Beairsto turns 100

Cara Brady - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2009 12:00 PM

Beairsto Elementary is having a party and everyone is invited.“We hope all former students and staff and anyone who would like to see what the school looks like will come and join us to celebrate 100 years in the community,” said vice-principal Brendan Robertson.The party Wednesday also brings back the fall fair which was popular in the school for many years and includes tours of the school, a photo display, memorabilia (did that old strap really belong to Mr. Beairsto?) and a chance for people to write down their memories to be included in the school history. Long-serving principals Clarence Fulton, the first principal, Harold Beairsto, Ed Goss, Bert Hunter and Marilyn Merler will be honoured. Merler and James Beairsto of Kelowna, a nephew of Harold Beairsto, will attend.

There will be lots of fun with family games and a barbecue, as the school raises funds for a school in Africa.“We have had 100 years of excellent education here and we would like to be able to provide a school for other children to have 100 years of excellent education,” said Robertson.The school hopes to raise $8,000 which will build a school and pay the starting salary for a teacher in a village in Africa.The celebration takes place at the school from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, with speeches and birthday cake at 6 p.m.The 100th anniversary celebration is sponsored by the Vernon School District and the City of Vernon.