Campbellford District High School is celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2023. The current website was launched a number of months ago, and now there are several new features being added!
The updated version is an interactive, social media-style site, designed to meet the needs of all the Campbellford District High School alumni. The key new section is the “Class Group” page – where the school’s 100-year history is broken down into 20 separate groups that will help users to reconnect with people they may recognize. Viewers are asked to join class groups for years that they attended or taught at CDHS – where they can interact with others from that time period – sending them messages, asking questions, posting photos, and connecting before the reunion!
The Reunion Steering Committee is using the site to involve the alumni in creating a memorable weekend for everyone who has attended or worked at the school – no matter how long ago – or will become a future student or staff in the next two years. The reunion is scheduled for Friday to Sunday, July 14 – 16, 2023 with some spinoff events on Thursday. There is a multitude of information on the new and improved website – www.cdhs2023reunion.ca
CDHS is located in Campbellford, a part of Municipality of Trent Hills in Northumberland County, Ontario. It is a tight-knit community so the Steering Committee knows that the reunion will be well-attended from near and far – as the CDHS Facebook site now has more than 2800 followers!
Dave Sharp, a CDHS graduate of 1972, and the leader of the Steering Committee commented: “We have had such a great response to the CDHS reunion. A multitude of sponsors have arisen. And we are so grateful for their support. With every social media post and website update, we see even more companies and individuals coming forward”.
The Steering Committee was set up by Dave Sharp after reading several comments on FB about a possible reunion for the 100th anniversary of CDHS. The team is composed of members from across Canada. They have put together a very comprehensive celebration including dances, socials, an open house, breakfasts, river cruises, local tours, musical entertainment and “let’s get reacquainted” times. These are all listed on the CDHS reunion website.
Sponsors for the CDHS 100 year reunion are:
- Platinum (the highest level): Windswept Group, Rotary Club of Campbellford; Sharpe’s Food Market, Island Park Retirement Residence, Countdown Creative (company of the website designer, Lucas Graham) and “Tribute to All Teachers” from the family of former teacher, Mrs. Edith Symonds
- Gold: Campbellford Chrysler, Impact Mechanical Services, Empire Cheese
- Silver: Carol Thompson (Royal LePage), Lighthouse Wealth Management (Dave Sharp & family), Rawle Johnson Creative (who designed the reunion logo), Brighton Tire, Dooher’s Bakery, Newman Insurance, Melissa Smeets (ReMax), Kinch Eddie Litigation and Bennett’s Furniture & Mattresses
- Bronze: Campbellford Lion’s Club
- And numerous “Friends of CDHS2023 Reunion”
The website is very comprehensive – containing information on CDHS History, Photo Gallery, Yearbook segment, CDHS Merchandise, the Schedule of Events, an FAQ section and others. There are even “How to” videos on how to register, how to add photos and other instructions that will make alumni’s visit to the website more enjoyable.
Since the formation of the CDHS History Committee in early 2020, Chair, Stephen Nelson, (a CDHS graduate of 1974) and the team of former and current members have been researching, collecting material and photos and writing the history book, “Celebrating a Century of Learning” to commemorate the school’s centennial.
Stephen commented, “Celebrating a Century of Learning will be an interesting read for alumni, current students and staff, as well as researchers and history buffs. They will be surprised to learn historical details about the school from its early beginnings to the present. The team couldn’t write this book without the contribution of alumni and current students telling their school memories and the assistance of many historical organizations.”
In the website’s “Where Are They Now” section, registrants can find out where their friends are. Alumni can also now add contact information on their own profiles.
“It’s been a great help (and fun) having our committee members be so involved in the process.” stated Dave Sharp. Committee members are Stephen Nelson, Marsha Connor, Paul Connor, Steve Glover, Eunice (Chrysler) Stapley, Rob Pope, Jill (MacMillan) Koplowitz, Elaine Barry, Evelyn (Waddell) McLeod and Bev (Sharp) Spencer.
As Dave Sharp says “We’re already seeing people connecting and striking up long lost friendships. It’s so much fun to watch. And the weekend in 2023 is going to be even more enjoyable. See you all in Campbellford in July 2023”.
And if anyone has questions, they can send Dave Sharp an email – CDHS2023Reunion@gmail.com or message him on the CDHS Facebook page.
Check out the CDHS Reunion website to see the full weekend’s offering – https://www.cdhs2023reunion.ca/