High school memories outlast buildings
Dozens of cliques from several decades at both of Fort Erie’s high schools were back in the places they formed this weekend.
There were intellectual types in the library, former athletes in the gymnasium and some of the more social alumni roaming the halls on Friday and Saturday at Fort Erie Secondary School and RidgewayCrystal Beach High School.
Both facilities will ring their final bells next month and close — merging both student populations under the soon-to-be-complete Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) at Garrison Road and Sunset Drive near town hall and the Leisureplex.
On Friday night and Saturday morning, an open house reunion was held at each school, bringing together former students and teachers from multiple eras and graduating classes.
On Saturday night, the Party on the Patio: Fire and Ice fundraiser for an arts theatre at the new high school was held, part of the weekend’s full schedule of activities.
Fred Louws is the new principal at GFESS and head administrator at RCBHS who will turn off the lights at the school, built in 1927 on Ridge Road.
It’s special for him in two ways, as he is a former student there, too, a graduate in the class of 1988.
“It’s great to see everybody laughing, sharing old memories of RCBHS, which, let’s face it, made us who we are today,” said Louws.
Fort Erie Secondary School principal Neil Sheard is also elated to be a part of history when classes come to an end next month.
“I feel really honoured to be the last principal here. It’s a great school,” he said at Friday night’s event.
Paula Griffo, a FESS graduate in 1997, who was with several of her friends from back in the day at Friday’s gathering, said it was a wonderful experience being able to see former teachers and other people from so many years ago.
“It’s just nice — there are so many memories that come back. I think all of us can say we had a really great time in high school,” she said.
George Hanes graduated FESS in 1947 and started a 30-year teaching career at the school in 1957. He was browsing some of the memorabilia on display this weekend. “It’s kind of sad to see it go,” said Hanes, who is also a longtime Fort Erie resident.
Charlene Sollen Kenna was one of the organizers of the farewell open house at FESS and graduated in 1985.
She said the turnout at the event was fantastic and that there were other small functions planned at various establishments throughout the weekend, too, attended by many people travelling from out of town for the celebrations.
Sara Towner graduated RCBHS in 1974.
She said her former high school closing does stir emotions, but the community will have to move on.
“It’s tough knowing it’s going to be something else new, but times change,” she said.
Barb Horning, a 1984 RCBHS graduate, said she’s reflecting on the good times and looking ahead to what a new high school will mean for the entire town.
“It’s bittersweet, but I’m focusing more about the positive,” said Horning.
She was attending the open house with a group of friends that formed their bond at RCBHS more than 30 years ago.