Victoria High School’s legendary motto, “Come Give A Cheer,” will undergo a temporary change for the upcoming celebrations of its current building’s 100th year.
Instead, it will be “Come Back, Give A Cheer,” in conjunction with the Victoria Day weekend celebrations of Vic High’s fourth structure in its 138-year history.
The Vic High Alumni Association celebrations committee, under the chairmanship of former Victoria mayor Alan Lowe, has unveiled an ambitious four-day program which begins Thursday, May 15. It includes a gala dinner Thursday, a wine-and-cheese evening at the school, May 16, an official opening and entertainment program at the school Saturday afternoon, May 17, and a Saturday night dance at the Crystal Gardens.
Former students, staff and supporters of Vic High are invited to come and enjoy the festivities. Registration forms for the Friday night wine-and-cheese party and Saturday’s official opening and entertainment in the Lawrie J. Wallace Auditorium are available through the Victoria High School Alumni Association website or by contacting Event Registrar Margaret Goodwin at vichighregistrar@shaw.ca">vichighregistrar@shaw.ca.
Registration fee for both events is $30. A Vic High souvenir concession will be open at each event.
Those wishing to attend and who may not have registered in advance will be able to register at the event. Registration forms are required to be filled out for all functions.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, May 15: Inaugural Black and Gold Dinner, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Wardroom outside CFB Esquimalt. Four former Vic High students will be honoured: sports columnist Jim Taylor, Class of ’55, winner of the prestigious Bruce Hutchison Award and member of three Canadian sports halls of fame; Dr. Maria Tippett, Class of ’62, leading Canadian cultural historian and author; Richard Hunt, Class of ’71, acclaimed aboriginal artist and carver; and Jessica Monroe-Gonin, Class of ’84, Olympic gold medallist rower and member of two sports halls of fame.
Seating is limited to 200 and dinner ticket ($100 each, $50 donation receipt will be issued) order forms are available on the Victoria High website (www.vichigh.com — click on the “Black and Gold Dinner” tab) or by phoning chairwoman Anne McKeachie at 250-472-1661.
Friday, May 16: Wine and cheese party at Vic High (parking in the track area and entry through the new Fairey Tech addition at the back of the school) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Archive displays, a replica 1914 classroom and tours of the new Fairey Tech facilities will be featured. The event is wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, May 17: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., official opening ceremonies hosted by Vic High Alumni Chair Barry Gough with musical entertainment in the Lawrie J. Wallace Auditorium. The replica 1914 classroom (Room 303) will be open and registrations will be handled in the hallway inside the main (front) doors of Vic High. Souvenirs and auditorium seat plaque sales will also be available in the same area. The event is wheelchair accessible.
7:00 to 11:00 p.m.: The dance at the Crystal Gardens on Douglas Street across from the Victoria Conference Centre will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with music provided by the celebrated Vic High R&B band. Tickets ($30 a person) are also available through the Vic High website or by emailing vichighregistrar@shaw.ca">vichighregistrar@shaw.ca. Partners, friends and neighbours are also invited to attend this event.
Sunday, May 18: The school will be closed but the day has been set aside for various class reunions at other venues.
Monday, May 19: Victoria Day Parade downtown. Watch for Vic High’s entry!
