Remembering the days of the old schoolyard were exactly what about 500 people attending the Mount Hutt College centennial celebrations on Friday afternoon were doing.
Fond and some not-so-fond memories were recalled as current and former staff, students, principals, board members and families gathered to laugh and share stories from across of 100 years of secondary schooling in the Methven district.
Many of those at the celebrations recalled teachers who had made an impressions that left a lasting impact on them. One in particular frequently mentioned was the late Bill Corbett.
Brent Gray, a former student of the college and emcee for the afternoon, said the school played a vital role for the Methven community.
“Our school has a vital role in our community, which is deeply grounded in its place, people and purpose.”
The afternoon of reminiscing including a formal welcome, tree planting, speeches, cake cutting, entertainment, and tours of the school which saw some returning students comment it looked very different from when they had attended in the 1970s.
A sealed time capsule was laid in the legacy garden as part of the celebrations.
Members of the student centennial committee had placed various items in the capsule.
Among the items was a Covid-19 rat test, a school timetable and diary, a rugby cap, letters to future students, a letter from current principal Jack Saxon, a map of the area, the latest edition of Snowfed, a photo of the schools current year 13s, a photo of the school’s principals, a head student badge, a copy of the schools logo and two tea towels; one signed by all year 13 students and the other by the centennial committee.
Among the guests to speak at the Mount Hutt centennial anniversary celebrations on Friday were Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, Member of Parliament for Rangitata James Meager and Board of Trustee chair Shane Stockdill.
Brown said “Mount Hutt College is more than a school; it is a community.
‘‘It is a place where dreams are realised. It is an honour to be here today to celebrate excellence in education and community sprit, and we can look forward to a bright future here.”
Meagar spoke of what can be achieved when a school is strong and when it receives strong support from the community.
‘‘I can feel a sense of pride throughout the school. To the students – no matter where your path takes you, whether to further study, into a trade, or agriculture, go at it with gusto and passion,” he said.
For Stockdill it has been a privilege getting to know the students at the school. He senses that they will go on to achieve great things.
“Our school should be immensely proud that we have grounded young people who want to succeed,’’ he said
Before the end of term all present day students formed 100 in the school grounds as a way of marking the significant event in the school and Methven life.
On Friday evening many enjoyed dancing and partying the night away at Methven Resort to music performed by alumni of the school.
