Parkside High School has a rich history of successful students and alumni in the arts, music, business, industry and sports. Students form a special bond with the school from a perfect blend of caring teachers and staff; a scenic location; and amazing friends. We frequently hear about multiple generations attending Parkside too.
And now we’re ready to celebrate 50 years!
A motivated committee formed in April 2009 and represents Parkside from every decade. They are working hard at planning an active, fun weekend with unique activities, for an expected attendance of over 2000 alumni and their families. The committee’s mission:
Honour Parkside High School's 50th Birthday by celebrating the friendships, relationships, and achievements of
the alumni and staff and create a legacy to inspire
and benefit Parkside students
200 new registrants on Friday sending our total registrations to nearly 1100
800+ attended the Pub and Dance
400+ students attended the Alumni Assembly and mentoring sessions
80+ played basketball and volleyball
100+ strolled through the Arts Exhibit
30+ ran the 5k. Congrats to Gord Aglor for coming in first
30+ walked the Nostalgic Walk around Dundas
Many were moved by the In-Memoriam rooms
60-100 people flowed through the Open Mic Music Lounge at the Collins
100+ attended the Picnic with their families
Special Announcements:
We're very pleased to announce that as a result of the last minute registrations, Silent Auction and sponsor support, we generated over $20,000 for the Parkside Legacy Fund. This fund will be managed to allow an annual award to a deserving Parkside graduate who has contributed to the life and spirit of Parkside throughout their time at the school. We're thrilled the first $500 award was presented at Convocation on June 29. Should Parkside close, the Parkside Legacy Award will continue to be managed through the School Board. It will go to a student who is a resident of Dundas regardless of the high school from which they are graduating. Thank you Parksiders for contributing to this important support students often need to help pursue their post-secondary education.
The gym was dedicated and will be renamed the Alex J. Furgal Gymnasium.
Silent Auction raised over $1200 for the Legacy Fund
Andrea Clasen won the 50/50 Draw. She split $650, with the proceeds going to the Legacy Fund.
Winning bidders will be contacted shortly to pick up and pay for your Silent Auction prize.
Souvenirs are available through the online store. Still time to order yours. more>
Memories DVD and CD of 1800 pictures including those from the official photographer is now available for only $15. Order yours today. more>
Please post your pictures, memories and stories on our Facebook group. more>
Thank you for being a Panther Again in 2010!
A dedicated group started meeting over a year before to plan this event. Please go out of your way to thank these wonderful Parksiders for their time and effort. All those involved were either Parkside Grads or former Staff right from the '60s to '00s.
Holly Anderson: Thank you for planning and coordinating an amazing art show and turning the Library into a beautiful Reunion Gallery.
Peter Bailey: Thank you for supporting our communication efforts.
Paul Barwinski: Thank you for being supportive; and offering experienced advice that saved the committee in many ways.
Greg Best: Thank you for leading and supporting the Basketball games.
Dean Botham: Thank you for organizing all the Saturday Night entertainment, keeping it a special event and for providing the music at the Pub.
Eve Buchanan: Thank you for leading the registration area; for spending 12 hours at the registration desks; and for doing it all with your calming smile.
Brendan Bulch: Thank you for your patience as our official videographer, and for approaching the project professionally.
Larry Button: Thank you for setting us off on the right “footing” for the 5k; for being our liaison with the City and being there in the crunch.
Sheila Chambers: Thank you for getting things off to a good start; for organizing our entry in the Cactus Festival Parade and for supporting the Picnic event.
Sandra Coe: Thank you for assisting with the insurance; and for all the hours you put in to decorating the school and arena.
Ray Cummins: Thank you for laying the groundwork for the memorabilia displays; for contacting the Inspirational Alumni; and for being so supportive.
Karen Dolyniuk: Thank you for stepping in to so many roles; for grounding us and for your dedication to the Memorial Rooms.
Linda Etty: Thank you for being a great Secretary; for keeping the minutes timely; for stepping in, rolling up your sleeves and helping wherever you were needed; and for your initiative in planning the Picnic that was a highlight for many.
Derek Evans: Thank you for keeping our financial house in order; for wading through the mystery payments and always doing so with a smile; for helping out with Volleyball and for being an Alumni Assembly panelist.
Bob Foot: Thank you for leading the Basketball games; for initiating the banners and for always being such a supportive influence.
Catriona Franc: Thank you for helping out with the Volleyball games.
Alex Furgal: Thank you for organizing the Walks and for your support throughout the event. Congratulations for having the gym dedicated to your name.
John Hall: Thank you for stepping in and saving the 5k Run despite one hurdle after another.
Ed Hocura: Thank you for organizing the student volunteers; and for stepping in to help in so many areas.
Lynda Howes: Thank you for doing more than anyone could see; for staying calm, no matter how frenetic it became; and for keeping us on track with your gentle but firm reminders.
Ed Johnson: Thank you for organizing the Walks; for always being a voice of reason; and for helping organize the 60s Teachers reunion.
Carl Lehman: Thank you for stepping in when we needed help; and for allowing the reunion to play such an important role in your life.
Susan L’Ortye: Thank you for the many hours and creative ideas you put into decorating the school and arena.
Debbie Long: Thank you for helping at the Hockeyville events; for your creative initiatives; for holding the fort at registration for 12 hours straight; for loaning your truck and for helping wherever it was needed and always doing so with a smile.
Skylar Maracle: Thank you for stepping up to help with the Art Show and the 8 hours of heavy lifting you did, you're a credit to your graduating decade.
Katrusia Marunchak: Thank you for stepping up to organize the Open Mic Music Lounge.
Tim McClemont: Thank you for building a great sponsor/donator base; for keeping everyone on track; for staying focused and true to your beliefs; for being a supportive teammate and for being an Alumni Assembly panelist.
Marnie McFadden: Thank you for dedicating so much time and taking so many beautiful shots as our official Photographer.
Catherine McMenemy: Thank you for being our teacher contact.
Megan Medlock: Thank you for all your work helping organize the Pub Night and then stepping in whenever help was needed; and doing so pregnant. Congratulations again on your newborn.
Claire Nicholson: Thank you for building a website that was more professional than many businesses can boast; for investing countless hours and in-kind services and for coming through when we needed you the most at registration.
Bob Norris: Thank you for your help fundraising and being there to help in so many areas.
Ellen Oesterrreich: Thank you for leading the graphic design initiatives for the whole event; for establishing a great look for the reunion that was consistent with our goals and for dealing with all our last minute requests with professionalism
Patricia Parkin: Thank you for helping in so many areas; for being dependable and giving us a smile when we needed it most.
Linda Pezzaniti: Thank you for stepping up to organize the Silent Auction and being dedicated to adding some class to your activities.
Joanne Ravida: Thank you for doing a wonderful job on the Memorial Rooms and knowing when hugs were needed.
Ruth Syms: Thank you for stepping in to help with communications, donations and whenever it was needed; and for keeping us smiling.
Vanessa Tassielli: Thank you for organizing the Friday Pub; for getting blisters putting up the fence alone; and for sharing your birthday with Parkside.
Dick VanDuzer: Thank you for being you and always putting your heart and soul into Parkside.
W. Ian Walker: Thank you for your energy; helping with communications and being an Alumni Assembly panellist.
Sandy Wilson: Thank you for joining the decorating committee and providing the right support at the right time.
Thank you to the many Alumni and Student Volunteers too numerous to mention, who also contributed their time throughout the weekend.
