Annie Horsburgh, VHS 1977  Giving Back Is Joyful

Volunteering and service are in Annie’s blood, and we’re grateful to have her contribute her time, experience and skills to the Vic High Alumni to support Vic High and help alumni stay connected, and help organize Vic High’s 150^th Anniversary celebrations. Born in Victoria with Scottish, Hawaiian, First Nations, and English roots, she appreciates the cultures from both sides of her family. Throughout her school years, she was very active in sports, music, and dance, particularly volleyball and choir. Her yearbook entry reads: “Ann’s pet peeve are boring classes. Ann likes to participate in all kinds of sports. She was involved in the ski and dance club. Happiness to Ann is saying “Hi!” to everyone she knows.” Business courses at Vic High set her up for a wide range of life experiences.

After graduation from Vic High, her family moved to Qualicum Beach to buy a hotel, where she had the chance to learn new hospitality skills – fine dining service, bartending – which she put to good use in the restaurant industry after moving back to Victoria.  But her family roots beckoned, and she spent time travelling in Europe and the UK, eventually working in Edinburgh for 8 months. The Class of 1977 10-Year Reunion brought her home to Victoria, then to Vancouver and Duncan before settling back in Victoria where friends’ and family connections were welcome.

Over the years, she’s worked in office administration, hospitality, customer service and warehousing, as personal assistant to a millionaire, and most recently as a Community Support Worker. Many organizations and events have benefitted from her joyful volunteer spirit: Women In Need, Victoria Fringe Festival, Blues ‘n Roots Festival, Blues Bash, Luminara Festival, North American Indigenous Games, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Spirit of Christmas Dinner. “I am most joyful & happy giving back and helping others to succeed,” says Annie. “I was born to sing, and play music, its my gift to share. There are many places to direct one’s energy and I love making a difference where I can.”

Annie is a member of the Class of 1977 Reunion Organizing team, working with John Perry and many others to bring classmates together.  And now, “ I’m feeling blessed to help with our 150^th Celebration in 2026,” says Annie,  “to showcase Victoria High School and the school’s history and bring together our alumni, students, teachers & families.”