Windsor Park to celebrate its ‘athleticism, leaders and smarts’

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/05/2011 (5562 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It turns out the 50th anniversary celebrations for Windsor Park Collegiate won’t be just a good time for old friends to reunite.

They’ll also be the launch pad to start recognizing some of the inspiring individuals who have walked the high school’s hallowed halls, an initiative one organizer says is long overdue.

“Windsor Park Collegiate has a huge tradition and we’ve had a lot of graduates who have gone on to be the top of their field,” explained Brenda Bourns, River Park South resident and member of the anniversary committee.

“I think we’ve been pretty humble about it.”

For the 50th anniversary, she explained, the organizing committee decided it was time to shine a spotlight on the school’s most successful students by starting a Hall of Honour within the school — with a special “Distinguished Alumni” plaque to commemorate the brightest stars.

The first names emblazoned on the plaque will be hockey legend Butch Goring, personal finance guru and author Evelyn Jacks, and world champion curler Jennifer Jones.

“We really want to showcase the athleticism, the leaders, and the smarts that have come out of the collegiate,” Bourns said.

“We’re really creating the story (for current students) of ‘This can be you too’.”

Jones — who quipped that she “wouldn’t miss” the anniversary celebrations for anything — said she was humbled by the Dinstinguished Alumni nod.

“It’s a huge honour,” she said, adding many of her classmates have gone on to do “amazing” things.

Jacks agreed that being chosen as a Distinguished Alumni was a humbling experience.

“I was totally shocked and delighted,” the author said.

Jacks added she considers her schooling at Windsor Park the foundation that allowed her to find such success in the business world.

“It was one of the happiest environments of my life,” she said.

“It was a place were I had very important mentorship from my teachers that paved a path for me towards my eventual career.”

Jacks said she also made lifelong friends at the school and is looking forward to seeing old faces again, a sentiment echoed by Jones.

“We grew up at that school and have so many fond memories, and now to go back is wonderful.”

Bourns said Windsor Park’s Hall of Honour will also have permanent displays commemorating the school presidents, principals, and Governor General award winners of every year.

“This will be an ongoing legacy,” she explained.

Jones thinks it’s a great idea.

“There’s amazing people who went to this school, and there will continue to be in the future.”

Celebrations for WPC’s 50th anniversary are planned for Fri., May 13 and Sat., May 14. For more information, visit www.wpc50.com or call the school at 256-7316.

arielle.godbout@canstarnews.com