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Plans ramping up for 50-year reunion at city's oldest high school

'Everyone is eager to share their nostalgic affection for the place where they spent some critical years of their lives,' says committee member of April events
03062023twinlakessecondaryschool
A group of retired teachers met at the school last fall to kick off plans for the school’s 50th anniversary.

NEWS RELEASE
TWIN LAKE SECONDARY SCHOOL
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With almost two months to go, former staff and students of Twin Lakes Secondary School (TLSS) are already eagerly anticipating the 50-year reunion of the school, which will be held from April 27 to 29.

Plans are well underway by current staff and students for the school-based anniversary part of the weekend. The reunion Facebook page has grown to 1,600 members since it began in January.

The Saturday night wrap-up party at Hawk Ridge, organized by former staff and students, promises to be a wonderful finale. Anyone wishing to attend is urged to act quickly, as only a handful of tickets remain unsold.

Events will kick off with Thunder Years, a musical review showcasing five decades of Twin Lakes productions. The show will feature a big cast, lots of singing and dancing, and outstanding visual effects.

Performances start on Thursday, April 27 and Friday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the school. Tickets cost $10. For advance tickets, call the TLSS office at 705-325-1318. Tickets will also be available at the door, cash only. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a meet and greet in the gym for those attending the performance.

On Saturday, April 29, the school will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An anniversary ceremony with dignitaries from 10 to 10:30 a.m. will start the day. From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be tours of the school and classrooms open for visiting, reminiscing over the displays and memorabilia, and renewing old friendships.

The gym will be the site of a variety of games and sports competitions featuring past and present athletes. Alumni are also invited to a 'Stay and Play' in the music room from noon to 2 p.m. Bring your own instrument or borrow one from the school inventory.

On Saturday night, Hawk Ridge will be the setting for an informal social gathering from 7 p.m. to midnight with appetizers, desserts and a cash bar. Tickets are required for this event. For more information, visit this website

Christine Johnstone, TLSS grad and member of the reunion committee, is looking forward to the big weekend. She says the engagement on the Facebook page has been very rewarding to watch. 

“From its very first students to recent grads and staff, every decade is represented. The common threads abound – everyone is eager to share their nostalgic affection for the place where they spent some critical years of their lives and to reconnect with the people they shared those experiences with," Johnstone added.

Once Orillia’s newest secondary school, TLSS is now its oldest – and clearly one with a loyal and enthusiastic group of former Thunderbirds (and Hornets). The school mascot may have changed over the years, but the love of the school never has.

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