Homecoming 2004 Stories

As I stood within the vortex of "community spirit" – under one roof, I couldn’t help but think that this cross-section of humanity was not only representative of a collection of former high-school students, but of a sequence of eras in the evolution of (what once was) a "small town" . . . where most everyone in that town had some kind of awareness of or association to most everyone else.

Often times, in the process of experiencing my own personal aspects of that "small town", I felt more than a bit accursed. However, this past weekend was an illustration, on so many levels, of what a blessing it truly was. The reality is, I realized fully, it was once in a life time and that "small town" is forever changed . . . but it was great to feel the spirit of that community as it continues to live on in the people that still have it to come together! Thank you to all those who truly got it together to participate in this historic, defining moment.

Inspirational, to say the least, to see, feel, and get a fleeting sense of who we are. It was a privilege to partake in the coming together of the spirit and I am forever proud to be a member of our community!

Thank you for having me.

Des Verma

On Sunday, July 18th. Morning when I was standing in the line up for breakfast, I pointed out to Gordon that in the closing ceremonies at 1 p.m there was no spot for teachers to say anything in terms of thanking the committee to put up such a great event, and wishing well to all the students who had come for this occasion. Gordon liked the idea, and asked me if I would take this role. I said yes. I did not expect this to take place after the lunch. However, I was taken aback, when at about 11:30, after the Rube Band had played, my name was called to say a few words.

So this is what I said and/or meant to say....

I am not a public speaker. But to talk to your students and colleagues you don’t have to be a public speaker. You just say a few words from your heart, and that is it.

On behalf of all the present and past Kam High teachers, it is not just a matter of pleasure but a matter of great honour, to thank the committee which put up such a fantastic and successful event. We all know that all this did not happen in just a few days’ effort. The committee has spent lots of time and effort for this event. We all are so grateful for it. And the committee deserves our immense sense of gratitude.

I would me remiss in my duty, once again on behalf of all the teachers here, if I don’t say a few words to the Kam High students who came for this function.

No matter how old our students get, some of them are grandparents, and how young the staff at Kam High gets, you will always be our kids. When I was meeting my students from the 60’s, they did not look a day older than when they were then. All of you brought pleasant memories of those years back. In doing so you rejuvenated our old cells.

I run into some of you, so often, in Vancouver for occasional lunches. And I am grateful for that.

You have gone into multitude of professions and successfully so. You are doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, teachers, successful businessmen, politicians, and morticians. Above all you are proud and good parents too.

With these words, I wish you and your families all the best in the future. Hope to see you again sometime. Thank you all.