Barrie Central Collegiate Reunion

Down Memory Lane

It may be the biggest high school reunion ever in Barrie. More than 1500 current and former Barrie Central Collegiate students are expected to converge on the city this weekend for four days of reminiscing. A lot of faces passed through the halls in the school’s 173-year history. A lot of memories were made. We tracked down some former teachers and students to get them to share some of their memories.

John Kraft spent 30 years (1964 to 1994) at Central as a teacher and a guidance counsellor. His children and his grandchildren have all been students there. He says he says there was a noticeable difference in decorum over his tenure…

As for memories, Kraft says hockey and football stand out for him…

photos of John Kraft courtesy Sue Sgambati, BarrieToday.com

If you lived in Barrie in the 70s and 80s Jeff Walther was literally the ‘voice inside your head’. He was a mainstay on radio, and can still be heard on radio and TV commercials. He credits (blames?) his days at Central for putting him behind a microphone…

Jeff Lehman is one of four Barrie mayors who attended Central (Dorion Parker, Ross Archer and Janice Laking are the others)…

Former NHL referee Ron Hoggarth, who still lives in the Barrie-area, remembers playing sports, being student council president…and the high school hijinx…

Here’s how the reunion is shaping up (click here for more detailed information):

  • Wednesday – Registration Package Pick up begins: 3-6pm in the cafeteria
  • Thursday – Registration Pick up 3-6pm
    Classics evening
  • Friday – Registration Pick up 3-6pm
    School Tours
    Staff reunite
    Dance at ANAF (Army Navy Air Force) Hall
  • Saturday – Registration Pick up
    School Tours
    Assembly
    Historical/Hysterical walk
    BBQ
    Photo
    Pub Night ANAF (Army Navy Air Force) Hall
  • Sunday – Pancake breakfast
    Alumni Basketball Game
    Band Sight Reading Recital
    Band reunion
    Volleyball Tournament