
Now the guys who wore their favourite jeans each and everyday Showed up in plaid jackets or pants- now there’s fashion I’d say.
Do you remember how we started our journey in time.
Carman Roland Mrytle Graysville Sperling starting Grade 9.
So full of excitement, anticipating the mis-adventures for all
And before we knew it there’s construction dust filled the hall.
Remember the huts used for home rooms and some classes
Didn’t McCutheon get stuck on one of the window sashes?
Remember our teachers – we had quite a few.
Some of them arrived with the school all shiny and new.
So many courses were offered for our learning pleasure
These educators I’m sure considered our group a real treasure.
Wendy and Don Thiessen are two I want to name.
Do you remember playing the school’s Newlywed Game?
McKinnon, Parker, Myers, Mills, Lowen, Gopaul, Peters, Voth and King The Kennedy’s, Einerson, Strachan, Little, plus Erna Peters arithma-ticking
If you were late to class it had better be for a very good reason Explosions from class or school did occur – no matter the season.
Each of these educators had their own style we can attest to that.
How about Harvey Smith, the Librarian with that ridiculous hat!
Typing class a life skill we took on manual machine was not so exciting Remember the day Mr Billy got frustrated yelling “Stop that damn typing”
Freshie Days were held each year with strange outfits and tasks so queer. A tradition it seems where terrorizing kids was allowed each year.
Pep Rally’s were held so our school teams support would not lack Remember those Cheerleaders Shirley and Marj being there to lead the pack
Band, Choir, Drama, and Operettas all performed on the stage.
Do any of you still try these pursuits at this ripe old age?
Is it just me or is Music of the 70’s the tunes we freely sing-a-long
Do your kids, or grandkids, look at you sideways & say What’s that song?
Our music we considered the best there was – so good for the soul. Driving the streets, tunes a blaring was the way Saturday night might roll.
Remember school dances or socials, and parties for whatever occasion Doing our best to avoid the local law enforcement’s interrogation
Is this liquid on the car window frame from the bottles you threw out? Oh no sir it’s pickle juice from earlier tonight – I heard her shout!
I could not believe my ears as I stood with hands on the trunk.
It was the truth, the RCMP knew it – no charges – who’d a thunk!
Sports of all kinds were offered for us to partake
One not better than the other – make no mistake.
Hockey Teams we had both on the field and ice.
Our Cougars brought home some wins – so nice.
Curlers there were so many of us in this crowd.
A time honoured game but drinking is not allowed.
Our ‘74 Badminton star was the one and only Janie Green.
She could really flip that bird just picture that scene.
Bowling, soccer, cross-country, and basketball.
To shoot hoops for our school you didn’t need to be tall.
Trips like canoeing Wpg river, playing fastball in Iowa, or flying to London Many a treasured memory and time, some learning with loads of fun.
Awards were given to those most deserving in every course.
Our Grade 12 Honour Roll all female – ladies show no remorse.
Yes, 50 years seems like a long time
But We’ve all aged like fine wine.
Some have filled their cup with a classic white
Are you a mastermind behind a well planned night?
Some of you are the lovers of a roses
Blending the flavours of your life – one would say.
Some of us are full bodied reds
Unafraid to face the challenges ahead.
What does the future hold as we look beyond tonight
Just like 50 years ago – let your imagination take flight!
