Mount Douglas secondary has helped shape the lives of countless Saanich youth over the decades. Staff, students and alumni are now coming together as plans for the school’s 85th anniversary begin to take shape.
The celebrations are set for Nov. 4 and 5 at the school, with events planned for the Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
“We’re trying to appeal to as many types of people as possible,” said Wendy Gedney, president of the Mount Douglas Alumni Association. “We have all sorts of different things going on hopefully to lure people back. You don’t even have to have graduated, as long as you went to the school, and maybe you moved or transferred.”
A number of events have been planned over the course of the two days, including DOUGS Talks.
“Instead of TED Talks, we’re going to be doing DOUGS Talks. That stands for Dynamic Opportunities to Unite Grads and Students,” said Gedney.
The talks will follow the same format as TED Talks, with 18-minute talks followed by a Q&A session. A number of speakers have been lined up for the talks, including longtime Mount Douglas teacher and principal Jack Lowter and legendary track coach Stan Gill.
“Stan is the longest serving staff member at Mt. Doug ever: 34 years. That’s a record that will probably never be broken,” said Gedney.
There will also be a number of displays from school clubs, sports and alumni, as well as a raffle and silent auction. A Battle of the Brushes will let aspiring artists put their skills to the test.
A number of easels will be set up and competitors will have 20 minutes to transform their blank canvas into a work of art. People will be able to vote on the finished works, with the top four finishers from Friday night and Saturday afternoon moving on to the final battle Saturday night.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the bursaries established by the Mount Douglas Alumni Association.
“We have two bursaries now and we’re hoping to eventually raise enough money to start a sports bursary,” said Gedney.
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchases on the website mountdougalumni.com, where more information is also available.
Gedney encourages everyone to come out to the celebration.
“The alumni, students, staff and the community are invited. It’s for everybody.”
