Talk about a memorable occasion.
Teachers, students and staff members from the past five decades came together to celebrate Earl Marriott Secondary’s 50th anniversary on Saturday (April 27), when the school threw an alumni event to honour the milestone event.
Attendees, who travelled from all over Alberta, B.C. and Pacific Northwest states including Washington and Oregon, filled the open house-style occasion the entire time, with a total estimated crowd of 1,000 or more enjoying the festivities.
“It was a pretty special night — people came from all over,” said EMS athletic director Russ Heggie.
“It just shows the strength of the EMS community.”
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With live music, school tours led by current Earl Marriott leadership students, and videos showcasing the school’s students and staff from the 1970s through to 2024 constantly playing, the memories were plentiful, Heggie said.
“I think everybody’s hearts were filled. … There was a lot of emotion.”
Fundraising efforts at the event also raised close to $5,000, which Heggie said will be earmarked for five scholarships, $1,000 each, with one to be awarded each year — starting this year — to a deserving student, perhaps an unsung hero, an “all-around Mariner,” Heggie shared.
The well-attended event was “such a great testament” to the school’s legacy, he said.
“I didn’t understand just how impactful it was going to be.”