NBCHS reunion to finally go ahead this summer

“We’re calling it the best back to school party ever,” he said.

Coates said it’s great to have the event move ahead, adding that the delay did give organizers an opportunity to add a couple more graduating years.

“We didn’t want to let anybody who was celebrating a milestone anniversary [to miss out],” he said, adding that the class of ’82 will be celebrating their 40th reunion so it was important to include them as well. “We thought the more the merrier. Let’s make it a big fun party for everybody.”

Looking at the school’s history, he noted 1971 was the very first graduating class from the NBCHS.

Originally from North Battleford himself, Coates currently lives in Vancouver so he will be excited to come back to his hometown for the celebration too.

“I’m most looking forward to seeing a lot of faces that I haven’t seen over the years,” he said.

His own class had a little reunion about four years ago, but he couldn’t attend. So Coates is glad to have another chance to meet his classmates again.

The event includes a reception in the evening on July 29 at the Dekker Centre, and a meet and greet with many of the former teachers. Plans are to host a tour of the school in the morning on July 30. Following lunch, in the afternoon people will have a chance to explore the Battlefords, see some of the changes over the years and spend time with some of their former classmates. Then, in the evening attendees will come together for a full catered dinner and a dance with a live band at the Western Development Museum.

“There will be a host of activities, class photos being done and a trivia night,” Coates said.

Tickets still available

Coates said tickets have been selling fast. There are less than 100 left available. Tickets can be purchased through the link here. He encourages people hoping to attend to get their tickets in advance, since the dinner numbers will need to be planned ahead of time.

“We have a healthy registration already,” he said. “Our biggest challenge right now is trying to reach people who aren’t on social media, because it’s so easy to reach out to those who are.”

If there are any funds left over from the event they will be earmarked for a NBCHS scholarship.

Coates said the organizing committee is looking forward to seeing faces from the past, and is reaching out to those who are curious or still sitting on the fence about attending.

“Our biggest message is this is a one-time event. It will never happen again, not in the degree we’re putting it on,” he said. “We would encourage those who [are still deciding to come] to do so because there won’t be another time.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

NBCHS reunion to finally go ahead this summer

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