Former student shares milestone

MORE than 200 past students returned to their old school yard to reminisce and celebrate Cairns State High School’s 100-year milestone.

Among those touring the halls and visiting classrooms was centenary ambassador Edna Taylor.

She attended the school in 1932 and this year turned 100 along with the school.

“I started at the old school on Abbott Street,” she said.

She only spent a year at the school before starting a fulltime job at the age of 15.

“I was offered a position over the Christmas period with Bolands Centre and they kept me on permanently,” she said.

“You did that in those days, it was a Depression year.”

Mrs Taylor’s three children Ted, Gordon and Kaye also attended the school along with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

She said she was proud to have four generations involved with Cairns State High.

“I used to do tuckshop when my kids were at school (in the ’70s),” she said.

Resident David Hudson and Mayor Bob Manning are also centenary ambassadors for the celebrations.

“It’s great to see Cairns High still flourishing after so many years,” Mr Hudson said.

Continuing tonight, there will be a 1920s-themed gala event, the Jazz Supper Club.

Starting at 6pm, about 800 past students and special guests are expected to attend.

A 100-piece orchestra will perform on the night as well as the “biggest cake Cairns has ever seen” and a fireworks finale.