Vic High Class of 1972     50-Year Reunion

Hello, fellow Vic High Class of 1972 Grads! It’s hard to believe 50 years have gone by. Yet here we are, with all of our experience, pitfalls, successes and heart-felt moments to share. Our 50-Year Reunion is coming up! Sept. 23rd  is the MEET and GREET, Sept. 24^th is the GRAD DINNER/ DANCE . BUY TICKETS SOON!  vichighclass72@shaw.ca

What we really want to know is How are you? Where are you? What is your story? And Will we see you at the reunion?

Here are three grad profiles to get the ball rolling: our 1972 valedictorian, Denis Blais. (You will also remember him from Calamity Players “The Edge of Nausea”. But it was his great wit and helpful smile that made us all fall in love with this guy!); Beth (Morrison) Barnes, our intrepid and reluctant chair of the 50th Reunion Committee (we really appreciate her hard work!); and yours truly, Anne Marie Webb-Hughes (better known as your Student News World Reporter and writer for our Calamity Players, “The Edge of Nausea”.)

We hope we can inspire you to send us your story. (vichighclass72@shaw.ca) 200 word max, please, plus two photos. Here’s some questions to prod your memory, but feel free to stray beyond these simple prompts:

• What memory of Vic High stands out for you?
• What have you been up to?
• What would you say to your 18 year-old self???

Email your Grad picture if you have it and a fairly current picture, please.

Here we go!

Denis Blais

“I know I am not alone in my surprise and bewilderment that it has been a half century since we graduated! Although I have many fun memories of friends and adventure, my best memory of those mere two years at Vic High has to be the honour of being valedictorian – with Chris Chaleki at piano, those 3 songs we all still probably know by heart and of course – the after parties that had their share of even more fun and perhaps a few minor regrets!

I took Food 11 with Barb Armstrong as an easy elective in my final year, which included a trip to Malaspina College’s ( VIU ) Cook’s Training program. It was a “EUREKA” moment. I instantly saw a program that could provide a practical trade / career after University. The chef’s training facilitated an experience in Holland and Toronto. The plan for university was put on hold, and 50 years later I have enjoyed a fast-paced rewarding career as Chef. Over the years I have been Executive Chef at the Wedgewood (Vancouver), Canada Place for Expo 86, Shangrila, Kimpton Hotels and the last 20 years at the Capilano Golf and Country Club. I am currently trying hard to retire and enjoy a home that I built with my partner of 44 years in Greece. What would I say to my 18 – year-old self?? Time flies – so don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t smoke, and stay curious. There is much to discover!

Anne Marie Webb-Hughes

Life has not been dull!

My best memory of Vic High is sitting on the school heaters with Maureen (Wilkinson) Reiter in our cheerleading outfits eating Oh Henry’s and talking.

From graduation, I moved to Vancouver: 12 years with The Bay/ Simpsons working up to General Manager, Cosmetics in Toronto. I was head hunted to V.P. stores, La Vie En Rose, then Director of Marketing for Holt Renfrew (I sailed the Caribbean for a year), then took the leap back to Vancouver. Two businesses later, by then with a Masters of Education and a Masters of Business Administration, I joined the BCIT faculty. I taught in the Marketing program and was a contributing author to McGraw Hill Publishers Canadian Marketing text books, and taught overseas until retirement in 2019.

Now I am a Grandma, with two little girls and a third on the way, happily living back in Nanoose Bay with hubby Graham, enjoying the water. Phew! It’s been quite a ride.

To my 18-year-old self I’d say: Sleep is important, but good friends and a healthy lifestyle are right up there. Carp Diem!

Beth Barnes (Morrison)

My favourite memory at Vic High, I think, was watching the basketball games and the soccer team at Royal Athletic Park (I think they won a cup that was pretty exciting).

I started working at the TD Bank at Douglas and Fort Street right after I graduated and was there full-time until 1982 with a few part-time positions until 1986. I was a stay- at- home mom for 17 years and raised three children, as well as two twin stepchildren. I took a computer class at SJ Willis and re-entered the workforce in 2000 working for the federal government. I worked for a few different departments, and ended up working for old age pension, retiring  after 19 1/2 years. I’m now enjoying my retirement. Each day is a new adventure!

I would say to my old self: ”Be more confident and assertive”

(author’s note…she is selling herself short!  She has also been the point person for our 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th reunions, and managed to connect so many grads in many positive ways. Thanks, Beth!)