Guests to the Tagwi 50th Anniversary Wine and Cheese event were able to view several displays of the school’s Reach for the Top teams throughout the years in the Learning Commons. From the left: Linda Maloney (wife of Coach Dan Maloney), Claude Theoret, Peter Simard and Stuart Pollock. Back row: Bart Bilmer, Dave Conners, and Ryan Vickers. Thompson Goddard Photo

AVONMORE – From near and far, graduates and staff of Tagwi Secondary School (Tagwi) returned to their alma mater on Oct. 26 to celebrate a half century of providing quality educational opportunities to area students.

Brandon Coleman, with committee co-chair Megan Crooke, led the reunion organizing committee mentioned the afternoon wine and cheese held at Tagwi, the evening dinner as well as the dance held at the Metcalfe Centre in Maxville had close to 600 tickets sold across these three events.

Staff and students currently at Tagwi were busy behind the scenes. Student volunteers were busy taking photos during the reunion, assisting with set-up as well as creating and serving the tasty and beautiful charcuterie boards. Staff members were on hand to ensure the events ran smoothly and discuss the school with visitors.

“This school is an absolutely incredible community school. The staff are world class with their care and support of their students” commented Principal Michael Deighton during the Wine and Cheese event. With pride in his voice, he explained how the school provides students with the opportunity to learn and excel in several subjects including the arts, science and technology while preparing them for life after graduation.

In the school’s Learning Commons (formerly known as the library) people were able to peruse several displays on Tagwi’s participation and success in “Reach for the Top” during its history. Designed as an academic quiz competition for Canadian high school students, in 1989 the team from Tagwi were the national champions of Reach for the Top with team members being: Allan Coleman, Claude Theoret, Peter Simard, Neil Wheeler and Stuart Pollock guided by Coach Don Maloney.

Several speakers including SDSG MP Eric Duncan and SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn congratulated members of the organizing team for their work and dedication in organizing the reunion. North Stormont Mayor François Landry, called it an “incredible honour to stand before you as Mayor and Tagwi graduate” noting how the school is a place where dreams are nurtured and friendships formed.

It was the friendships and common memories which were viewed along the memory boards and memorabilia displays located in the school’s hallways. People were busy chatting with their classmates and catching up on years both past and present. In the school’s foyer was a memorial slideshow of students who had passed on for people to view.

In a post event email, Coleman wished to thank “The members of the committee, who spent many hours working on the event, and all of our sponsors”, noting several were listed in the reunion program as well as several businesses and individuals who supported the event including” Foodland Ingleside; Lacatalis Winchester; Bridal’s by Al Mor Wedding Boutique; Mrs. Dianne Law; Mary Jane Hakvoort; Finch Recreation; Kenyon Agricultural Society and Farm Boy – Cornwall.” He wished to thank the custodial and secretarial staff for their assistance in ensuring the success of the event and the continued support for the school from the community.

As the future unfolds, there can be little doubt of the opportunity for success for its students and the deeply felt appreciation for the community felt by those at Tagwi Secondary School.