Last Saturday’s 50th Anniversary celebration at George Vanier Catholic School in Combermere was packed with family fun for all ages. The anniversary event prompted the adults to recall many treasured memories. It also created more for the youngest generation. Above: treasure hunters Craig Hudder and Ramona Cybulskie see proof that they found the right Time Capsule.
The organizers provided many free activities to enjoy:
- Toy bus and petting zoo
- Face painting and balloon artists
- Displays of photos, albums, keepsakes from the past 50 years
- Raffle draw
- Vendors’ market (home baking, crafts, local products, gifts)
- Local musical talent
- Barbecue
Left: Jenna Stamplicoski and Sarah Wright hold the bag of raffle tickets as former teacher Terri MacLeod draws the winners; Right: Kelly MacLeod proudly displays balloon fascinator proving balloons are not just for kids
Left: Fifty years of memorabilia displayed on several tables; Packed vendor market in the gym
Time Capsule unearthed
A highlight of the day was the digging up of a Time Capsule buried by the class of 1993-94. Principal Anne Marie Landon produced the treasure map and a spot was chosen. Landon told them the Time Capsule was three to four feet below the surface. Alumni were encouraged to dig it up and the excavation began. After the first four-foot hole was dug without hitting anything, both diggers and spectators began to be concerned. A tape measure was found, the treasure map consulted again, and the diggers moved a bit closer to the Shrine of Mary. Again, the search was fruitless. Alumni compared memories of maps to different locations and were relieved to learn that many Time Capsules had been buried; some had already been opened at previous events. Then another crew of treasure hunters (see above) tried their luck almost directly in front of the statue of Mary. To everyone’s relief, they eventually struck pay dirt. There was great excitement as alumni and their family members inspected the contents, especially the photos to identify themselves and their friends in their younger days.
Left: Stas Shulist with sons Izaak and Liam after helping dig the first two holes; Right: Children watch as some careful measuring is done.
Landon listed some contents of the Time Capsule:
- Newspapers
- Letters from students to future selves in 2019
- Mixed cassette tape
- Can of root beer
- Photos
The day was best summed up by Landon who said, “This was a fantastic people day.” She explained, “We had a really great day. The weather was perfect. We had the toy bus here and so much stuff – a true celebration of community, and the people that make the community.”
