Sharbot Lake 75 Anniversary Reunion

Jeff Green (based on files from Dianne Lake) | Sep 20, 2023

Saturday September 16, 2023 the sign on the outside said Granite Ridge Education Centre, but the folks inside said Sharbot Lake High School.

Sharbot Lake High School opened its doors in 1948. In 1998 there was a 50th anniversary celebration, and in 2008 a 60th anniversary celebration was held. Then, in 2013, when the school was about the be torn down in order to be replaced by Granite Ridge Education at a different spot on the same site, The Last Waltz – a musical event celebrating SLHS, was held to mark the 65th, and final anniversary of the school.

But not quite.

In early 2023 a Betty (Stewart) Gross sent an email to Granite Ridge wondering about an anniversary reunion for SLHS. She taught at the school opening day in 1948.

This started the ball rolling. Dianne Lake, who had been a key figure in organising the earlier reunions, thought she could make it happen without too much fuss, because the material that had been gathered for the earlier reunions.

Janet Sanderson, principal at Granite Ridge, thought it was a great idea, and put the wheels in motion to get the use of the school for the day.

“Once we had access to the school, everything else fell into place,” said Dianne Lake.

And on the day, 320 people thought it was a good idea and all came for the afternoon.

The buzz words were “Do you remember when” and the smiles, laughter, and good time filled the school. Some took tours of the building, others sat and chatted with “old” friends. Many enjoyed the year books and displays. We had folks who were there the day the school opened and some who were there the day the school closed, but all came with great memories. Over 30 former staff came for the occasion. Some folks came from far away California, Nunavut, Seattle, Quebec and other points near and far. All brought memories of school bus rides, proms, sports, teachers, friends, and even spoke about school work.

Miss Stewart could not be at the reunion but sent a message that was read to all. A big thank you to everyone who came to enjoy the day and to all who volunteered.

Cutline - Sheila Weeks and Tom Hughes, from the class of ’48 (Gary Hawley, who is also from the class of ’48, attended the union but left before the picture was taken)