“Because we still can.”
That’s the motto of a group organizing a reunion open house for graduating students of 1974 and ’75 at John McGregor Secondary School.
Why gather? “Because we still can,” said Grace Patterson, one of the event organizers.
Capturing the two-year graduating class window around the 50th anniversary of those events is to celebrate the efforts of students who took the four-year and five-year academic routes, Patterson said.
“We started together,” she explained.
The classes have reunited in the past. Patterson said 30th and 35th anniversary dinners took place.
She said this time around, things will be a bit different.
“The group didn’t want to hunt down people to prepay for a meal,” Patterson said.
The gathering is to take place June 15 at Sons of Kent on Adelaide Street in Chatham. Coinciding with the craft brewery’s seventh anniversary, the event will feature fun, food trucks, and entertainment.
Tracking people down to inform them of the gathering has been a bit of a struggle, Patterson said, as everyone is that much older.
“Most people are retired now. Any work emails we had are no good if someone is retired,” she said. “Home phone numbers aren’t working because people use cell phones.”
Patterson encourages people to RSVP at jmss2024reunion@gmail.com to give the organizers an idea of how much space to reserve at the backyard event at the brewery.
The event begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m. There will be a group photo taken about 5 p.m.
Patterson it is a very casual affair.
“Pop in, say hello and stay as long as you want,” she said. “I’m excited to get together with some former students.”
Patterson said she and the other organizers would also love to see any former teachers.
She encourages people to bring a lawn chair and any memorabilia they’d like to share.
In the event of rain, the celebration will shift indoors at Sons of Kent.
