If you’re among the 12,500 students, teachers or staff who attended or worked at Port Moody Secondary School (PMSS) in the past five decades, the current cohort is inviting you to take a trip down memory lane.
On Wednesday, May 29, the Albert Street high school is opening its doors from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to alumni, as well as former educators and administrators, to celebrate PMSS’ golden anniversary.
Teacher Cam Fraser told the Tri-City News on Wednesday, May 8, that a committee has met since the start of the school year to organize the 50th party.
“The school officially opened in 1973, but to do the party in the fall was too quick of a turnaround so we’re doing it in the 2023–24 school year,” he said.
Interest in the informal reunion is strong, said teacher Darren Birch, noting a Facebook event page to advertise the festivities has generated more than 1,200 responses.
Fraser said there will be many familiar faces in the crowd — a couple of them appearing virtually: alumni Sophie Lui, an anchor with Global News, and Omar Sachedina, an anchor with CTV News, will send their best wishes via video. Invites have also been sent out to fellow alumni Coquitlam–Burke Mountain MLA Fin Donnelly and actor Fred Ewaniuck of Corner Gas fame.
Attendees can expect opening speeches at around 6 p.m. then they can spend the evening reuniting with school friends and touring the school to see the photos and memorabilia on display such as sports trophies and musical theatre posters.
As well, visitors can also point out their graduation class photo on the wall.
“You can even find your old locker,” Fraser said. “They’re the same ones as in ’73.”
Birch feels the open house will be well-attended as the school “has been a staple in this community for so long. In fact, it’s the only secondary school in the district that’s still named after the city it’s in.”
Originally located at the current Moody Middle School site, Port Moody High School burned down in 1969. The school then moved to its current location at 300 Albert St. and adopted the phoenix as its mascot — a mythological bird that symbolizes rising from the ashes.
Due to limited parking at and around Port Moody Secondary, attendees to the 50th anniversary celebration are asked walk, use public transit or car pool.
