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The Times Advocate, 2004-07-14, Page 1616 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, July 14, 2004 Forty years of learning and fun celebrated at Usborne By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF USBORNE — Decades in the making, the 40th anniversary celebrations at Usborne Central School went off without a hitch July 10. School council chairperson and anniversary steering committee member Shauna Gardiner-Soudant said about 1,000 people attended the reunion, either during the program at the school in the afternoon, or later at a barbecue and dance at South Huron Rec Centre. "We had an awesome day, we couldn't have asked for better weather," she said. The afternoon's program outside at the school included master of cere- monies Bob Heywood, musical enter- tainment from past and present Usborne students, recognition of former students and staff and stories of Usborne's past. Inside, the school was decorated with pictures, newspaper articles, graduation photos and displays of student projects. Rooms in the school represented the various decades Usborne Central has seen. Also inside was an "Angel Room," which paid tribute to Usborne Central students and staff who have passed away. Gardiner-Soudant and her steering committee of nine (six of whom are Usborne graduates) have been meeting every Tuesday since February in prepa- ration for the anniversary. The anniver- sary celebration started as an idea at the school council level and they decided to start a steering committee to work on the project. "Everyone worked really well togeth- er," Gardiner-Soudant said. Many former students travelled to attend the anniversary, including one who came from out west. Many others came from the Toronto area. "It was great for the community to support the school," Gardiner-Soudant said. "One of the school council's goals this year was to make the school more visible ... It's good for community spirit to have something like this. I had lots of good comments about everything." Gardiner-Soudant said Usborne Central has always provided a good quality education for its students. She added it was also great to see for- mer staff and principals attend. Janice Thomson of Stratford, who graduated from Usborne Central School in 1968, looks at a display in the school's "Angel Room," a tribute to former school students and staff who have passed away.About 1,000 people attended the school's 40th anniversary celebrations last weekend. From left, former Usborne students Steve Kerslake (class of 1975) and Ralph Batten (class of 1971) reminisce last weekend. S Ailt ntral Salo 111112113/ ,I011 1J,201 rate with Us!!! Former Usborne student MiriamVeldman reads a poem. Former Usborne principals Arnold Mathers (1964-66), left, and Carole Anne Nakeff (1989-93) address the crowd. Mathers was the school's first principal. Seated is master of ceremonies Bob Heywood. Former teachers, secretaries, cus- todians, bus drivers and educational assistants were also recognized at the anniversary last weekend. Photos by Scott Nixon Pictured from left are members of the steering committee for Usborne Central's 40th anniversary: Karen Brock, Shauna Gardiner-Soudant, Laurie Dykstra, Carolyn Gower, Brenda Hern, Sharon Pavkeje, Judith Parker, Janine Dougall and Laurel Miner. From left, Usborne student Corey Smith, Randy Tebbutt (whose wife attended Usborne) and South Perth student Brett Shute have a tug of war match.