Central elementary community school is inviting all past, current and future students and staff to come and celebrate its 90th anniversary this weekend.
“My favorite part of Central is the people, the generations of history,” says event organizer Clara Hooper. “The walls have seen so many people start their lives and go out into the world to become amazing people.”
It all takes place on Sept. 28. The day will feature a ceremony starting at 1 p.m. and will include: award presentations to former staff, guest speakers, music, refreshments and cake. Throughout the school will be slide shows, decades of pictures on display, scrap books to look at and a bake sale. There will also be guided tours of the school.
And the school song will be performed by students featuring retired teacher, Gwen Gallis, on piano.
“The day looks to be jam packed for everyone and we really want as many people to come out as possible,” says Hooper, who’s been volunteering at the school for two decades.
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Additionally, folks from the Chilliwack Historical Society will be guiding two walking tours around downtown Chilliwack and two 60-minute bus tours throughout Chilliwack at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Cost for each tour is a minimum donation of $8 per person with the money going to the historical society.
Central first opened its doors on Nov. 21, 1929. It is the oldest school in the district and currently 275 students attend. At one point, in 1955-1956, the school had a whopping 717 students.
“The stories that are told and shared will be the best part of Central on Sept. 28,” says Hooper. “The people behind those stories are Central. The pictures on display around the school tell a little bit of those stories.”
The 90th anniversary celebration for Central elementary community school is Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enter through he main front doors on Young Road. Handicap parking will be in the school parking lot with handicap entrance under the gym.
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jenna.hauck@theprogress.com
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