Compiled by David E. Sheppard Department Head, English June 1998 2

“Celebrate the History” Horton District High School 1959-1998 is published in conjunction with the Closing the School Committee responsible for organizing the reunion of former students, staff, teachers, and friends of Horton, 3-5 July 1998

Copies of the limited first printing or later printings may be obtained by sending $10.00 to the following address:

Horton High School Att.: David E. Sheppard RR#2 Greenwich Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0

Also, please send corrections and/or additions, as soon as possible.

January 2009: Printed copies are no longer available.

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Preface: “Celebrate the History”

s the doors of Horton District High School close in 1998, forty years after construction of the facility began, students, alumni, teachers, A administrators and staff carry with them memories of the academic, social, athletic, and even political events surrounding their time at the school. Some students were at Horton from grade seven through grade twelve; others were here for shorter periods of time. No one person spent more time at Horton than Rhea Mosher, who was on the teaching staff for thirty-two years, followed closely by Paul Young, who was at the school for thirty-one years.

None of the original staff is still at Horton, of course. The founding principal, “Chuck” Eaton, retired, and passed away in 1984. Earle Giles retired in 1974, and died in 1997. Jon Margeson moved to Central Kings and Berwick schools before his retirement, and died in 1997. Greg Ross became Assistant Superintendent before his retirement. Peter Goucher took advantage of a career opportunity and moved to Cornwallis District High School, to lead another battle for improved school facilities and programs there. Gerald Giddens took advantage of the provincial early retirement program, keeping his golf club in the door as co- chair of the “Celebrate the History” Committee organizing events for closing the school.

This history is part of the celebration of the closing of the school. It contains a huge amount of information, but is still incomplete. It may contain errors; if so, please let me know. I am quite aware that there are many “untold” stories amongst staff and students. Supplement this history with your memories, with your yearbooks, and with any other mementos you have kept.

If I hoped for two things as an historian, it would be these things: that people would remember to put dates and years on documents, programs and posters, and that all of us would be more aware of the possible value of records, so that we don’t throw them away. This has happened to too many Horton District High School records. Please do not be offended if your name is missing, or a special event overlooked. Instead, please call or write, and I will ensure that changes are made in future editions.

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I wish to thank Andrea Sweeney for helping find lost details, Lamont Larkin for some old photos, Marlene Jackson and Robert Rushton for music information, and Jim Fetty for some proofreading.

Also to be commended is Paul Young’s Horton Archiving Committee, whose efforts have guaranteed the survival for posterity of many school documents, pictures, trophies, etc. Andrew Clinch, Horton Principal, has also provided storage facilities in the new school, and Ed Getson will oversee the display area for Horton memorabilia in the school. Your contributions will be appreciated.

David E. “Shep” Sheppard

CONTENTS

Chapter One: HDHS Heralds New Educational Opportunities 5 Chapter Two: Horton Grows and Develops 11 Chapter Three: The Teachers 17 Chapter Four: Student Organizations and Activities 21 Chapter Five: Athletics at Horton 31 Chapter Six: Student Council, Yearbook, Proms, Allied Youth 40 Chapter Seven: Academic Accomplishments 45 Chapter Eight: Important Events from the Life of HDHS 53 Chapter Nine: Towards the New Horton High School 59 Appendix One: Music and Cadet Trophies 71 Appendix Two: Other Trophies 75 Appendix Three: Athletic Trophies 78 Appendix Four: Horton Students Art Collection 85 “Tribute to Horton”: poem by Janet Ethier, 1968 87

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Horton District High School was officially opened by the Honourable E. D. Haliburton, Minister of Agriculture, on Friday, 9 October 1959 in the school gymnasium. According to the media, one thousand people attended the ceremony, to hear special guest speaker H. M. Nason, Director of Primary and Elementary Schools for the Department of Education.

Amos Blenkhorn, chair of the Horton District School Board, presided, and platform guests included the Municipal Council of Kings, headed by Warden William T. Blair; Municipal School Board Chairman Gordon Gates, Port Williams; chairs of the other school boards in the county; Eric Balcom, MLA, Kings North; contractor Vernon Woodworth; Douglas Webber, architect, Halifax; and many others. Mr. Nason was introduced by Inspector of Schools, Seymour C. Gordon.

Mr. Nason told the audience that “the greatest single problem facing education today is to take care of an over-abundant supply of children. A satisfactory solution to this problem will require the cooperative action of the best brains in the country.” Mr. Gordon Gates, Warden W. T. Blair and MLA Eric Balcom also spoke briefly. According to The Wolfville Acadian,1 Mr. Haliburton reviewed the planning that went into the new school and said he felt that

it made a decided forward step in the education program of the county and the province. He noted that the founding of Horton Academy, in 1828 as a private school, had, after completing 130 years, closed and pointed to the

1 The Acadian printed the story verbatim from The Halifax Chronicle-Herald. 6

fact that it is a coincidence that this magnificent new Horton District School is now open. Horton district schooling dates [from] the New England Planters in 1758. It was noted that Principal Charles Eaton is a descendant of one of these families.

The Kentville paper, The Advertiser, reported other aspects of the opening ceremony, which included the presentation of Union Jack flags by the Sir Robert Borden IODE and the women of the Greenwich United Church. Mr. Nason presented a provincial flag on behalf of the government. The keys to the school were passed formally from contractor Woodworth to architect Webber, who in turn, presented them to building committee chair, Councillor Robert Bishop. Mr. Bishop presented them to Mr. Eaton, the Principal.

According to the student newspaper, The Echo, musical entertainment was by the Acadia String Ensemble consisting of Peter Giles, violin, Peggy Giles, cello, Robert McKaskell, violin, and Warwick Lister, violin, under the leadership of Professor Janis Kalejs; they played a suite of 18th century tunes.

Apart from these student performers, no other students were involved in the program. The invocation was by Reverend Robert Shaw of Grand Pre, and the dedicatory prayer was by Reverend Frank Sinnott of Port Williams.

The school received its name from Horton Township, which was established in 1758 -1759 following the expulsion of the Acadians.

The Education Act of 1811 led to the establishment of a grammar school at Horton Corner, now Kentville, as early as 1826, and boys from Horton Township attended this school. In 1829, in Wolfville, a private school was established for boys. Named Horton Collegiate Academy, it was later known as Horton Academy.2 The names of these schools were obviously taken from the township.3 The Act of 1932 encouraged common and grammar schools, with one thousand students in Kings County in 1835. The Free Schools Act of 1864 provided education for those who desired it. Many local scholars also attended Acacia Villa School in Hortonville. It opened in 1852 as a private institution and closed in 1920. Also known as the Patterson School, it was the place of learning for such famous Nova Scotians as Sir Robert Borden, Isaac Walton Killam, and L. E. Shaw.

2 Although the new school was not connected in any way with Horton Academy, it is apparent that those responsible for the new district high school, especially the Principal, wanted to create an association, at least in name choice. 3 Cornwallis District High School had taken its name from the Cornwallis Township when that school opened in 1958; Central Kings was built in 1951, West Kings in 1956. 7

High schools first existed in the towns of Wolfville and Kentville, other high school students often travelling to the towns for their final years of education. During the 1950s, modern schools had been built in Wolfville, in Cambridge (Central Kings District), in Auburn (West Kings District) and in Canning (Cornwallis District). At the time, the responsibility for education in Kings County fell to the Municipal School Board, chaired by Gordon Gates of Port Williams.4 The Horton school district was made up of the following twenty-one school sections: Bishopville, Avonport, Lower Wolfville, Port Williams, Canaan, Lower Gaspereau, Greenfield, Hants Border, Grand Pre, Greenwich, Town Plot, White Rock, West Brooklyn, Upper Gaspereau, Lockhartville, North Grand Pre, New Minas, Highbury, Gaspereau, Davidson Street, and Black River.

The school had its own Board, chaired by Amos L. Blenkhorn5 of Port Williams. The other members of the Horton District School Board were Royce Fuller of Avonport; Perley Saltzman of White Rock; A. Thornburn of Hants Border; Carl Rhyno of Grand Pre; C. Long of Black River; M. Mackenzie of New Minas; L. Schofield of Greenfield; and Ellis Gertridge of Gaspereau, who served as the secretary.

The school was designed by Halifax architect Douglas A. Webber, and was constructed by Vernon C. Woodworth, Limited of Kentville. The original building contained eighteen academic classrooms, a library, two Household Economics laboratories (cooking and sewing), two science labs, an auditorium/gymnasium, two shower rooms, an administrative section and staffroom. Grades 7 and 8 were housed on the ground floor with grades 9-12 on the second floor. The Industrial Arts shops were located in the garage behind the school. A football field with a quarter-mile track was located on the east of the building and a softball diamond to the west.

The total cost of the project was $555,291.75. The land was purchased for $8,241, equipment cost $65,518.75, and work on the grounds totalled $374.47. No money was allowed for development of the playing field. The lighting was changed from incandescent to florescent in 1964 at a cost of $7150.

4 Other Municipal School Board members were R. A. Bickerton of Canning; Mrs. L. J. Johnston of Hants Border; Bruce Trenholm, Grand Pre; S. Ward, Kingston; R. Bishop, Greenwich; and Dr. Paul Kinsman of Aylesford. 5 Frank E. Rose had been the Chairman of the Horton District Board of Trustees; he died in December 1958, and was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. Robert R. Bishop, chief administrator of the Kings County Municipal School Board, was also conspicuous in the establishment of HDHS. 8

The first principal of the new school was Charles E. Eaton and his Vice Principal was O. E. Giles. The teachers who made up the first staff of the school, teaching from grades 7 to 12, were Glen Allen, Sally Blake, Virgil Dearman, Russell Dowe, Harold Feltmate, Raymond Coldwell, Gwen Collins, Joyce Cook, Mabel Gaul, Helen Giles, Edith Goodwin, Walter Hudson, Kathleen Legge, Charlton Levy, Beverly Lewis, Jon Margeson, George Morrison, Genevieve Morrison, Roscoe Potter, Catherine Redden, Hans Tibblin, Albert Weatherbee, Gwen Wilneff, and Judith Gates (secretary).

The members of the first class were Heather Allen, Doris Anderson, Walter Bishop, Ivan Carey, Thomas Cochrane, Ruth Coldwell, Phyllis Crosby, Roy Duncan, John Duncanson, Marilyn Gertridge, “Peggy” Giles, George Goucher, Susan Hanrahan, Carole Jordan, Darlene McBay, Ralph Pick, Doug Robinson, Deward Schofield, Richard Stultz, Dianne Thompson, David Thompson, Brent Van Zoost, Elizabeth Vermeulen, Mary Vermeulen, Ann Watson, and Millicent Yeaton.

The twenty-six students in the first graduating class came from the surrounding communities. Ten were from Wolfville, five had completed grades 10 and 11 at Central Kings and Cornwallis, two were from Central Kings, four were from Hantsport, four had attended Wolfville and Cornwallis, and one was from outside the province.

The school was designed to accommodate 630 academic students in a one- track program. During the first year of operation in 1959-1960, there were 519 students; the enrolment increased to 571 in the second year and reached 617 in the third.6 The staff consisted of twenty-two academic teachers, two Industrial Arts teachers, two teachers of Home Economics, and two Physical Education teachers.

6 School Board figures for Opening Day Enrollments indicate the first seven years’ numbers were 498, 561, 582, 616, 618, 684, 738. 9

Mr. Eaton, an historian and genealogist who later published The Eaton Family of Nova Scotia, was fascinated by heraldry, and he felt that Horton District High School should have an official crest.7 According to Mr. Eaton, the school’s name also connected to the Earl of Halifax, the fourth son of the Honourable George Montague. The Montagues were from Horton, Northamptonshire, England, and their estate was known as Horton Hall.8 Mr. Eaton arranged for a staff artist of London’s College of Arms9 to design an emblem, borrowing the griffin from the Montague family crest. The blue behind the griffin and the white/argent represent

the waters of the township, the brown represents the land or the earth. The name “Horton” means a marshy land that had been dyked. The documentation from the College of Arms notes that the name stems from the Old English, Horu-tun, meaning a tun on muddy land. It reads: “The word Tun originally meant a fence or enclosure, but soon developed to mean a homestead, village, etc.”

The emblem captures this essential feature of the township. According to Dianne Thompson-Sheppard, the artist of the Class of 1959-1960, she adapted the emblem received from England for use by the school. Although the original school colours were chosen to be black, red and gold, the emblem replaced red with blue,

7 Originally, the Students’ Council intended that students would compete to design a school crest, and that the Council would approve the design. Later Council minutes record that “it was decided that Mr. Eaton would choose the design for the crests from the old Horton family." 8 Therefore, the use of the name “Horton Hall” for the cafeteria area in the new school, and the naming of the entry foyer as “Horton Landing” are historically correct. 9 Despite the fact that Mr. Eaton claimed in the 1963 yearbook that “the crest . . . was drawn by the staff artist of the Royal College of Heraldry” this is not accurate, as all documentation shows it was done by the College of Arms, “a private Corporate Body.” The College also pointed out that it is inappropriate to refer to the design as a “crest”; it is a “non-armorial emblem.” 10 which has caused considerable confusion in producing crests over the years. The school yearbook was officially known as The Red, Black and Gold10 until 1980 when it was renamed The Horton Gryphon, changed the following year to Griffin. Until 1973, the authentic colors were reproduced on the cover of the yearbooks; the 1973 yearbook staff decided to change the emblem to match the name of the book, and thus switched the blue for red, and left out the brown. Since then, a variety of colors have been used on school emblems.

The Industrial Arts Shop from the 1959 Opening brochure, located in the garage.

10 The name was suggested by Heather Allen, Grade 12, in a competition in October 1959. For her suggestion she was awarded a school sweater. 11

Chapter Two: Horton Grows and Develops

n January 1961, the Horton District Board requested of the Kings County Municipal School Board that a three-year Commercial Program be I offered at Horton, consisting of a combination of academic and business courses. By the fall of 1963, the school was so overcrowded that it was necessary to conduct two classes at L. E. Shaw School, with those students being bused to Horton for Industrial Arts, Home Economics and Physical Education. This situation was alleviated by the first addition to the school which opened in September 1964, increasing the number of academic classrooms to twenty-six. It extended the west end of the building by four rooms on each floor.

The 1967 addition, right, added to accommodate the Commercial programs and Industrial Arts shops.

In September 1967, the second addition to Horton was opened,11 which included a woodworking shop, drafting shop and three other Industrial Arts shops, as well as a larger library, a reading clinic, and classrooms and typing labs for the Commercial courses. It was designed by Leslie R. Fairn and Associates. By 1967, there were 79812 students attending Horton, with 952 in September 1969.

In 1970, the Principal reported that the enrollment had reached 1,075 and that the school was “literally bursting at the seams.” He said the school needed to expand, but that it was “a bit premature to expect anything at this time as most of the other schools in the county feel the same way.” Nine years later there were 1,006 students, 455 in senior high and 551 in junior high. In 1985, there were 1,064 students registered at Horton and 1,087 by 1987.

In 1963, the Vocational Program was introduced in Kings County, and in 1964 the school introduced the General Program for students not planning to go to university, Teachers College or nursing. In September 1966, the school began offering the Adjusted Program in grade seven. This program provided extra time in Industrial Arts and Home Economics. Horton graduated students in three tracks— academic, commercial and general—until 1972, when the Commercial Program was moved to the vocational school. In 1975, the grade sevens from L. E. Shaw

11 No official ceremonies were held to mark the opening of the addition. 12 The Board reported the 1967 figure as 847. 12 were retained in that school and the grade sevens from Gaspereau were moved to Wolfville. North and South Alton sevens were switched to Kentville. This provided the room to bring grades ten and eleven from Wolfville when the Wolfville High School closed. Gaspereau students stayed in Wolfville until the end of grade nine. In 1989, Horton’s remaining sevens were moved to Evangeline Middle School and Hantsport’s tens, elevens and twelves came to Horton. In 1993, the grade eights were moved to Evangeline Middle School. Because of the size of the graduating class of 1993, graduation was moved to the Wolfville School gymnasium. In 1997, it was moved to Convocation Hall at Acadia University.

In 1971, major renovations were undertaken to remodel the space vacated by the Commercial programs for use as physics, biology and chemistry labs. Designed by Art Laboratory Furniture Limited, the work was developed in consultation with the science teachers in the school, led by former science teacher Jon Margeson. It cost over $40,000.

In 1965, Mr. Eaton was appointed Supervisor, and O. E. Giles became Principal, with Jon Margeson as the Vice-Principal. The students dedicated the 1965 Red, Black and Gold to Mr. Eaton as “our friend, [and] mentor . . . who has given us time, and encouragement and valued assistance.”13

By June 1968, after three years, Mr. Giles said that administering the school “has now become, for me, more of a real burden than a pleasure.” He was concerned that “more and more time is spent looking after details of administration which could better be handled by additional clerical help in the office, or by additional administrative vice-principals.” Mr. Giles also objected to the lack of time to visit classrooms and to “keep abreast of the many changes that are taking place in the school curriculum.” He chose to return to the classroom because “I have always enjoyed classroom teaching . . . helping to guide young people toward their goals.” The students dedicated the 1968 yearbook to him as “a small token of our gratitude for all he has done for us

13 Mr. Eaton had also served as President of the NSTU, The School Administrator’s Association, the Cadet Services of Canada, and was awarded in the Acadia Hockey Hall of Fame; he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Wolfville Rotary Club; he passed away 28 November 1984 in Wolfville. 13 at Horton.” The graduating class of 1974 again dedicated the yearbook to him, when he retired as a classroom teacher in 1974, calling him “a fine teacher, a gentleman, a scholar, and a friend.”

Jon M. Margeson, Principal, 1968-1974, 1975-1979

Thus, in 1968, Jon Margeson was appointed as the new Principal, with L. Roscoe Potter the new Vice-Principal. Mr. Eaton became the Inspector of Schools and William Fowler became the Supervisor. Mr. Bill Mowat replaced Mr. Fowler by 1971. In 1973, a second Vice-Principal, Gerald Giddens, joined the administration. Jon Margeson led the school through difficult social times. In 1970 he told the Graduation that “students are now tending to question many aspects of school life that were simply accepted by previous generations.” He indicated that some of their concerns are valid: “We have gone past the long-hair-and-short-skirts stage to the point where many students wish to be able to wear anything they wish—where they want the choice of going to classes or not—in other words, practically all restraints are to be removed.” Despite these social changes, Jon Margeson won the respect of students and staff for “running a tight ship” while maintaining compassionate and concerned about their challenges. Mr. Margeson later served as Principal at Central Kings and Berwick.

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H. Greg Ross, 1979-1980

Mr. Giddens became Principal in 1974, with B. M. Peter Goucher replacing him as Vice-Principal, while Jon Margeson studied in England. Mr. Margeson returned and remained as Principal until 1979, when H. Greg Ross joined the staff as Principal for one year. Horton was a very different school by the late 1970s than it had been when it opened; society had changed and students had changed, making the way schools handled problems quite different. By 1979, dances had been curtailed because “the alcohol and drug problem at dances had reached an unacceptable level” [The Laureate]. Principal Greg Ross said dances would only continue under stringent guidelines, including dress codes, use of parent chaperones, use of dance invitations, and stricter consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Mr. Ross stayed at Horton for one year, after which he transferred to Central Office as a Board Supervisor.

Therefore, in 1980, Gerald Giddens became Principal again, with Ross Potter and Peter Goucher as Vice-Principals. When Ross Potter retired in 1981, Fred Crouse replaced him. Fred Crouse joined Central Office staff and was replaced in 1984 by Dale Hennigar.

Principal Giddens gave leadership to the implementation of new student-centered programs, such as the Peer Drug initiative, Chemical-Free Safe Grad Celebrations, and other Peer programs. He proved himself to be very supportive of staff initiatives for improving the school environment, by encouraging and backing such ideas as Peer Mediation.

Gerald Giddens, 1974-1975, 1980-1990, 1993-1995 15

In 1990, Principal Giddens became the “Stay in School” co- ordinator for the Board and the administration changed with B. M. Peter Goucher assuming the Principalship, joined by Vice- Principals W. Edward Getson and John Vaillancourt. Dale Hennigar replaced John Vaillancourt the following year, and in 1993 Giddens returned as Principal, with Ed Getson returning to the classroom. Peter Goucher left in 1994 to become Principal at Cornwallis Peter Goucher, 1990-1993 District High School, after spear- heading the drive for improvements to Horton, and he was replaced as Vice- Principal by John Bartram from KCA. Dale Hennigar became Principal of Gaspereau School and Mr. Getson returned to the Administration.

Gerald Giddens retired in June 1995, to be replaced by Andrew Clinch. The graduating students asked Mr. Giddens to be the guest speaker at graduation, the last time such an honour was given. Mr. Giddens was noted for his “laid-back” style, able to be relaxed and informal at times, or to be as tough as the situation might require. He was particularly liked by students, because he always listened and responded to their concerns.

"G-Force,” proving that even Principals just want to have fun!

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Andrew Clinch came to Horton from Kingston Elementary, specifically to provide leadership for the construction of the new school replacing Horton. Mairi Balcom was “borrowed” from EMS as a Vice- Principal to relieve some of the administrative load placed on Mr. Clinch. Mr. Clinch needed to devote most of his time to the planning of the new school announced in 1994. To complete the project, Mr. Clinch delegated the day-to- day operation of the school to Mr. Getson. Nevertheless, his efficiency was quickly noted in his ability to get things accomplished and to involve others in the consultative process.

The history of Horton District High School has been tied to its leadership and to a strong staff. Most of the Principals have been committed to the team approach of committees and consensus building to manage the school. This has resulted in a unity and staff spirit that has been mostly positive, although occasionally dampened by differences of opinion or stresses of cutbacks, over-crowding, and the changing curriculum.

A school cannot function without capable secretarial staff. In this area, Horton has been served well, with long-term service from Judith Gates, Heather Eaton, Sheila Bailey, Heather Bezanson and others. Presently, our secretaries are Jean Huntley, (since 1974), Lynn Young, (since 1981), and Sandra Porter, (since 1981).

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Chapter Three: The Teachers

n the past few years, most of the teachers from the early years of Horton have retired, many having done most of their teaching here. Virgil I Dearman was at Horton from 1959 to 1985; Russell Dowe from 1959 to 1984; Rhea Mosher from 1961 to 1993. Allan McKeil, who joined the staff in 1961, moved to the Evangeline Middle School, but was on disability for many years. French teacher Hugh Sweeney taught at Horton from 1961 to 1980, when he went to West Kings. Lamont Larkin came in 1966 and touched the lives of countless physicists until 1994. Historian Paul “Butch” Young served from 1965 to 1996, and was noted for his archeological digs, his passion for things Roman, and a famous student trip to Italy.

Florence Ogden arrived in 1967 and stayed until 1985, working primarily as the typing teacher; David Brown taught in the Industrial Arts Department from 1967 to 1997. Peter Cornu was at Horton from 1968 to 1997; his forte was European History, and history students could be depended upon to know all about the Russian Revolution. Jim Fetty arrived at the school in 1968, and was mainly the grade ten English teacher for many years, until he retired in 1997; he gave new meaning to the word “Vocabulary” and was instrumental in marking Horton a “Reach for the Top” contender. Ted Sammon taught at Horton from 1970 to 1997, ensuring a generation of economics students understood the world of money.

Dale Hennigar came to Horton in 1970 and moved to Gaspereau as Principal in 1994. Peter Goucher, an alumnus of HDHS, came in 1971 and stayed until 1993, serving as a math teacher, a vice-principal and principal. Gerald Giddens joined the Horton administration in 1973, and retired in 1995 (with three years in the Board office). Other teachers who spent sixteen to twenty-two years at Horton were Joyce MacLeod (1968-1986), Maureen Rankin (1968-1989), Blye Frank (1969-1990), Rachel LeBlanc (1969-1989), Jean Jewell (1970-1989), Janet Neary (1971-1993), John Aker (1975-1993), David Shaffelburg (1976-1997), Dana Hood (1976-1993), and Rod Munn (1981-1997).

As HDHS closes, many teachers have given most of their teaching careers to the school: Mike McNeil came to Horton in 1971 and retired with the school in June 1998. The next teacher with “the most experience” on staff is Joyce Balfour, who came in 1969. Horton graduate and science 18

HAMS Teachers: Blye Frank, Paul Niemisto, Mike Hayward David E. Sheppard, Grade 12 Advisor Joyce Balfour, Brenda Condran, and Millie Evans. And Yearbook Advisor (1970s)

BELOW: Pam Dugas and Joyce Balfour Virgil Dearman 19 teacher Brainard Fitzgerald arrived in 1970 and is currently on sick leave. The next group of “old timers” looking toward retirement includes Ed Getson, Roy Grant, David Sheppard, and Peter Spidle, all arriving in 1972; Kathy Fleiger, Helen Seymour, Jane Feindel and Walter Prokopiw came to the school in 1974 and 1975, followed by Marilyn Sanford in 1976, and Peter Selig and Francis Hawley in 1977- 1978. David Drake, Janet Trites, Dave Johnston, and David Lang arrived in 1978, and David Bentley started in 1980. Don Coates has been at Horton since 1981, as has Pam Dugas. Linda Wheadon joined the staff in 1982. Win Naugler taught at HDHS from 1972 to 1977 and from 1979 to 1991 (and then came back in 1997). Also retired in 1998 was Lillian Hogan, who came to Horton in 1979. (The remainder of the current staff members have been here fewer than fifteen years, and are therefore still “greenies.”)

Teachers Peter Selig (Science), Don Coates (Social Studies), Linda Wheadon (Mathematics), David Drake

(Librarian) and Andrew Clinch (Principal). The group, including English Department Head David Sheppard (not shown) toured Ontario schools as part of developing a vision for a new Horton. 20

SCHOOL PRAYER

Almighty and Eternal God, Who doth give wisdom and understanding, we beseech Thee to bless our universities, colleges and schools, that the confines of knowledge may ever be enlarged, and all good learning flourish and abound. Bless all who teach, and all who learn, and grant that both teacher and learner, in humility of heart, may ever look upward to Thee, Who art the fount of all wisdom. Amen.

For twenty years, this school prayer was read every morning over the public address system, often with accompanying scriptures. It ended out of respect for the many non-Christian students who attended Horton District High School. Until it closed, however, each week still began with “O Canada.”

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Chapter Four: Student Organizations and Activities

s soon as Horton District High School opened, the students and the staff began organizing the clubs, teams, and organizations needed in A a comprehensive school. Besides sports teams, the following school clubs or organizations were formed during the first year of the school’s operation: Students’ Council, Debating Society, Drama Group, Red Cross Branch of HDHS, Lab Technician Course, Dance Team, Stamp Club, Public Speaking, Cheerleaders, HDHS Army Cadet Corps, Allied Youth, Girls’ Glee Club, Boys’ Glee Club, Variety Show, and Magazine Sales.

Cadet Corps No. 2652

A number of people, not the least Mr. Eaton, wanted to have an Army Cadet Corps at the new school, and in February 1960, Cadet Corps No. 2652 was organized. Fifty-eight boys signed up, with Mr. Eaton and Mr. Morrison as instructors. Corps Captain and top cadet was Larry Coldwell. According to the yearbook, “The Cadet program is a program which is intended to develop leadership qualities, to encourage self-discipline, and to teach the cadets good citizenship.” Annual inspections were held in May of each year. In 1962, a Cadet Band was formed under the direction of Hugh Sweeney, with CO Perry Munro. Best all-round cadet was Arthur Weare. At the 1963 inspection, the O. R. Porter Trophy for best all-round cadet went to Cadet Major Ted King. In 1964 and 1965 the award went to Cadet Major Robert Dale. Cadet Major Brainard Fitzgerald was selected to lead the Corps for 1965-1966. Gerald Hiltz was Major for 1966-1967 and 1967-1968. There is no reference to the Cadet Corps in the 1970 yearbook, but Mr. Margeson reported at graduation that the Corps had a successful year, winning the Strathacona Trophy as the most proficient shooting team in western Nova Scotia. In October 1970, during the FLQ Crisis, the Canadian military came to the school and removed all of the Cadet Stores, including uniforms and rifles. Apparently, most of the guns didn’t work anymore, anyway! That story may be apocryphal, as Cadets continued in some form until 1971, when the C. E. Eaton Trophy for Marksmanship was awarded to Cdt. P. Price, and the Young Trophy for the Best Cadet in the 2nd Platoon was awarded to S. Jordan. Cadets remember the shooting range in the hallway of Lower Eaton.

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Band and Music Programs

The Junior and Senior Cadet Bands were under the direction of Lt. Hugh Sweeney from 1961-62 to 1969. By 1964-1965 the Band consisted of thirty-three members (five of whom were girls!) By 1967 the shift away from a military focus was evident, and the Band became part of the Music Department, with fifty members in Beginner, Intermediate and Senior bands. The following year the Horton High School Band was given a practice area in the Audio Visual Room in the new addition to the school. By 1969 the school finally had a full-time instrumental music teacher (Mr. Les Hennessey) with eighty-three students; the goal was to have a fifty-piece senior band within a few years. The first band uniforms were purchased.

Scene from CARNIVAL, 1975.

A Symphonic Band was organized in 1971-72, under new band leader Paul Niemisto, who added a jazz band in 1972-73. Mr. Niemisto started the Horton All- school Musical Shows (HAMS) in 1972-1973, the goal being to involve the whole community in presenting a top-notch musical, in as many years as possible. By 23

1974 Niemisto had formed a woodwind quintet, a wind ensemble, and a saxophone quartet. Later a brass quintet was added. In 1976, Niemisto took the band on a tour of Finland. In 1978-79, Niemisto left Horton to further his career elsewhere, and was replaced by Paul Blair. Blair was succeeded the following year by Ken Bingham, and in 1980-82, by Tom Crowell.

In July 1982, Mrs. Marlene Jackson became the new music teacher, and began a monumental task of rebuilding a program that had suffered from short- term teachers, and a rapidly deteriorating inventory of equipment. With eighteen- hour days and the help of student and parent volunteers, Marlene began to cope with the challenge.

At the first concert that December, Fred Crouse, Vice-Principal, remarked that “I thought Margaret Thatcher was in England, but I guess she’s here to straighten up this program!” During the 1980s the Band Parents’ Association became the driving force behind maintaining a high quality band program in conjunction with the credit courses in music available to Horton students. According to Mrs. Jackson, it took over ten years to eventually organize the music library, to acquire all of the instruments and electronic equipment and to get everything inventoried on computer.

Mrs. Jackson had been hired as a band director, and worked with a Beginner Concert Band (grade 7), a Junior Concert Band (grade 8 and 9), and a Senior Concert Band (grades 9-12). She added a Stage Band in 1983 and a Marching Percussion Corps. In 1985, the Stage Band was invited to the Nationals after competing in the Maritime Band Festival in Moncton. Mrs. Jackson added a Senior Stage Band to accommodate the increasing numbers and levels of musicians. When the school board phased out the Choral teacher, Marlene began a Junior High Choir. Year after year, the choir and the various bands won many gold awards at Kings County Music Festivals. In 1991, Mrs. Jackson began a Senior High Concert/Jazz Choir.

Various Concert Band sections won best over-all awards at Maritime Music Fests. In 1992, the Senior Choir, the Saxophone Quartet, the Junior Concert Band, the Senior Concert Band, and the Junior Stage Band all received golds and invitations to the Nationals, just ten years after Mrs. Jackson had begun her rebuilding. As well, the Junior Concert Band won the best 200-level flute section as well as the best percussion section. The Junior Stage Band won the best sax section. The Senior Concert Band won the best clarinet section, the best double reeds section, the best saxophones section, the best French horns section, and the best low brass section. This set a record for any school in the area. 24

Although the Concert Bands and the Stage Bands were invited to the Nationals several times after winning golds, finances only permitted attendance twice, in 1987, when the Senior Stage Band traveled to Ottawa, and in 1992 when all four bands, the newly formed Concert/Jazz Choir, and the Senior Concert Choir attended Nationals in Halifax. Horton’s various woodwind ensembles won several times at the Provincial Music Festival.

Unfortunately, the poor quality of the overcrowded facility, part of the school bus garage, caused environmental health problems for Marlene Jackson, and poor health forced her early retirement in 1993. Yet, despite the gas fumes, moulds, dirt, and mice, the program had flourished.

In 1993, Robert Rushton was hired to replace Mrs. Jackson, and his first concern was to strip, re-floor, and thoroughly clean the old facility. The renovations allowed for a re-design of the space. The rehearsal room on the west became the Concert Band rehearsal room, while the east side was divided into a music student common room and a jazz and choral room. Choral risers were added for use by vocalists and instrumentalists. When a common lunch hour was established in 1993, the choral program rapidly expanded, with fifty in the choir.

When Horton’s grade 8s were shifted to Evangeline Middle School, it became necessary to restructure the instrumental groupings. The grade 9s and 10s 25 formed a new Intermediate Concert Band while a Senior Concert Band was formed with mostly 11s and 12s. The Jazz Bands were also divided into Intermediate and Senior levels. The fine tradition of winning “gold standard” ensembles at Kings County Music Festivals and Maritime Music Festivals continued, and many Horton musicians were extended invitations to attend National Music Festivals. In 1995, sixty-six Horton students in Senior Bands and Choir departed for Boston, New York and the bright lights of Broadway.

The influence of Broadway and New York continued into the next school year when My Fair Lady was presented at Denton Hall, with David Shaffelburg as producer, Chris Lugar as director, and Robert Rushton as musical director. This show re-established the musical as an important part of Horton’s musical life and created an enthusiasm for participation that spilled over into the drama and music communities.

In 1997, the Horton music department embarked on another tour of New York, with one hundred students and eighteen chaperones in three coaches. By now there were eighty Choir students and fifty-two in the Band, with a large number performing in both ensembles. The Jazz Bands had to be split in three!

In February of 1998, over 100 musicians and actors presented The Music Man in Denton Hall at Acadia, with Chris Lugar as producer and director, and Robert Rushton as musical director.

The Horton Music Department has also enjoyed a collegial relationship with the Kings County Honour Choir (now the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir). This musical marriage was most evident when the Honour Choir joined the Horton musicians beginning in 1996 at the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies at University Hall in Acadia. Another major event, in 1998, was the annual Concert Showcase, held this year in the Acadia Arena. Perhaps the most memorable selection from the mega-event was when the Honour Choir, the Horton Senior Band and the Concert Choir joined for a performance of “The Light Eternal.” Filled with strong melodies, violent percussion, strident harmonies, and enhanced with special lighting, sound effects, and fireworks, the evening was set apart as a unique event in the annals of Horton music history.

The new school and the design of the Fine Arts Department became a major focus of the two years prior to closing the old school. The lessons learned from the “old band room,” the gymnasium, and Acadia’s Denton Hall, were applied to the design and construction of the new facilities, in which Music would share space 26 with Drama and the use of a fine Performance Centre. The crystal ball radiates a wonderful future for Horton Music and Drama in their new setting. The goal is to continue the excellent tradition established by musicians and directors over the past thirty-seven years.

HAMS (Horton All-School Musical Show) PRODUCTIONS

1972-73 OLIVER: Producer/Musical Director, Paul Niemisto; directed by Michael Hayward; choral direction by Barbara Shuh; Peter Cornu, Peter Goucher, Paul Young, assistant producers.

1973-74 L’IL ABNER: Producer/Musical Director, Paul Niemisto; directed by Michael Hayward; production manager, Blye Frank; choreography, Joyce Balfour. 27

1974-75 YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN: (This was a “small” production, performed in the Lower AV and as part of a Band tour or elementary schools.)

1974-75 CARNIVAL: Producer/Musical Director, Paul Niemisto; directed by Michael Hayward; vocal direction by Verna Hayward.

1977-78 ONCE UPON A MATTRESS: Produced and directed by Blye Frank; vocal direction by Paul Blair.

1978-79 ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: Directed by Blye Frank; musical director, Paul Blair; produced by David Shaffelburg; assistant director, Bruce McDade; conductor, Kenneth Bingham.

1980-81 GUYS AND DOLLS: Directed by Bruce McDade; produced by Blye Frank, David Shaffelburg, and Lisa Taylor; musical direction by Thomas Crowell; vocal direction by Karen Howes. 28

1982-83 CALAMITY JANE: Directed by Andrew Zinck; produced by David Shaffelburg; musicial/vocal direction by Karen Howes and Andrew Zinck. Scene from Calamity Jane, 1983.

1986-87 GOOD NEWS: Directed by Chris Lugar; produced by David Shaffelburg; musical director, Marlene Jackson; vocal direction, Karen Wigmore and Ross Thompson; assistant director, Sylvia Posthuma.

1989-90 FINIAN’S RAINBOW: Directed by Chris Lugar; produced by David Shaffelburg; musical direction by Marlene Jackson; vocal direction by Ross Thompson; technical direction by John Vaillancourt; choreography by Joyce Balfour and Kate Davey.

1996-97 MY FAIR LADY: Directed by Chris Lugar; produced by David Shaffelburg; musical direction by Robert Rushton.

1997-98 THE MUSIC MAN: Directed and produced by Chris Lugar; musical direction, Robert Rushton; assistant to director, Alan Slipp; assistant to musical director, Stephanie Mattson; choreography, Kathryn Mouat.

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Scene from The Music Man, HAMS Production for 1998.

Horton All-School Musical Show Trophy

1977 Isobel Leslie 1978 Charles Calder 1979 Ernie Tracey 1981 Nancy Watson 1983 Andrew Zinck 1998 Alan Slipp

The HAMS Trophy was not used after 1983, and became damaged. Re-discovered in 1998, the Music and Drama Departments had it repaired to re-issue, to Alan Slipp for his contributions to My Fair Lady and The Music Man.

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Drama Club Productions

1959-1960 “Rosalind” won the Gordon Trophy for best drama in the Kings County Drama Festival (Directed by Miss Cook). The Drama Club also performed “Yes Means No.” 1960-1961 “A Sunny Morning” and “Ringing I the Groom” (Directed by Sally Blake) 1961-1962 “The Happy Journey” (Directed by Rhea Mosher & Allan McKeil) 1962-1963 “Ringing in the Groom” (Directed by Rhea Mosher & Allan McKeil) 1963-1964 none 1964-1965 “A Mad Breakfast” (Directed by Ingrid Lewis & Al McKeil) 1965-1966 “The Sisters Tragedy” won County Trophy (Directed by Miss Sivell) 1966-1967 “The Unnatural Scene” (Directed by Lamont Larkin) 1967-1968 “The Lottery” (Directed by Alex and Mina Morton) 1968-1969 “Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction” (Directed by Jim Fetty) 1969-1970 “The Lesson” (Director: Jim Fetty) 1970-1971 “An Overpraised Season” 1971-1972 1972-1973 “Ladies of the Tower” 1973-1974 “The Sisters’ Tragedy” (Directed by Jim Fetty) 1974-1975 “The Ugly Duckling” 1975-1976 “Welcome to the Monkey House” 1976-1977 1977-1978 “The Lottery” 1978-1979 “Don’t Drink the Water” (Directed by Ellen Merrick) 1979-1980 “The Mousetrap” (Directed by Ellen Merrick) 1980-1981 1981-1982 “The Swimmer” 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 “The Diary of Adam and Eve” (Directed by Jim Fetty) 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 “Delta Triangle”/”12:21”/”Five for Bad Luck” 1988-1989 “Welcome to the Monkey House”/“The Cave Cat” 1989-1990 “The Cogitation”/”The Girl Who Was Asked to Turn Blue” 1990-1991 “Nobody Sleeps”/ “Do Over” / “The Leader”/ “Dreamwalk”/ “A Drink Before the War” 1991-1992 “The Miracle Worker”/“Sex Related” 1992-1993 “Twisted Fairy Tales” 1993-1994 “Tom Jones”/“Things That Go Bump in the Night” 1994-1995 “Alice in Wonderland”/“Banshee” 1995-1996 “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory”/“Zoo Story”/“Dead Birdie Production” 1996-1997 “Class Action”/“The Summons of Sariel”/“The Winds of Exeter”/“Rorschach” 1997-1998 “Us & Them”/“A Hair’s Breadth of Indiscretion” 31

Chapter Five: Athletics at Horton

orton has long been totally supportive of intramural H athletics and team sports, and teams and individuals have exelled, especially in Varsity Sports.

From 1966-1967 to 1970-1971, the school won six Provincial Championships in Boys “B” and “A” Soccer and two “A” Boys Basketball pennants. As well, Maureen Rankin coached the Girls “A” Soccer Team to the NSSAF Championship in 1970. Under coaches Connie MacNeil and Frank Harlow, some Horton athletes had impressive records. Two boys, Peter Lang and Claude Davison, were on four Championship teams, in soccer and basketball. Laurie Munroe was on five winning teams, and also won the Webber Trophy. Perry and Perley Coldwell were both on five Championship teams, as was Donnie Coldwell, who was on five of the winning soccer teams. Half-a-dozen other boys were on three winning soccer teams. One student, Freeman Schofield, was on six of the seven Championship teams, two in basketball and four in soccer. The yearbook in 1971 described Freeman as “rated by most coaches as first or second among all high school players in Nova Scotia.” Freeman went to Acadia to play basketball, and was one of the first freshmen to make the varsity team. Maclean’s Magazine identified Freeman “as one of the two rare Canadian-born players on the American-dominated Acadia team.”14

These young men did not excel without the support of coaches, students’ councils, school staff, and the community. An outstanding soccer player like Sheridan Davidson, was a member of the intramural champion teams in grade seven and grade nine; then he joined the “B” teams and then the “A” squads, and helped the 1966-1967 and 1968-1969 teams win the Provincials. Many other students were given similar opportunities to exercise their love of the sport, eventually started in elementary school. And this was the case for many other sports as well.

14 Maclean’s, March 1971. 32

1968-1969 Provincial Champions, Boys “A” Soccer Team.

Likewise, many of the young women of HDHS represented their school on various teams, and earned victories in Provincial Championships. This despite the fact that all teams and athletes often had to practice at awkward times, in inadequate or borrowed facilities.

From the early years, when an amazing athlete like Clarence Smith led the Cross Country Team to Horton’s first Provincial Championship in 1962, through Maureen Rankin’s 1978 Provincial Basketball Champs with superior players like Gay Gertridge and Julie Lake, to the 1990 Triple “A” Softball Champions with players like Duane Starratt and Mike King, Horton athletes have been coached by physical education teachers, school administrators (Coach Goucher’s Softball winners), teachers, and volunteers. Biology teacher Pete Selig coached the 1989 Triple “A” Girls Volleyball team to victory.

Horton athletes, such as Selena Davidson and Sis Mossman of the 1991 Triple “A” Soccer Champions, poured heart and soul into their sports, representing HDHS, and deriving personal satisfaction in the process. Fortunately, they were often supported by enthusiastic fans. Many of our athletes have progressed to play varsity sports at universities or on provincial and national teams. For example:

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‰ Kim Hua, 1996: NSBA Provincial Champion; Atlantic Canada Champion; NSSAF Champion; Sport NS Athlete of the Year for Badminton. ‰ Mark Clarke named Small College All-Canadian in Basketball at Mount St. Vincent. ‰ Kevin Pick, named in 1989 to both the Nova Scotia Juvenile and Canada Games Basketball teams. ‰ Krista Moore AUAA All-Star in Volleyball, Acadia University. ‰ Krista Naugler named Small College All-Canadian in Volleyball. ‰ Erin Hogan named Acadia Athlete of the Year, 1998. ‰ Jason Hirtle played for NS Canada Games Basketball.

Horton athletes have many memories of lost games, bitter disappointments, personal pain, dreary road trips, and hours of grueling practice. But these are over- shadowed by exciting, down-to-the-clock wins, team and individual pride and recognition, fun-filled visits to other parts of Nova Scotia and to other provinces, and by the camaraderie of team mates who have become life-long friends, sharing the knowledge that they had the unwavering support of the Horton District High School community.

In 1966 Horton was named to represent Nova Scotia in the Eastern Canadian Juvenile Soccer Championships in Toronto. Coach Connie MacNeil and Manager K. Davidson, took the team, Captained by Garth Levy, to the Thanksgiving games, where they lost all their games in what the press called a “jinxed” tournament. During the 1,800 mile trip one of the three cars carrying the team blew a piston and then a cylinder head. Although a car was borrowed in New Hampshire, the boys were forced to spend the first night of their trip in the garage while the car was being repaired. Coach MacNeil told the press that his team “might have put up a better showing if we hadn’t bumped into car trouble.” Team members were Norman Morine, Wally Thompson, Ken McBay, Claude Davidson, Richard Levy, Laurie Levy, Gordon Leslie, Brian Hatt, Rod Wallace, Laurie Munroe, Sheridan Davidson, Perley Coldwell, Garth Levy, and Perry Coldwell.

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The D. A. Webber Trophy For Excellence in Academic Subjects and Physical Education *Names are not on trophies MALES FEMALES 1960 Ivan Carey Elizabeth Vermeulen 1961 David Sangster (XI) Sandy Hastings 1962 Clarence Smith Ann Coldwell 1963 Peter Giles Marilyn Coldwell 1964 Keith Davidson Patsy McPhee 1965 Ashley Smith Marilyn Whalen 1966 none Carole Ann Mosher 1967 Gordon Leslie none 1968 Gary Folker Joan Louise Young 1969 Laurie Munroe Janice LeBlanc 1970 none none 1971 none Linda Harrington 1972 Gary Gallant Emily Levy 1973 John Crawford Jane Warren 1974 David Lang Louise Levy and Liz Raaymakers 1975 none none 1976 Mark Hughes and Ian Mosher none 1977 Philip Kenny Patty Murray 1978 Glen Condran Gay Gertridge 1979 Craig Ogden Julie Lake 1980 Chris Viger none 1981 Benjie Fuller none 1982 Dennis Gertridge Margo Levy 1983 Mike Crowell Deidre Bergin 1984 Howard Chen Kim Logue 1985 none none 1986 Jonathan Trites Kim Meloche 1987 none none 1988 Ian Trites Rachael Thompson 1989 none Natalie Kennie 1990 Duane Starratt Krista Naugler 1991 Mike King Kathrin Schumacher 1992 Jason Hirtle none 1993 none Jennifer Melanson 1994 Devin Trefry Erin Hogan 1995 Peter Davis* Susan Leung* 1996 none Leslie Hobbs*/Kim Hua* 1997 Aaron MacNeil Sarah LeLievre 1998 Brian Raine Alison Wellwood 35

Provincial Championships (Headmaster and NSSAF)

1961-1962 Headmasters Boys Open Cross Country Champions 1966-1967 Nova Scotia Headmaster Association Soccer Class B Boys 1967-1968 Nova Scotia Headmaster Association Soccer Class A Boys 1967-1968 Nova Scotia Headmaster Association Basketball Class A Boys* 1968-1969 Nova Scotia Headmaster Association Class B Boys Soccer** 1968-1969 Nova Scotia Headmaster Association Class A Boys Soccer** 1968-1969 Nova Scotia Headmaster Association Class A Boys Basketball Champions 1969-1970 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Soccer A Boys 1969-1970 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Soccer A Girls 1970-1971 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Soccer A Boys 1977-1978 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Cross Country Intermediate Boys 1977-1978 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Basketball A Girls 1980-1981 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Wrestling Intermediate Boys 1982-1983 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Wrestling Intermediate Boys 1988-1989 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Senior Girls AAA Volleyball Champions 1989-1990 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Boys AAA Softball Champions 1990-1991 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Junior Boys Cross Country Champions 1990-1991 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation AAA Girls Soccer Champions 1990-1991 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Junior Boys Track and Field 1991 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Intermediate Boys Cross Country Champions *The team also won the Maritime Juvenile Trophy, the Eastern Canada Juvenile Championship (against the St. John Atlantics), and the Dalhousie Invitational. The 36 trophy was retained by Horton when it was retired, and is now in the Sports Nova Scotia Hall of Fame. **This was the first time in the Headmasters that a single school won both A and B titles in the same sport in the same year.

Individual, pairs championships

1988-1989 1500 meter, 1st—Steven Tugwell 1989-1990 800 and 1500 meters, 1st—Steven Tugwell. 1995-1996 Badminton, Men’s Doubles, 1st—Denny O’Brien/Morgan DeMarco; Mixed Doubles, 1st—Dustin Lefler/Sarah Wellwood; Girls’ Doubles, 1st—Alison Wellwood/Sue Hua; Girl’s Singles, 1st—Kim Hua. 1996-1997 Senior Boys Badminton Doubles: GOLD—Morgan Demarco/Denny O’Brien

Athletes of the Year, 1982: Dennis Condran, Kim Millett, Mr. Giddens, Deidre Bergin, Tom Wallace.

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Great Big “H”

Give me a great big “H” “H” Give me a great big “O” “O” Give me a great big “R” “R” Give me a great big “T” “T” Give me a great big “O” “O” Give me a great big “N” “N”

What have you got? “Horton!” Louder! “Horton!!” Louder!! “Horton!!” Louder!!! “Horton!!” Louder still!!!! “Horton!!!”

T-E-A-M

We’ve got a t-e-a-m That’s on the b-e-a-m We’ve got a team that’s on the beam It’s really hep to that jive So come on girls let’s skin ‘em alive! Yea Horton

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Athletic Banquet Speakers

1981 Connie MacNeil, former Horton teacher and coach 1982 Peg McInnis, Recreation Director, Wolfville 1983 Jerry Byers 1984 Ron O’Flaherty, Executive Director NSSAF 1985 David Nutbrown, Coach, Acadia Basketball Axemen 1986 Dr. Rob Gunn 1987 Dr. Sandy Young, Sports Historian 1988 Leah McNelly 1989 Jim Keith, Superintendent KCDSB 1990 Connie McNeil, Western Area Supervisor 1991 None 1992 Tom Coolen, Acadia Hockey Axemen 1993 Steve Konchalski, Coach, St. F. X. CIAU National Basketball Champs 1994 Ron O’Flaherty, Executive Director NSSAF 1995 Jason Hirtle 1996 None 1997 Wilson Fitt, ACCESS Technologies 1998 None 39

Athletes of the Year

1981 Dennis Gertridge, Senior; Deidre Bergin, Senior; Heather Atwell, Junior; Jim Sheffield, Junior. 1982 Cliff Condran, Senior; Deidre Bergin, Senior; Tom Wallace, Junior; Kim Millett, Junior. 1983 Mike Crowell, Senior; Deidre Bergin, Senior; Brian Frizzle, Junior; Krista Moore, Junior. 1984 Geoff Bennett & Tom Thomson, Seniors; Kim Logue, Senior; Reg Miles, Junior; Rachel Crowell, Junior. 1985 Bobby O’Brien, Senior; Krista Moore, Senior; Michael Scholz, Junior; Kelly Pineo, Junior. 1986 Bobby O’Brien, Senior; Krista Moore, Senior; Paul MacLean, Junior; Andy Milne, Junior. 1987 Bobby O’Brien, Senior; Wendi Wells, Senior; Kevin Pick, Junior; Hilary Pulsifer & Krista Naugler, Juniors. 1988 Ian Trites, Senior; Natalie Kennie, Senior; Kevin Pick, Junior; Keeli Smith, Junior. 1989 Kevin Pick, Senior; Andy Milne, Senior; Jason Hirtle, Junior; Sis Mossman, Junior. 1990 Duane Starratt, Senior; Keeli Smith, Senior; Tim Ross, Junior; Jennifer Melanson, Junior. 1991 Kevin Pick, Senior; Keeli Smith, Senior; Natasha Fletcher, Junior; Trevor MacDonald, Junior. 1992 Sis Mossman, Senior; Jason Hirtle, Senior; Danielle Boudreau, Junior; Darren Sequira, Junior. 1993 Malcolm MacNeil, Senior; Jennifer Melanson, Senior; Heather MacDonald, Junior; Chad Clothier, Junior. 1994 Trevor MacDonald, Senior; Erin Hogan, Senior; Serge Boudreau, Junior; Julie Ansems, Junior. 1995 Peter Davis, Senior; Sherri Mackay, Senior; Melodie Murphy, Junior; Brian Raine, Junior. 1996 Serge Boudreau, Senior; Kim Hua, Senior; Cheryl Porter, Junior; Andrew Hennigar, Junior. 1997 Dennis Walker, Senior; Catherine MacPhee, Senior. 1998 Brian Raine, Senior; Sarah Wellwood and Ali Wellwood, Seniors; Ryan Devoe, Junior; Kyla Dunn, Junior.

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Chapter Six: Student Council, Yearbook, Proms, Allied Youth and Grade 12

Students’ Council Presidents 1959-1998: A large wooden “H” cites the names of every Student Council President.

1959-60 Thomas Cochrane 1978-79 Carol Hubley 1960-61 Leonard Best 1979-80 Peter Cook 1961-62 Harlan Levy 1980-81 Bev Cassidy 1962-63 James Blenkhorn 1981-82 Pamela Pinch 1963-64 Doris Gates 1982-83 Janet Elizabeth “Beth” Pollock 1964-65 Ashley Smith 1983-84 Bernard Miles 1965-66 Millard Bezanson 1984-85 Christopher VanBuskirk 1966-67 Victor Rogers 1985-86 Tim Hergett 1967-68 Paul Pulsifer 1986-87 Keri-Leigh Cassidy 1968-69 Janice LeBlanc 1987-88 Carrie Young 1969-70 Jane Holmes 1988-89 Andrea Macmillan and Kathleen Munroe 1970-71 Nancy Hill 1989-90 Scott Barnes and Greg Muttart 1971-72 Mike Kenny 1990-91 Andrea MacDonald & Jyl Bishop 1972-73 Gordon LeBlanc 1991-92 Jesse Brotz 1973-74 Judy Burbidge 1992-93 Karen Forse and Angela Walker 1974-75 Donna Warren / 1993-94 Jonathan Morse Randall Balcome 1994-95 Jeff Stewart 1975-76 Charley Best 1995-96 Andy Shepherd 1976-77 Ewout Winkelman 1996-97 Peter Hennigar and Caleb Wheeldon 1977-78 Wanda Bishop 1997-98 Adam Smith

Birks Medal for Student Leadership 1961-1974 1969 Janice LeBlanc 1961 Leonard Best 1970 Jane Holmes 1962 Harlan Levy 1971 Nancy Hill 1963 James Blenkhorn 1972 Mike Kenny 1964 Doris Gates 1973 Gordon LeBlanc 1965 Ashley Smith 1974 Judy Burbidge 1966 Millard Bezanson 1975 ? 1967 Victor Rogers 1976 ? 1968 Paul Pulsifer 1977 ?

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Senior Class Presidents

1959-60 Ivan Carey 1981-82 Fred Forsyth 1960-61 Eric East 1982-83 Christopher Gillis 1961-62 – 1983-84 Cheryl Curry 1962-63 Richard Young/Janie Quin 1984-85 Fiona MacLean 1963-64 Janet Jordan 1985-86 Katrina Andres 1964-65 Brian Levy 1986-87 Jim Fasano 1965-66 Donald Mackay 1987-88 Clevey Adams 1966-67 Douglas Morse 1988-89 Emily Davies 1967-68 Greg Morrison 1989-90 Matt Hennigar 1968-69 Marnie Parker 1990-91 Janesse Leung 1969-70 Tom Fredericks 1991-92 Chris Giddens 1970-71 Gary Graves 1992-93 Tanya Bechard 1971-72 Emily Levy 1993-94 Jessica Hirsch and Devin 1972-73 Mary Raaymakers Trefry 1973-74 Fredda Murray 1994-95 Margie Hennigar and 1974-75 Valerie Kenny Jennifer Miner 1975-76 Greg Joudrey 1995-96 Farrell Nette and Carolyn 1976-77 Patty Murray Bishop 1977-78 Craig Ogden 1996-97 Chris Cohoon and Julia McBay 1977-78 Chris Rizzuto 1997-98 Lee-Ann Cudmore and 1979-80 Linda Condran Parker Eye 1980-81 Karl Fuller

Senior Class Prom During the early years, the Prom was often held in May.

1960 La Bal Senior 1962 (Local history theme) 1961 ? 1963 (Chinese theme) 42

1964 (Seaside theme) 1968 Paris By Starlight 1965 (Outer Space theme) 1969 Essere Vincino 1966 Moonlight & Roses 1970 Kabuki 1967 South Pacific 1971 Happiness is Being a Pioneer 1972 Moondusk ‘72 1986 Foreign Farewell 1973 Days of Wine and Roses 1987 This is the Time 1974 Fantasyland 1988 On the Edge of a Dream 1975 Neptune’s Playground 1989 Midnight Tropics 1976 A Midsummer Night’s Dream 1990 Midnight in Paris 1977 Stairway to Heaven 1991 Under the Sea 1978 ? 1992 Forbidden Garden 1979 Aloha 1993 The Enchanted Forest 1980 ? 1994 Secret Garden 1981 Forever Young 1995 The Enchanted Castle 1982 On the Threshold of a Dream 1996 Midnight Madness 1983 Going Out in Style 1997 Angels and Wishes 1984 Sayonara 1998 Enchanted Garden 1985 ? 43

Allied Youth Presidents

Horton District High School received its Allied Youth Charter No. 840 on 31 March 1960. Signed by the Founder of Allied Youth Inc., the Charter established the Horton Post. AY is cited as “an educational movement for young people whose purpose is to bring to the awareness of young people the whole truth concerning the use of alcoholic beverages and to enable them through participation in suitable programs of education, recreation and citizenship responsibility to realize a full and abundant life can be had without the use of alcohol.”

1959-1960 Ivan Carey 1960-1961 Eric East 1966-1967 Douglas Morse 1961-1962 Pat King 1967-1968 Shirley Ward 1962-1963 Marilyn Keddy 1968-1969 Gail Fuller 1963-1964 Richard King 1969-1970 Stephen Healy 1964-1965 Karen Blair 1970-1971 John Tetrault 1965-1966 Trish Pulsifer 1971-1972 Ian Dunbar

Yearbook Editors: A large wooden “H” carries the name of all Yearbook Editors.

1960 Heather Allen Beth MacCluskey 1961 Judi Dakin 1980 Staff Collective 1962 Lynda Long 1981 Staff Collective 1963 Robert Lewis 1982 Cathy Tetrault and Ruth Parkin 1964 Helen Pick 1983 Kimberlyann Pinch and Sherri McDow 1965 Joyce Young 1984 Michele Champion and Joanna Jodrey 1966 Charlotte Dexter 1985 Jodi Libby 1967 Gordon Porter 1986 Liz Amos 1968 Mollie Duncanson 1987 Ehmeele Toney and Alpana Garg 1969 Anne Curry 1988 Sandy Schofield 1970 Dolna Faulkner 1989 Abhinav Garg 1971 Ethel Jordan 1990 Magda Palczynski & Cindy Lightfoot 1972 Allan Lynch 1991 Ben Levy & Mindy Horton 1973 Diane Blenkhorn 1992 Michelle Walsh & Dawn Starratt 1974 Andrea Mounce 1993 Wendy Getson & Ann Shaffelburg 1975 Susan Kilcup 1994 Nicole Sacouman & Domineka Tomek 1976 Sherry Coldwell 1995 Abby Whidden 1977 Patsy Spencer 1996 Holly Barnes and Christian Taylor 1978 Linda Jefferson 1997 Heather Richards 1979 Ernie Lewis

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Student Newspaper Editors

The Echo was a seasonal typescript publication. (The name was suggested by Charleen Pulsifer, grade 9, in a competition in October 1959.) In 1980 it was replaced by a commercially printed tabloid newspaper, but it proved to be too demanding technically for students to maintain.

1959-1960 Heather Allen 1974-1975 Doug Whitman 1960-1961 Judi Dakin 1975-1976 Annette Monteith & Karen Isnor 1961-1962 Lynda Long 1976-1977 Annette Monteith & Beth 1962-1963 Robert Lewis Mapplebeck 1963-1964 Helen Pick 1977-1978 Alison Dearman 1964-1965 Carole Anne Mosher 1978-1979 Cheryl Rafuse 1965-1966 Charlotte Dexter 1966-1967 Gordon Porter The Laureate 1967-1968 Mollie Duncanson 1979-1980 Karen Dean 1968-1969 Anne Curry 1980-1981 Nancy Leslie 1969-1970 Jane McDow 1988-1989 The Griffin published as a 1970-1971 Wanda Tanner Junior High School paper 1971-1972 Lorenda Davidson The Gryph 1972-1973 Lorna MacPhee 1996-1997 English 241 Class 1973-1974 Doug Whitman

HORTON CHEERS

Ritza, Ritza

Ritza, ritza, ritza, bang We belong to the Horton gang. We can holler, we can yell We can beat you all to ----! Ritza, ritza, ritza, bang!

Beat Me Daddy

Beat me daddy with an eighth to the bar ‘Cause we got a team that’s going far. Swing me sugar with a real live beat ‘Cause we got a team that can’t be beat, no can’t be beat.

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Chapter Seven: Academic Accomplishments

LEADING STUDENTS GRADE 12 GRADUATES

1960 – Elizabeth Vermeulen 1966 – Paulette Chase (academic): Judith Geitzler (Commercial) 1967 – David Vernon (academic); Donna Carey (Commercial); Garnet Maguire (General) 1968 – Linda Morton (academic); Barry Stephens & Keith Best (General) 1969 – Gail Fuller (academic); Bernie Davies (General) 1970 – Rebecca Rand (academic); Carl Kerr (General) 1971 – Judith Lloyd (87.4% academic); Linda Legge (General); Marsha Mailman (Commercial) 1972 – Debra Watson (92.6% academic); Karen MacDonald (General) 1973 – Jane Warren (88%) 1974 – Paula Lake and Christine Nesdoly (90.4%) 1975 – Lynn Crosby (91.2%) 1976 – Caroline VanDommelen (90.8%)

QEII MEDAL FOR LEADING STUDENT 1977- 1987

1977 – Kirsten Stevens and Keith 1982 – Lindy Cassidy (99.4%) Collins (92.2%) 1983 – Katharine Sircom (93.6%) 1978 – Jim MacPhee (91.2%) 1984 – Stephanie Bearne (95.4%) 1979 – Celia Forsyth (88.4%) 1985 – Tom McGuiness (92.6%) 1980 – Jon Forsman (91.8%) 1986 – Hugh Chipman (95.0%) 1981 – Bev Cassidy (95.2%) 1987 – Cindy Bezanson (92.6%)

GOVERNOR GENERAL MEDAL FOR LEADING STUDENT 1988-1998

1988 – Peter Dearman (93.6%) 1995 – Jonathan Harris (97.6%) 1989 – Ian Ross (95.4%) 1996 – Abby Whidden (96.6%) 1990 – Ouida Levy (94.2%) 1997 – Sarah LeLievre (98.6%)* 1991 – Kasia Muldner (93.8%) 1998 – Allison Weelwood (98%) 1992 – Tim Davison *Heather Cameron tied for Leading 1993 – Kassim Zebian (96.4%) Student in Grade 12 1994 – Paru Deshpande (98.8%) 46

QEII FOR LEADING IN GRADES 10, 11, 12

1988 – Glen Rockwell 1994 – Carla Shaw 1989 – Cindy King 1995 – Sharon Churchill 1990 – Matt Hennigar 1996 – Nicolle Parker 1991 – Kathrin Schumacher 1997 – Ryan Smith 1992 – Tim Davison 1998 – Marc Roland 1993 – Jennifer Dewar VALEDICTORIANS

1960 – Elizabeth Vermeulen 1981 – Geoff Cook 1961 – Sandra Hastings 1982 – Chris Thompson 1962 – Arthur Weare 1983 – Barry Hennigar 1963 – Robert Lewis 1984 – Edward Macmillan 1964 – Doris Gates 1985 – Steven Meerman 1965 – Glenda Hancock 1986 – Jonathan Trites 1966 – Paulette Chase 1987 – Sarah Hergett 1967 – Peter Whalen 1988 – Randy Pinch 1968 – Marsha Levy 1989 – Danny Costello 1969 – Donna Sutton 1990 – Andre French 1970 – Jane McDow 1991 – Jason McDonald 1971 – Michael Young 1992 – Tony Lockhart 1972 – Joan Levy 1993 – Jan Zwicker 1973 – Ian Dunbar 1994 – Mariam Zebian 1974 – David Lang 1995 – Margie Hennigar 1975 – Valerie Bezanson 1996 – Abby Whidden* 1976 – Perry Folker 1997 – Sarah LeLievre* 1977 – Elizabeth Harvie 1998 – Alison Wellwood* 1978 – Mark Theriault *Before 1996, the Valedictorian was 1979 – Celia Forsyth chosen by the students in grade 12. 1980 – David Baker

HORTON HIGHEST ACADEMIC STANDING IN GRADE 9 (1st plaque)

1973 Cindy Bird 1979 Susan Crouse, Kim 1974 Keith Collins Pudsey 1975 Jim MacPhee 1980 Andrew Zinck 1976 Della Jordan 1981 Robert Northey 1977 Linda Condran 1982 Debbie Burgher 1978 Nancy Leslie 1983 Anne Crosby 1984 Cindy Bezanson

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(2nd plaque)

1985 Anne Chodakowski 1993 Nicole Parker 1986 Cindy King 1994 Chris Cohoon 1987 Leanne Thomander 1995 Karen Gowland 1988 Janesse Leung 1996 Megan Watson, Andrew 1989 Kelly Rice Hennigar 1990 Jennifer Melanson 1997 Adam Daley 1991 Laura Churchill 1998 Matthew Howatt 1992 Patrick Murphy

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR AWARD, awarded to grade 11 students who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in the school and the community, with commendable performance in their courses.

1979 Sylvia Newcombe & Peter Cook 1988 Andrea MacMillan & Greg McInnis 1980 1989 Julie Kennie & Stephen Tugwell 1981 Susan Crouse and 1990 1982 Natalie Mayhew and Andrew Zinck 1991 1983 Cheryl Curry & Edward MacMillan 1992 Jennifer Melanson and James Irvine 1984 Laura MacLatchy & Christopher 1993 Carla Shaw and Devon Trefry VanBuskirk 1994 Sharon Churchill and Jonathan Harris 1985 Kim Meloche & Michael Shaffelburg 1995 Nicole Parker and Dirk Bouter 1996 Jessica Reekie and Ryan Smith 1986 Keri-Leigh Cassidy & Jim Fasano 1997 Elizabeth Jackson and Marc Roland 1987 Ian Trites & Carrie Young 1998 Tracey Sweeney and Andrew Hennigar 48

GRADUATION GUEST SPEAKERS

1960 E. D. Haliburton, Minister of Education 1961 Dr. W. J. Archibald, Dean of Arts and Science, Dalhousie 1962 Dr. George Levy, Professor of English Bible 1963 Dr. E. M. Whidden, Dean of Theology, Acadia 1964 Thomas A. M. Kirk, Editor, Yarmouth Vangard; former MP and Inspector of Schools (Yarmouth/Shelburne) 1964 Rev. Dr. I. Judson Levy, Chaplain, Acadia University 1965 Galen R. Pierce, Inspector of Schools 1966 W. R. MacDonald, Dean of Education, Acadia 1967 Erik S. Hansen, Dean of Students/Provost, Acadia 1968 Victor N. Thorpe, MLA 1969 Dr. J. R. C. Perkin, Department of Religious Studies, Acadia 1970 R. Peter Muttart, QC, Barrister and Solicitor 1971 Mr. Lloyd Hill, Annapolis Valley Affiliated Boards of Trade 1972 Dr. M. R. Cherry, Acadia Divinity College 1973 Rev. Allen Griffin 1974 Dr. Ivan Cassidy, School of Education, Acadia 1975 Fred Elderkin, Vice-President, Acadia 1976 Dr. Allison Trites, Acadia Divinity College 1977 Barry Cooksley 1978 Dr. J. A. H. Fraser , Acadia University 1979 Rev. Walter Murray 1980 Mr. Walter Newton, QC, Barrister and Solicitor 1981 Alexa McDonough, Provincial Leader, NDP 49

1982 Dr. Maxwell Jones, Psychiatrist 1983 Father R. MacDougall, SJ 1984 Robert Levy, MLA 1985 Dr. Maurice Tugwell, Acadia University 1986 Dr. Margaret Conrad, History Department, Acadia 1987 Dr. Ed Eagles, English Department, Acadia 1988 Dr. K. Ogilvie, Vice-President, Acadia 1989 James Keith, Superintendent of Schools (Retiring) 1990 Peter Davidson, Elementary School Teacher 1991 Dr. David MacKinnon, School of Education, Acadia 1992 None 1993 Doug Stockman, Assistant Superintendent of Schools (Retiring) 1994 Gerald Giddens, Horton Principal (Retiring) 1995 Discontinued 1996 Discontinued 1997 Discontinued

Members of the Class of 1972, including Horton teacher Andrea Sweeney, front left. Back Row, l-r: Quincy Collins, Darrell Pick, Debbie Sundstrom, Emily Levy, Gary Gallant. Front Row, l-r: Andrea Myra, Cheryl Bambrick, Joan Keddy, Carmen Forster. KINGS COUNTY MATH COMPETITIONS

1979 Jon Forsman (grade 12) top student in County 1980 Lindy Cassidy, grade 11, 1st in County 1981 Wayne Pulsifer, grade 11, 1st in County

1982-6 inc. NEED DATA 50

1987 Robin Taylor, grade 10, 1st in County 1988 Peter Dearman, grade 12, 1st in County Robin Taylor, grade 11, 1st in County Sean Timpa, grade 10, 2nd in County 1989 Ian Gerrits, grade 11, 1st in County 1990 Andre Sonnichsen, grade 12, 2nd in County Jeff Isenor, grade 11, 1st in County Dana Davidson, grade 10, 1st in County Jesse Brotz, grade 10, 2nd in County 1991 Dana Davidson, grade 11, 2nd in County Toby Herman, grade 10, 1st in County 1992 Top Team in County was from KCA; Horton Team won Bronze medal. Horton had the highest average of total marks of all teams. 1993 Top Team in County was from Horton 1994 Top Team in County was from Horton; Silver medal also won by Horton. 1995 Top Team in County was from Horton; Silver medal also won by Horton. 1996 Top Team in County from Horton (Paul Sponagle & Andrew Burton)

51

ENGLISH COMPETITIVE EXAMS

1981 Rachel Haliburton, grade 10, 1st in County John Bishop, grade 10, 2nd in County in County 1982 Lindy Cassidy, grade 12, 1st in County Rachel Haliburton, grade 11, 1st in County John Bishop, grade 11, 2nd in County in County Robert Northey, grade 10, 2nd in County 1983 Rachel Haliburton, grade 12, 2nd in County Laura MacLatchy, grade 10, 1st in County Anke Uebel, grade 10, 2nd in County 1984 Robert Northey, grade 12, 1st in County Ivan Tomek, grade 11, 2nd in County Lucy Harvey, grade 10, 1st in County Lori Porter, grade 10, 2nd in County 1985 Sarah Graves, grade 12, 1st in County Troy Hennigar, grade 12, 2nd in County Megan Pearson, grade 11, 1st in County Lisa Gartrell, grade 11, 2nd in County Cindy Bezanson, grade 10, 1st in County Peter Himmelman, grade 10, 2nd in County 1986 Cindy Bezanson, grade 11, 1st in County Peter Himmelman, grade 11, 2nd in County Anne Chodakowski, grade 10, 1st in County Joy Ells, grade 10, 2nd in County 1987 Megan Pearson, grade 12, 1st in County Cindy Bezanson, grade 12, 2nd in County Alpana Garg, grade 11, 2nd in County Peter Dearman, grade 11, 1st in County Sarah Blenkhorn, grade 10, 1st in County 1988 Gillian Sircom, grade 12, 1st in County Alpana Garg, grade 12 2nd in County Margaret Smith, grade 11, 2nd in County Mark Johnston, grade 10, 1st in County Leanne Thomander, grade 10, 2nd in County 1989 Sarah Blenkhorn, grade 12, 1st in County Mark Johnston, grade 11, 1st in County Janesse Leung, grade 10, 1st in County Magda Palczynski, grade 10, 2nd in County 1990 Ouida Levy, grade 12, 2nd in County Wendy MacArthur, grade 11, 1st in County Magda Palczynski, grade 11, 2nd in County Kelly Rice, grade 10, 1st in County 1991 Janesse Leung, grade 12, 2nd in County 52

Tim Davison, grade 11, 1st in County Crystal Levy, grade 11, 2nd in County Jennifer Dewar, grade 10, 1st in County Michael Hennigar, grade 10, 2nd in County 1992 Piotr Proszynski, grade 12: 1st in County Tim Davison, grade 12: 2nd in County Hanneke Bouter, grade 10: 1st in County Rebecca Davison, grade 10: 2nd in County 1993 Jennifer Dewar, grade 12: 2nd in County Rebecca Davison, grade 11: 2nd in County Arlene Doucette, grade 10: 1st in County Kaesy Gladwin, grade 10: 2nd in County 1994 Paru Despande, grade 12: 2nd in County Jonathan Ward, grade 11: 2nd in County Abby Whidden, grade 10: 1st in County 1995 Jonathan Harris, grade 12, 1st in County Rodney Sullivan, grade 11, 1st in County Cat Proszynska, grade 11, 2nd in County Ian Brunton, grade 10, 1st in County Ryan Smith, grade 10, 2nd in County

During the years the Competitive English Exam was written, Horton students won three-quarters of all the awards given. Other schools persuaded the Board to end competitive exams, and replaced them with a very successful Writers’ Workshop, starting in 1996.

WEAVEXX TROPHY For Best Overall Project, Kings County Science Fair

1995 Heather Cameron 1997 Amanda Garnett 1996 Heather Cameron 1998 Heather Cameron

SERVICEMASTER TROPHY for Best in Physical Science, Kings County Science Fair

1985 Hugh Chipman and Michael Shaffelburg 1986 Tim Hergett and Tim Chipman 1991 James Roscoe 1992 James Roscoe 1995 Charina Cameron 1996 Charina Cameron 1997 Charina Cameron 1998 Charina Cameron

53

Chapter Eight: Important Events from the Life of HDHS

1959-60 – First Variety Show; Girls’ Hockey Team formed, coached by Jon Margeson. (The team disbanded in 1961 because “the other schools did not seem so anxious to play as we. . .”); first Magazine Campaign raised $521.09; Drama Club organized, won Sipprell Trophy for best production; Debating Team, Red Cross, Dance Team, Stamp Club, Cheerleaders, Allied Youth, Girls’ & Boys’ Glee Clubs formed; Varsity and intramural sports teams organized; HDHS Army Cadet Corps organized by Mr. Charles Eaton and Mr. George Morrison in February 1960; the first dance in the school was a “Record Hop” in the auditorium, 17 Oct 1959, with the library open for cards and crokinole for non-dancers. In the minutes of the first meeting of the Students’ Council, on 22 October 1959, the first item of business was that “fifteen pairs of soccer shoes be perchased [sic].” The students also moved that “Morning Devotionals should be started.” The Council approved purchasing a sander as a Christmas gift for Mr. Eaton. $40 was approved for Prom decorations. Anyone taking students to school activities was paid $1.00 in 1961. The Council refused, however, to pay teachers to drive students home after practices or rehearsals. 1960-61 – A Square Dancing Club was formed; Christmas Party featured the Principal and Vice- Principal as emcees! 1961-62 – School Crest created; Cadet Band organized by Hugh Sweeney; Kings County Allied Youth Rally held at HDHS. 1962-63 – Allied Youth sponsored “Sadie Hawkins Dance”; Students’ Council held a theme dance, “Hunting Safari” to which students wore red. 1963-64 – Students of Red Cross made a tape to send to Bulgaria; students became involved in fund raising for S.W.A.Y., devoted to the fight against Yaws; the students organized a radio show, broadcast over the local radio station; the first Special Awards were given, to Gary Johnson and Ashley Smith. 1964-65 – Red Cross sponsored a dance, “Family Night” which featured the crowning of Senior King and Queen and Junior King and Queen (students and their parents attended the dance!); Grade 12 students held Slave Auction, raising $55.51 for Prom; Council approved the adoption of a child through Foster Parents’ Plan, Choong Hong of Korea.15 1965-66 - Driver Education started (texts rented to participants by the Students’ Council); First Winter Carnival (sponsored by grade 12s) featuring royalty and fashion show; Drama Club won the Sipprell Trophy for the County, but a car accident involving the cast kept the students out of the provincial competition; Chocolate Bar campaign added to Magazine Sales campaign to raise funds for school activities. 1966-67 – The school held a Cherry Pie Baking Contest; the Allied Youth theme for the year was “The Abolishment of Pink Elephants”; the Red Cross held a penny parade to raise $100 for Centennial Red Cross project; a Hootenanny was held as part of Winter Carnival.

15 The Council supported her from 1964-1969, and perhaps longer, but no record exists. In 1972, the Council minutes note that “during the summer we lost control of our Foster Child as payments were not kept up.” This may have been a different child. The Council agreed to adopt another Foster Child. 54

In 1966 the Students’ Council sought to amend the Constitution, which read that “boys will wear jackets and ties at all school parties unless special permission is obtained from the Principal.” 1967-68 – The Band was given the Audio Visual Room for its practices. 1968-69 – New organizations included a Guidance Club and a Folk Group, as well as Sports Announcers and newspaper and radio reporters; the students were given a common room which they furnished (rules included no smoking there except during dances, and no students were to be in the room during study periods). 1969-70 – New groups included Librarians and Quiz 8; Awards Committee established. 1970-71 – Student trip to Italy, led by Mr. Paul Young, with 35 students and 10 teachers; Student Police organized; students had concert with jazz great Trevor Payne; Quebec Exchange; grade 12s held a Hat Day. 1971-72 – Organizations included Girls’ Hockey and Radio Show; French Exchange; the hypnotist, Damant, requested permission to perform for $250 or 50% of all profit; the Students’ Council debated that a jury be created of teachers and students to deal with “trouble-making students who attend dances.” 1972-73 – Grade 12 trip to Austria; trip to Ottawa; Winter Carnival, “Snow Devil ’73”; last year for Allied Youth; Russian Club organized; grade 12s held 52-hour basketball marathon, raising $700. In 1974, The Echo reported on student complaints: “I think instead of the sign in the hall saying “SINGLE FILE, KEEP TO THE RIGHT,” it should say, “KEEP TO THE RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS.” 1973-74 – A student Leader Corps was created; Students’ Council brought in a band, Abraham’s Children, and raised $250; Students’ Council agreed to take over the Campus Shop from the Band, with Mr. Getson agreeing to run it; grade 12s held a 24-hour dance marathon, raising $900; last year for Red Cross; Band trip to Finland in July 1974. 1974-75 – Bus Strike 3 September to 3 October; Senior class Rockathon; last year for magazine sales campaigns; Walkathon 23 October. 1975-76 – Trip to British Columbia; Winter Carnival, “Horton Snow Specs ‘76”; Horton canteen workers organized; two staff members, Heather Eaton and Clyde Stanley, passed away during the year; dances were curtailed, following major problems with vandalism. By 1976, the two social issues most concerning the school administration were vandalism at dances (mostly to vehicles) and drugs. In The Echo, Jon Margeson, the Principal, wrote: “I am becoming increasingly aware of the use of drugs, both at home and at the school. During the school day it appears that a significant number of students are smoking marijuana and perhaps hashish as well.” 1976-77 – Winter Carnival, “Snow Sensation ’77”; grade 12 trip to Ottawa led by Mr. John Patterson; Chess Club organized; last year for Chocolate Bar campaign; Band from Finland visited Horton; computer time-tabling was disastrous: the Principal wrote that “next year we shall excuse ourselves from the world of modern electronic circuitry.” 1977-78 – Grade 10 archaeological dig; Winter Carnival, “Forgotten Frolics”; Photography Club organized; some carpets installed in school with complaints from Juniors: “If the carpet was put 55

down just for grades 10, 11, and 12, it should be torn up and just have the bare tile back on the floor again; then everybody would be treated alike.” 1978-79 – Winter Carnival “Sno ‘Biz 79”; Television Show group organized. “I think the Junior High and Senior High dances should be separate because you don’t want your big sister or brother around and I’m sure they don’t want you around.” 1979-80 – To improve school dances, stringent rules were imposed, including a dress code, strict rules regarding cars, alcohol and drugs, a reception line, etc.; Mr. Fetty and Mr. Sheppard helped the students begin publishing The Laureate, a monthly tabloid newspaper; Horton re-organized its “Reach for the Top” team; Winter Carnival, “Ambarvalia ‘80”; Grade 12 trip to Ottawa/Toronto; name of Red, Black and Gold (yearbook) changed to The Horton Gryphon; Reading Period instituted; last year for The Horton Echo, the seasonal school publication; compulsory physical fitness for all students and staff organized; first Career Day held. 1980-81 – Winter Carnival, “Historock ’81”; Laureate continued publishing, but ceased during school year; yearbook renamed Griffin; last year for Student Announcers; 1981 yearbook wins award as Taylor Publishing Company’s best medium-size school publication. 1981-82 – Exchange with Northwest Territories; Winter Carnival, “The Best of the West”; Fizix Olympics; Inter-School Christian Fellowship started; Toronto trip. 1982-83 – Grade 12 trip to Florida; Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes to Hollywood”; Computer Club and Astronomy Club organized. 1983-84 – Exchange with Wilkie, Sakatchewan; Class Trip to Halifax; Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes Hawaiian”; Rockathon reinstituted; students inaugurated Horton Students Art Collection; grade 12s fund raised by leaf-raking at the Anglican Church in Wolfville; Griffin ‘84 was devoted entirely to the Grade 12 class; first all-night, chemical-free Safe Grad Party, at Acadia gym complex, sponsored by the Province, with support from parents and the Wolfville Lions Club. 1984-85 – Exchange trip to Saskatchewan; Winter Carnival, “25 in ’85”; Calculus Club started; video dances introduced. 1985-86 – Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes Medieval”; Peer Drug Group organized; Hardy Boys Club organized; Joey Weir and Mike Shaffelburg were the Top County team for French “Reach for the Top.” 1986-87 – Winter Carnival, “Once Upon a Time.” 1987-88 – Grade 12s continued tradition of leaf-raking; Winter Carnival, “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”; grade 12s organized “The Pinsters’ Club”; Students Against a Violent Environment organized and persuaded 80% of the students to declare Horton a “nuclear-free zone”; Kerri-Leigh Cassidy was the top participant in the County French “Reach for the Top.” 1988-89 – Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes Disney”; Grade 12 trip to Orlando; grade 12s continued annual leaf-raking in Wolfville; TADD organized; Backgammon Club started. 1989-90 – Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes Jamaican”; Jane Lutes and Dale Hennigar led in developing Peer Mediation for conflict resolution at Horton; Students’ Council organized a protest rally in Kentville against education cut-backs. 56

1990-91 – Winter Carnival, “Arabian Nights”; Peer Mediation and Amnesty International group organized. 1991-92 – Winter Carnival, “An Old-Fashioned Christmas”; Guitar Club organized; Mr. Peter Selig was presented with one of two Provincial Environmental Awards, on behalf of Horton Biology students this year and in the Class of 1991; Lamont Larkin awarded a Marshall McLuhan Award for leadership and innovation in education, valued at $5,000; Mr. Lugar’s Writers’ Group published a book of poetry, Save Us From Ourselves; Kevin Penny Computer Fund established to assist Kevin, a quadraplegic as a result of a bicycle accident; Mariam Moussa, grade ten, won Provincial Chess Championship and represented HDHS at the Nationals; students assisted New Minas Elementary in environmental clean-up day. 1992-93 – Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes Disco”; Peer Helpers organized; Quit n’ Win and Environmental Action Team started; Cultural Awareness Day held; AIDS Awareness Day held at Acadia. 1993-94 – Students traveled to Europe; Hack Club and Women’s Club organized; Winter Carnival, “Horton Becomes Animated”; Giant Auction and Alumni Dance held to raise funds for athletic facilities; volunteers from the community and the school refurbished the track and re- sodded the field.

1994-95 – Second student trip to Europe; SWAT Team organized; Peer Tutors 1995: Sitting on floors became a thing of the past. organized; Winter Carnival, “Horton Goes Wild West”; Horton’s Environthon Team took first place at the NS Environthon ’95 event and won the opportunity to represent the province at an international event in Idaho; Big Mac Relay. 1995-96 – Last Winter Carnival, “Journey Through Time”; third student trip to Europe; first “Respect for Differences Day” suggested and led by Jessica Reekie and a committee of senior students; Art Club started; Face Aux Questions organized; a fire in Room 209 was put out by staff members, with the school only three minutes from a major, uncontrollable blaze; Big Mac relay. 1996-97 – Provincial “Reach for the Top” Champions, traveled to Nationals in Vancouver, and placed third in Canada; yearbook renamed, 1997 Gryphon; all staff members issued laptop computers to prepare for integrating technology for the new school into the curriculum. 1997-98 – Second “Respect for Differences Day”; special ceremony in gym to celebrate the athletic traditions of HDHS, as part of the annual Subway Classic Basketball Tournament; fourth European trip; Provincial “Reach for the Top” Champions and 3rd place finish in Nationals; staff 57 members participate in two-day seminar at Acadia entitled “Educational Technology: The Next Generation.”

July 3-5, 1998 – Horton District High School “Celebrate the History” Reunion and Closing.

• Meet and Greet reception, school gymnasium with M. C. former principal Gerald Giddens • Formal transfer of keys from former principal Peter Goucher to current principal Andrew Clinch; special key plaque by carver Doug Morse ‘67 • Transfer of flags to current vice-principals Ed Getson and John Bartram, presented by retired teachers Glen Allen and Connie MacNeil • Recognition of staff members of HDHS • Performances by alumni, The Neighbours Kids, The Fathers of Confederation, John Tetrault, Brian Johnson and His Big Band, Men Will Be Boys, etc. • Church service organized by former principal Greg Ross, with speakers Pastor Fran Woodside, Rev. Dr. John Merks, and Bishop Greg Ross • Family picnic, carnival and fun fair • Bus tour of the site of the new Horton with guides Andrew Clinch, Ed Getson and Dave Sheppard • Final dance at Horton District High School

Chairpersons: Gerald Giddens and Peter Cornu 58

Horton is about people

59

Chapter Nine: Towards the New Horton High School

t was apparent many years ago that the physical structure at Horton had inadequacies, especially with its gymnasium and with its lack of a I cafeteria. The small gym with its lower-than-standard ceiling precluded its use for many sports, especially provincial sporting events, and the lack of a suitable eating area meant that students needed to eat in classrooms or hallways. Also, over-crowding concerned school officials for years. In 1970 Principal Jon Margeson reported that with 1075 students in a school designed for 900 “we are literally bursting at our seams.” Throughout the following two decades, every conceivable solution was attempted to deal with increasing enrollments, from travelling teachers to portable classrooms. Boundary changes were made, students were moved in and out, a new Middle School was built, and administrators, school boards, parent groups, and politicians argued. In 1981 the Board projected a cafeteria for 1985. Some saw the issue as a political football thrown about the field of topsy-turvy elections, a fickle electorate, and internecine infighting by partisan candidates and MLAs. Depending on the party colours, the community was reassured that “the process to determine school construction priorities [was] completely free of political influence.”16

During the school year 1983-1984, Mr. Fred Crouse and Mr. Peter Goucher wrote a detailed report of the major deficiencies and repairs needed at the school. They commented that there was a “general feeling that the building is coming down around our ears."” They drew attention to rotting window sills and cold drafts, the inadequacy of the heating and ventilation systems, a general need for painting and refurbishing, inadequate athletic facilities, the under-sized music and library areas, unsuitable science and home economics spaces, and the lack of a theatre, computer education space and a cafeteria.

By 1985 the school again faced serious over-crowding with 1064 students in a facility designed to hold 990 but more suitable for 950. The election promise of a new Middle School to allow junior high school students to move from Horton was broken, despite NDP MLA Bob Levy’s attempts to secure the building. The problem of eating facilities was a major problem, especially in terms of health and hygiene concerns, the image of students sitting on floors on dirty carpets raised to

16 George Archibald, MLA, The Advertiser, 23 March 1993. 60 gain attention. The school board applied for cafeteria facilities in January 1986, as well as for four additional classrooms and two science labs.

By 1988, Evangeline Middle School had been built, but it had been reduced in size because of funding cutbacks, and the Horton PTA, led by Sally Martens, obtained the support of the School Board to “relieve the pressure” at Horton. The Board agreed to request capital funding from the government to add eight classrooms to EMS to alleviate Horton’s over-crowding. The Board placed Horton as the number two priority (after L. E. Shaw) for a cafeteria, renovations, and a new gym.17 A petition circulated in May protesting overcrowding. In November 1988, at a public meeting at the school, Superintendent of Schools, Jim Keith, reported that an application on behalf of Horton asking for “the establishment of a cafeteria, a facility for music students, proper science laboratories, and expanded physical education facilities”18 was being made by the School Board in December.

The media reported Mr. Keith’s assertion that such applications are “political decisions made at the cabinet table,” and that concerned parents should ensure “pressure be kept on the various authorities.” The new MLA, Derrick Kimball, promised, “If I can possibly see it done, it’s going to get done.” Students presented an 800-name petition asking for school renovations. The Student/Parent Action Committee initiated a letter writing and telephoning campaign to the local MLAs.

Of course, nothing happened. PTA President Pat Burke wrote to Premier Don Cameron, Education Minister Ron Giffin, and Kings South MLA Mr. Kimball, but received nothing but reassurances. Throughout 1989 and 1990 efforts continued, with meetings between PTA members and Mr. Kimball, and with pressure from the East Kings School Forum. On 24 Jan 1990 the Horton Home and School Association, led by President Sally Martens, met with Ron Giffin, Minister of Education, and Deputy Minister B. Nicholson and Doug Nauss, Director of School Planning. The Government officials said that the Horton project was their priority, and that an announcement could be expected by mid-June, once approval came from the Provincial Board of Management. They anticipated a completed project by 1992. The Home and School reported “cautious optimism.” Once more, pessimism prevailed.

17 Interestingly, a proposal was made to the Board on 10 June 1988 that a cafeteria/theatre be built as a private- public joint venture, to be leased to the school. 18 The Acadian, 29 November 1988. 61

The Advertiser in 1991 reported that the leaking roof, the smell of moldy carpets, over-crowded classrooms, and the lack of a cafeteria had riled up the students, “who planned further protests to publicize their plight.” The paper reported that Principal Gerald Giddens, parents, and students “have been pressing for a complete renovation at Horton, like the one Central Kings received, for some time. They have also called for the addition of a cafeteria and new gymnasium.”19 Music Director, Marlene Jackson, reported on the completely inadequate and unhealthy conditions of the music facilities in the bus garage. 23 April 1991, the PTA invited politicians to a luncheon at the school to see the lunch facilities first- hand. The PTA pursued the issue actively in 1991, but Minister Ron Giffin made it clear that “considering the present financial situation of the province, I do not expect very many approvals for school capital construction in the near future.”20

The PTA under Pat Burke sent a letter to Horton parents on 10 February 1992, issuing a list of “immediate concerns” including the lack of cafeteria facilities, inadequate gymnasium facilities, inadequate library facilities, unsatisfactory facilities for the Music programs, and the need for a general refurbishing.

School Board Chair Maurice Tugwell submitted another request for capital construction at Horton, this time to Minister of Education Guy LeBlanc, in December 1992. The Horton project was again cited as the second priority for the Board (after L. E. Shaw). The application requested improvements to the 1959 section of the school, alterations and renovations to the 1969 addition including turning the multi-purpose room into a cafeteria, and a new section including a full- size regulation gymnasium and additional classrooms.

Throughout the Fall and Winter of 1992-1993 meetings with all parties concerned created the impression that Horton and L. E. Shaw renovation projects would be announced in March, but no such commitment was forthcoming. Response to the government’s rejection was swift and angry, with letters in the papers from Principal Peter Goucher, Independent MLA Derrick Kimball, MLA George Archibald, and former MLA Harry How. Kimball’s public letter to the Minister of Education included his hope that his “decision to leave the Caucus [to sit as an Independent] is not affecting Government’s decision.” Mr. How invited the Minister to tour Horton (and L. E. Shaw) with the resultant promise that he would review his files.

19 The Advertiser, 9 April 1991. 20 Letter to Alexa McDonough, MLA, 15 May 1991. 62

The Horton School Climate Committee (created earlier with ten teachers and administrators) issued a statement asking the province to “reverse its decision to exclude Horton from its priority list and address in a real and substantial way the major inadequacies and intolerable conditions” in the school. A public meeting was held to bring pressure to bear on the government. The students also responded, with a protest at which five hundred walked out of classes to listen to speakers in front of the school in the snow, including provincial election candidates. Student Jan Zwicker led the protest; she reported to the press that “the politicians offered no solid promises concerning the situation, ‘just some amount of hope.’”21

The Horton Area PTA Action Committee was established in response to Horton not receiving any funding, and also responded, with a report expressing the “outrage” of parents, noting an April 14th rally at which “nearly 600 parents made their feelings abundantly clear to the two sitting MLAs and all the declared candidates in Kings South and Kings North.” The Committee then outlined five pages of concerns about Horton. Principal Peter Goucher submitted fifteen questions to Doug Nauss, the Director of Facilities Planning and Equipment, asking that the inadequacies of the selection process be addressed.

A seventy-page submission and application for funding was submitted by the Board in May 1993, and in September the PTA was advised by Doug Nauss that Horton problems would be given consideration as the School Capital Construction Committee reconvened. In October, the PTA invited Mr. Nauss and the new Kings South Liberal MLA, Robbie Harrison, to tour the school. Meanwhile, an escalating crisis about poor air quality had led to the removal of some of the carpeting in the building because of frightening reports of toxins, mutagens, allergens, carcinogens, etc, affecting the health of many students and staff. In response to a public outcry, emergency funding was sought and eventually provided in the amount of $250,000 for Kings County schools. Numerous meetings were held, in part concerned that short-term aid was essential, but that it must not jeopardize Horton’s position as a top priority for capital construction funding. A 17 November 1993 letter to Robbie Harrison asked the key question succinctly: “When specifically will Horton School receive Capital Construction funding that we all know is so desperately needed?” Although an answer to the question was not immediate, the MLA supported the idea of striking a committee to find funds for immediate relief at Horton.

21 The Advertiser, 30 April 1993. 63

The Committee met with Robbie Harrison as their guest on 22 January 1994. Mr. Harrison reiterated his commitment to getting Horton what it needed, stating that advocacy for Horton had to continue. Peter Goucher explained how he felt “trodden upon and disappointed with the ups and downs of similar promises by previous and current governments.” Members of the committee attended a meeting with the Minister of Education on 17 February.22 Peter Goucher reported that the tone of the meeting was very encouraging, the Minister clearly expressing an understanding of what Horton parents, students, and staff have gone through in the fight to obtain capital funding for Horton. The PTA issued a press release announcing that the government would make an announcement about capital projects on 31 March. Meanwhile, the Emergency Funding Sub-Committee continued its efforts to obtain short-term emergency relief. The Minister visited the school on 29 March. The committee agreed that the priority for funding would be ventilation, air exchange, and windows and doors.

By March 1994 the press reported that “both Mr. Nauss and Education Minister John MacEachern told members of the Horton PTA Action Committee last week that because Horton was at the top of the list of projects left off the last announcement, it was in a favourable position this time around.”23 The anticipated March 31st announcement was delayed as a result of a restraint program announced by the province, and the Government asked Boards to review their capital construction requests, for re-submission.

Finally, on 29 September 1994, $7.1 million was announced for additions and alterations to make Horton a high-tech school. The Chronicle-Herald reported that the school “will either be expanded for the new facility, or, if repairs and expansions are too expensive, an entirely new school will be built.” Education Minister John MacEachern noted that “we’ll do whatever is in the best interests of students and taxpayers” following an “evaluation of the existing facility to determine if it would be more cost-effective in the long run to build a totally new school.” Included in the announcement was the decision that the project would involve public-private sector partnering and that Acadia University would also be a partner in the project. The Horton community was promised the “finest secondary school in the province and country!”

Meanwhile, the announced project would require four years to complete, and serious problems needed to be resolved immediately. The PTA, under Ron Roach,

22 Attending were Jonathan Morse, Cheryl Hovell, Pat Burke, Peter Goucher, Ron Roach, Chris Seymour, and Janet Newton. 23 The Chronicle-Herald, 1 March 1994. 64 continued its initiatives for short-term relief. In 1995 the Department of Education allotted $80,000 in emergency funding, dependent upon the “willingness of the Action Committee members to contribute to the effort, and to coordinate parent and student volunteer groups.”24 Assistant Superintendent H. Greg Ross and Maintenance Supervisor David Floyd drew up a list of needed work, including removal of carpets, new tile floors, some structural repairs for ventilation and replacement of the main front doors. Volunteers and Board maintenance workers put in many hours in February and March of 1995 to effect the repairs.

It was soon concluded that renovating and expanding the tired facility housing Horton would not be cost-effective for the long term. The facility evaluation report done in November 1994 read, in part:

The Horton District High is not suitable for renovations to meet current and future school requirements. . . . Existing program areas such as the gymnasium, library, music room . . . would require complete replacement, while several other classroom and service areas would need extensive modifications. . . . The cost associated with a renovation project would approach if not exceed the cost of constructing a new facility and produce an inferior overall solution. It is therefore recommended that construction of a new school occur on a new site, thus permitting a continual operation of the existing facility for the transitional period until the new school becomes available.

The Department of Education developed a vision as a replacement for Horton being “the flag ship school of North America.” In August 1995, the new Principal, Andrew Clinch, and Fred Crouse and Tony Stewart of the Kings County District School Board staff, met with Doug Nauss of the Department of Education to begin the process of planning and designing the facility. As a result of Mr. Nauss’ suggestion, in September 1995 a Steering Committee was established by the Board, representing the KCDSB, students and teachers, Board staff, Horton parents, Acadia University, the Principal, and the business community. The Committee immediately began its mandate and issued a Preliminary Proposal for Construction in December 1995, which was approved by the Board on 6 December and forwarded to the Department of Education for review.

By November of 1995 the question of adjusting Horton’s boundaries to enable students from KCA and Cornwallis to come to Horton was raised, and soon

24 The Advertiser, 7 March 1995. 65 became a volatile public issue. Dr. Jim Gunn, Superintendent of Schools, reported on the issue and recommended that Horton not be expanded to include KCA and Cornwallis students. The outgoing Board refused to refer the issue to the newly amalgamated Annapolis Valley Regional School Board in March 1996, but the newly formed Board, as a result of intense lobbying, agreed to review the issue of boundary changes, and debate over the issue continued into 1997.

One of the main priorities for the Steering Committee was providing in- servicing and investigating technology use and its impact on curriculum. The entire Horton staff toured Auburn Drive School in February 1996. A professional development plan and proposal was submitted to the Board, but budgetary restraints slowed things considerably.

On 7 February 1996, the government submitted a tender for expressions of interest from private-sector consortia to “design, build, finance, own, and operate a technologically enhanced life-long learning centre in Horton District, Kings County.”

The original timeline for the construction of the school was that Phase One would consist of proposals from consortia that would be short-listed in April 1996 to four, and that in Phase Two, more detailed proposals would be evaluated over the summer and announced in September 1996. Despite a three-month government delay in entering Phase Two, the evaluation of the four Phase Two proposals took place late in the Fall of 1996. Half of the members of the selection team consisted of Horton/Acadia/AVRSB nominees, making it a politics-free process.

On 8 January 1997, The Honourable Robbie Harrison, Minister of Education and Culture, announced that the twelve-member evaluation committee reviewing proposals for Horton had unanimously chosen ACCESS Technologies for the project. On 13 January 1997, a public presentation to the community was held at Horton to introduce ACCESS and its proposal to students, staff, and parents. A Horton Project Management Team, including Principal Clinch, was established to implement the process of designing and building the school. A Professional Development Committee was struck, with Acadia University’s Continuing Education Department to conduct training of Horton staff, budget provided by ACCESS Technologies.

The Horton staff adopted a Mission Statement for the new school on 3 February 1997:

66

Horton District High School provides learners with opportunities to gain proficiency in the Essential Graduation Learnings of Aesthetic Expression, Citizenship, Communication, Personal Development, Problem Solving and Technological Competence. To achieve a well-rounded education, the educational partners encourage flexibility, understanding and involvement in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

The choice of the site was made 4 February 1997, on the basis of four recommendations to the Steering Committee from a Site Selection Committee. The Steering Committee minutes reported the unanimous decision: “It was moved by David Sheppard and seconded by Peter Selig . . . that the Steering Committee recommends to the Board that they select the 42-acre site owned by Paramount Hotels, adjacent to the Old Orchard Inn, for the building of the new Horton school.” This later proved to be a controversial decision when accusations were made that the choice was politically motivated. The Steering Committee did not even know who owned the site, let alone feel any political pressure. Government officials simply reported that negotiations for its purchase would follow standard protocols for buying land for public institutions.

The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board selected the site after considering the Steering Committee’s recommendation and after hearing a presentation by Wilson Fitt and others of ACCESS Technologies. Municipal Council approved re-zoning the land on 20 May 1997, so that final negotiations for purchase could proceed.

In March 1997, a perceived threat to the inclusion of a double gymnasium and a theatre/auditorium led the Steering Committee to reinforce its vision with two motions, as reported in the minutes:

It was moved by David Sheppard and seconded by Susan Pelton that the Steering Committee reinforces the original vision that a theatre/auditorium is essential in the new school.

It was moved by Mairi Balcom and seconded by Peter Selig that the Steering Committee supports the concept of expanded physical education facilities, to exceed Department regulations and to support the mandated physically active curriculum.

Consequent meetings with Department of Education officials secured approval for these expanded facilities. 67

On 7 April 1997 the staff of Horton District High School passed a motion to change the name of the school to Horton High School, dropping the word “District.”25 At the Steering Committee, it was moved by David Sheppard and seconded by Chris Seymour . . . [to] support that the name for the replacement school be Horton High School.” Although the Board’s Property Service and Transportation Committee voted down this recommendation in June 1997, in September it reconsidered the issue and approved the name change, a decision accepted by the Board on October 1st. On 20 October 1997, the committee of alumni and current and former teachers planning closing activities for HDHS passed a motion asking the staff and the Steering Committee to reconsider the name change. The staff and the Steering Committee, as well as the Horton Parent/Teacher/Student Advisory Committee, opposed any reconsideration.

Mr. Harrison turned the sod for Horton High School at the new site on 16 June 1997 with the assistance of Mrs. Heather MacLean, Vice-Chair of the AVRSB, Mr. William B. Hardman of the Hardman Group Limited, Mr. John Lindsay, Sr., Chairman of J. W. Lindsay Enterprises, and students Peter Hennigar and Caleb Wheeldon, Co-Presidents of Horton’s Students’ Council. Also participating were Dr. Jim Gunn, Superintendent of Schools, and Chris Lau, Sarah LeLievre, and Ryan Smith, student members of the Steering Committee, pictured with Mr. Harrison. Members of the Horton music program provided music.

Construction began immediately, with a scheduled completion in time for school to open in September 1998.

Meanwhile, the consultative process of planning, designing and building the school continued for the next eighteen months, involving hundreds of meetings, development of Vision and Mission statements, with trips to schools in the Maritimes, Florida, New Jersey, Ontario, and elsewhere. Extensive in-servicing of the teachers and staff took place during the school year 1997-1998, following issuance to all

25 The motion was made by James Fetty and seconded by David Drake, following staff discussions in February and March. 68 teachers of laptop computers. Not only did technological literacy become a priority, but curriculum changes and new approaches to teaching needed development.

Discussions about the new school continued as debates about issues such as daycare, food services, security, operating costs, leases, changing curricular needs, scheduling, corporate involvement in the school, etc. were entertained by the stakeholders. New concepts, such as the software development entity, Horton House Incorporated, needed public explanation. Teachers developed design and equipment visions, working closely with the architect, Mike Barrie, and other representatives of ACCESS Technologies and the Department of Education.

During the provincial election campaign of 1998, Horton High School emerged as a provincial and a local political issue as rumours and misconceptions about the school were bandied about. Dubbed “Harrison High” and identified as a Taj Mahal (complete with marble floors), politicians threw around accusations and recriminations, with the usually misconstrued cost of the project a “sore point in Kings County where stories of high school students photocopying textbooks and selling cupcakes to raise money for classrooms are the talk of the town.”26 The issue of the cost of the land was also a source of criticism. Political leaders debated the pros and cons of Public-Private-Partnerships (P3) as the best method of building schools. The Premier of Nova Scotia, Russell MacLellan, finally announced the first lease for such schools on 13 March 1998 and announced thirty- one new schools to be built according to the process.

Teachers and staff spent the spring of 1998 fine-tuning budgets for technology and furnishings and equipment. The government requested a $2 million dollar reduction, which was mostly achieved. Some details of the technology refreshment were still up in the air in June 1998, but plans were underway for the school to open on schedule in September.

26 Halifax Chronicle-Herald. 69

October 26th 1998 was chosen as the date for the official opening ceremony of Horton High School, with a public Open House on 31 August 1998.

Members of the Horton Steering Committee

Andrew Clinch, Chairperson – Principal Peter Selig – Science Department David E. Sheppard – English Department Chris Seymour – Parent Mairi Balcom – Parent Ryan Smith – Student* Sarah LeLievre – Student* Chris Lau – Student Jackie Grant – Student Jenny White – Kings District School Board* Charlene Davies – Annapolis Valley Regional School Board Janet Newton – AVRSB Lavinia Parrish-Zwicker – AVRSB Tony Stewart – Central Office Administrator Fred MacLean – Director of Program/Services Fred Crouse – Co. Tech Ed David Floyd – Property Services, AVRSB Susan Pelton – Kings County Economic Development Agency* Jessica Patterson-Cochrane – Kings County Economic Development Agency 70

Jim Fasano – Acadia University Sandra Porter – Steering Committee Secretary *Member retired or was replaced by a successor Ex Officio Nancy Mosher – Regional Education Officer John Smith – Project Manager, Department of Education Wilson Fitt and Doug Hines – The Hardman Group David Jones – Technology Co-ordinator

Appendix One: Music and Cadet Trophies

ANGUS DURNO TROPHY for attaining a high standard of musicianship and demonstrating leadership

1971 Margaret Morse 1986 Jonathan Trites & Danny Wilcox 1972 Jill Bleakney 1987 Alex Porter & Joy Ells 1973 Gordon Simms 1988 Joy Ells 1974 Christine Nesdoly 1989 Heather Davis 1975 Mac Bishop 1990 Brian Meloche 1976 Teresa Simms 1991 Rob MacArthur 1977 Chris Vanderbarren 1992 Tim Davison & Crytsal Levy 1978 1993 Angie MacIvor 1979 Jim Moore & Peter Cook 1994 Ben Kinsman 1980 Andrew Zinck 1995 Sharon Churchill 1981 none 1996 April Clowry & Jeff Lantz 1982 none 1997 Ian Brunton & Ryan Smith 1983 Natalie Basaraba 1998 Stephanie Mattson & Miranda 1984 Madeline Embree Raymond 1985 Lisa Gartrell

CAROL ANN WOODWORTH TROPHY for the person who contributes the most to the welfare of the Band

1967 Joanna Pulsifer 1975 Phillip Price 1968 Angus Durno 1976 Lilla Bishop 1969 Nancy Hill 1977 Bev Haas 1970 Sonya Allen 1978 Jeanette Bishop 1971 1979 Horton Band 1972 Randall Bishop 1980 David Parker 1973 1981 none 1974 1982 none 71

1983 Cheryl Curry 1991 Patricia Bishop & Tina Blenkhorn 1984 Andrew Forsman 1992 Laura Churchill & Andrew McInnis 1985 Katrina Andres, Kim Wright, Jamie 1993 Andrew McInnis, Laura Churchill, Moffitt, Kristen Billings Dave Hines 1986 Kim Wright & Kristen Billings 1994 Laura Churchill 1987 Laurel Tracey 1995 Erin Hines & Jeff Lantz 1988 Mary Jo Dickie, Ingrid Mooy, Nick 1996 Erin Hines & Colleen Coolen Smith 1997 Tammy Ogilvie 1989 Mary Jo Dickie & Ingrid Mooy 1998 Kirsty Evans & Erin Gaudet 1990 Bob MacArthur & Aimee Ward

H. A. SWEENEY JAZZ BAND TROPHY presented to the Outstanding Jazz Musician (“Man, this kid plays a mean axe.”)

1974 Mike Watson 1997 James Churchill & Ryan Smith 1975 Dale Lutz 1998 Chris Knock & Ankur Deshpande 1976 Doug Curran 1977 Carter Lake (The original Sweeney Trophy was presented “to the Bandsman, who has excelled both as a Musician and a Cadet.”)

1967 J. Jordan 1968 J. Jordan 1969 A. Bishop 1970 A. Bishop 1971 P. Price

THE HEATHER EATON MEMORIAL TROPHY presented to the Outstanding Member of the Intermediate Band

1977 Sylvia Newcombe 1988 Janesse Leung 1978 John Miller 1989 Kelly Rice 1979 Andrew Zinck 1990 Kim Henderson 1980 Angus MacLean 1991 Angie MacIvor 1981 none 1992 Aube Giroux 1982 none 1993 Jeff Lantz 1983 Anne Crosby 1994 Jeff Lantz 1984 Geoff Davey 1995 Jessie Faulkner 1985 Gillian Sircom 1996 Krissy Keech 1986 Cathy Cox & Steven Tanner 1997 Nathan Cowan & Duncan Stewart 1987 Leanne Thomander 1998 Nathan Cowan & Jordan Butt

H. H. PULSIFER TROPHY presented to the Most Improved Beginner Bandsman 1974 Bruce Davidson 1967 Wayne Dexter 1975 Peter Cook 1968 Tom Hennigar 1976 Robert Nunn 1969 Bob Mahar 1977 Janice Mahar 1970 Phillip Price 1978 Barry Hennigar 1971 Debbie Davidson 1979 Mark Jobb & Dean Lynch 1972 Dawn Harrison 1980 Monica Fay & Debbie Burgher 1973 Janet Patterson 1981 none 72

1982 none 1992 Mariam Moussa & Lori Raine 1983 Joy Ells 1993 Kala Spreag & Christine 1984 Tanya Perrin DeMatteis 1985 Leanne Thomander & Peter 1994 Abby Whidden Nash 1995 Elizabeth Jackson & Miranda 1986 Angela Chisholm Raymond 1987 Kathy Reeves 1996 Shaun Kenny & Charlotte 1988 Andrew Schofield Onyschuk 1989 Christie Rushton 1997 Brieanna Grieder & Jesse 1990 Grieder 1991 Heidi Smith 1998 Nathan Salmon & Jarred Gates

GLEE CLUB TROPHY (donated by Mrs. Mary Durno) presented to the student whose contribution to the Glee Club has been outstanding

1968 Janice LeBlanc 1979 Susan Jess 1969 Wendy Lang 1980 Marjorie Cogswell 1970 Wendy Lang 1990 Adam MacLean 1971 Wendy Lang 1991 Adam MacLean 1972 1992 Andrea Walsh & Lisa Ells 1973 Mac Bishop 1993 Sharon Churchill 1974 1994 Christianne Rushton 1975 Lynn Crosby 1995 Sharon Churchill & Erin Duke 1976 Loretta Smith 1996 Erin Duke & Vida-Mae Spidle 1977 Holly Fisher 1997 Nathan Cowan & Chris Lau 1978 Susan Jess 1998 Heather Rushton & Alan Slipp

ANIL DHRUVA INTERMEDIATE JAZZ BAND TROPHY

1998 Jason Harley & Bobby Keech

HUGH SWEENEY MARCHING PERCUSSION TROPHY

1998 Aimee Cleary & Christina Roland

O. REX PORTER MEMORIAL TROPHY, awarded to the graduating student demonstrating outstanding service to the Horton Band while maintaining an excellent academic record. (Location of trophy and years of use unknown.)

1979 Celia Forsyth

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C. E. EATON TROPHY presented annually to the Best Marksman in the Cadet Corps

1966 Capt. Colin Geitzler 1967 Cdt. Cpl. W. Forsythe 1968 Lt. K. Erickson 1969 Mjr. R. Beckwith 1970 Cdt. W. O. Pudsey 1971 Cdt. P. Price

OGDEN TROPHY Best Platoon (No data)

YOUNG TROPHY Best Cadet 2nd Platoon

1967 D. O’Connor 1968 D. Arnold 1969 L. Hiltz 1970 D. Eddy 1971 S. Jordan

O. REX PORTER CUP Annual Competition for Best All Round Cadet (archives)

1960 Capt. Larry Coldwell 1961 Capt. Larry Coldwell 1967 Cdt. Major G. Hiltz 1962 Major Arthur Weare 1968 Cdt. Major G. Hiltz 1963 Major Ted King 1969 Cdt. Capt. L. Munroe 1964 Major Robert Dale 1970 Cdt. Sgt. R. Schofield 1965 Major Robert Dale 1971 Major Lionel Hiltz 1966 Major Brainard Fitzgerald

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Ω

Horton District High School 1959-1998

“In the next millenium, Horton will continue to be a leader in the field of education in Nova Scotia. So, we say goodbye to this old Horton building and hello to a new one, hoping that the legacy will be carried on.” - 1998 Gryphon Yearbook 75

Appendix Two: Other Trophies

DRIVER EDUCATION TROPHY (archives) 1982 William McEwan 1969 Harold Forsyth 1983 Tom Thomson 1970 Carol Ann Kerr 1984 Michelle Champion 1971 Carol Palmeter 1985 Siobhan Doyle 1972 Gordon LeBlanc 1986 Elizabeth Curran 1973 Mark Campbell 1987 Dana Isnor 1974 Lynn McMahon 1988 Dawn Emino 1975 Mark Hughes 1989 Angela Smith 1976 Larry Hatt 1990 Sherri Woodland 1977 Heather Parker 1991 Steven Manzer 1978 Della Jordan 1992 1979 Linda Condran 1993 Miriam Wildt 1980 Eric Davidson 1994 Jeremy Smith 1981 Michel Baillet

Junior Debating Trophy (archives)

1976-1977 Elizabeth Jollimore 1977-1978 Shirley Connor 1978-1979 Kim Pudsey 1979-1980 Kate Sircom, Jeanne Fletcher, Barry Hennigar 1981-1982 Heather Macmillan 1987-1988 Grade 7C

Nova Scotia Student Debating Association CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT 1977 Provincial Junior High School Championship, Runner-Up

Nova Scotia Student Debating Association CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT 1978 Provincial Junior High School Championship, Second

Nova Scotia Student Debating Association CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT 1979 Provincial Junior High School Championship, Runner-Up

Nova Scotia Student Debating Association CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT 1980 Provincial Junior High School Debating Championship Kate Sircom, Jeanne Fletcher, Barry Hennigar

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Senior Debating Trophy (archives)

1978-1979 Michelle Champion 1979-1980 Elizabeth Jollimore 1980-1981 Shirley Connor 1981-1982 Lindy Cassidy

AWARD OF CERTIFICATE OF MERIT In Recognition of their achievements in the subjects of Mathematics and Science, their awareness of the Profession of Engineering and its commitment to maintaining and furthering the well being of our Society and its environment, The Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia and the Engineering Institute of Canada did award the following students of Horton District High School- A Certificate of Merit and a Slide Rule:

1973 Bruce Mahar 1974 Mark Campbell 1975 Doug Whitman

HORTON DISTRICT HIGH CHESS CHAMPION

1977 David Nunn 1983 Wayne Pulsifer 1978 Sean McGuinness 1984 Tom McInnis 1979 David Nunn 1985 Tom McGuinness (sic) 1980 Greg Harvie 1986 None 1981 Brian Coldwell 1987 None 1982 Michael Shaw 1988 Richard Russell

ANDREW HILL MEMORIAL AWARD FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING GRADE 7 & 8 HORTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL (Plaque: Archives)

1988 Melanie Hobbs 1989 Angela Walker 1990 Devin Trefry 1991 Cheryl Hovell

CONCOURS ANNUEL: Conseil Scolaire Regional de la Vallee Annapolis Face Aux Questions

Horton won the award in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

PUBLIC SPEAKING TROPHY Donated by Eric W. Balcom, MLA For Annual Competition in Public Speaking H.D.H.S 1959 77

1960 Ann Watson 1979 Beverly Cassidy 1961 Wanda Schofield 1980 Beverly Cassidy 1962 Lynda Long 1981 Sally Bird 1963 Betty Ann Coldwell 1982 Kathryn Murray 1964 Paulette Chase 1983 Kathryn Murray 1965 Gale Rawding 1984 Laura MacLatchy 1966 Gordon Porter 1985 Heather Macmillan 1967 Gordon Porter 1986 Kerri-leigh Cassidy 1968 Margaret Parker 1987 Liz Amos 1969 Margaret Parker 1988 Cindy King 1970 Wanda Tanner 1989 Cindy King 1971 Emily Levy 1990 1972 Claire Jewell 1991 Susan Guitard 1973 Lynn Crosby 1992 Ahmed Zabian 1974 Christine Nesdoly 1993 Paru Despande 1975 1976 Janet Patterson 1977 Mary Grace MacPherson 1978 Elizabeth Jollimore

CLASS OF 1963 TROPHY FOR JUNIOR HIGH PUBLIC SPEAKING

1963 Paulette Chase 1978 Nancy Watson 1964 Margaret Parker 1979 Sally Bird 1965 Cora Mae Carey 1980 Fiona McLean 1966 Shelly Murphy 1981 Heather Macmillan 1967 Shelly Murphy 1982 Keri-Leigh Cassidy 1968 Camille Rogers 1983 Jennifer Gates 1969 Joan Levy 1984 Andrea Macmillan 1970 Elizabeth Raaymakers 1985 Steve Miller 1971 Louise Levy 1986 Cindy King 1972 Marie Davison 1987 Melanie Hobbs 1973 Paulien te Bogt 1988 Janesse Leung 1974 June Davidson 1989 Angela Walker 1975 Dyllys Longstaff 1990 Jennifer Melanson 1976 Mary Grace MacPherson 1991 Cheryl Hovell 1977 Mary Grace MacPherson

WALTER C. HUDSON CUP, for leading science student in grade 9. (Location and years of use unknown)

1968 Louise Jones and Peggy MacPhee 1969 Ethel Jordan 78

Appendix Three: Athletic Trophies

HEADMASTERS AND NOVA SCOTIA SCHOOL ATHLETIC FEDERATION AWARDS

HEADMASTERS Boys Open Cross Country Champions 1961-1962 NS HEADMASTERS Class B Boys Soccer 1966-1967 NS HEADMASTERS Class A Boys Soccer 1967-1968 NS HEADMASTERS Class A Boys Soccer 1968 NS HEADMASTERS Class A Boys Basketball 1967-1968 NS HEADMASTERS Class A Boys Basketball Champions 1968-1969 NS HEADMASTERS Class B Boys Soccer 1968 NSSAF A Boys Soccer 1969-1970 NSSAF A Girls Soccer 1969-1970 NSSAF A Boys Soccer 1970-1971 NSSAF Intermediate Boys Cross Country 1977-1978 NSSAF A Girls Basketball 1977-1978 NSSAF Intermediate Boys Wrestling 1980-1981 NSSAF Intermediate Boys Wrestling 1982-1983 NSSAF Intermediate Boys’ Cross Country 1987-1988 Runner Up NSSAF Junior Boys Cross Country 1987-1988 Runner Up NSSAF AAA Girls Volleyball 1988-1989 CHAMPIONS NSSAF Boys AAA Softball 1989-1990 CHAMPIONS NSSAF Junior Boys Track & Field 1990-1991 CHAMPIONS NSSAF Junior Boys Cross Country 1990-1991 CHAMPIONS NSSAF Boys AAA Soccer 1990-1991 Runner Up NSSAF Girls AAA Volleyball 1990-1991 Runner Up NSSAF Girls AAA Soccer 1990-1991 NSSAF Intermediate Boys Cross Country 1992-1993 CHAMPIONS NSSAF AAA Boys Soccer 1993-1994 Runners-Up NSSAF AAA Boys Softball 1993-1994 Runner Up

HORTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL AWARD for Outstanding Team Achievement

1996 Senior Boys Basketball 1998 Girls Soccer Team

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BRIAN HATT MEMORIAL AWARD for Sportsmanship and Dedication

1986 Stuart Wright 1992 Jamie Cochrane 1998 Brian Raine 1987 Mike Scholz 1993 Malcolm McNeil 1988 Blair MacDonald 1994 1989 Matt Stevens 1995 Brad Starratt 1990 Matt Stevens 1996 Steve Sanford 1991 Jason Hirtle 1997 Jason Fowler

HORTON SUBWAY CLASSIC BOYS BASKETBALL

1993 1996 1997

HORTON SUBWAY CLASSIC GIRLS BASKETBALL

1995

VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE GIRLS CHAMPIONS

1982 1985 1997

GYMNASTICS TROPHY (Name plates missing, probably Junior)

MIDGET GYMNASTIC CHAMPION Trophy

1961 Lawrence Sangster 1968 David Milligan 1962 Richard Levy 1969 Ricky Phelan 1963 Victor Rogers 1970 Steve Salter 1964 John Milton 1971 Gary Oickle 1965 Jackie Smith 1972 Charlie Best 1966 None 1973 Danny Lake 1967 None 1977 K. Stokesbury

SENIOR GYMNASTIC CHAMPION Trophy (damaged)

1961 David Sangster 1969 Carson King 1962 David Sangster 1970 Stephen Eye 1963 Gary Johnson 1971 Carson King 1964 Lawrence Sangster 1972 Carson King 1965 Lawrence Sangster 1973 George McCulley 1966 None 1974 Clinton Cogswell 1967 None 1968 Claude Davidson 80

JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY

1960 B. Webster 6’13.8” 1961 M. Schofield 5’48.5” 1962 A. Smith 5’39” 1963 Maurice Davidson 5’40” 1964 Paul Smith 6’07” 1965 Brian Smith 5’31” 1966 None 1967 Michael Young 5’20” 1968 Ted Davidson 5’12” 1969 Perry Atwell 5’16” 1970 Brian Harvey 5’01” 1971 Brian Harvey 1972 Darrell Pick 1973 Robin McMahon 1974 Martin Croft 1975 None 1976 Derek Vaughan 1977 Suzanne Bezanson 1978 Jill Canning

MIDGET CROSS COUNTRY Trophy (broken)

1960 A. Smith 1961 G. Bezanson 1962 W. Burke 1963 Larry Spence 1964 Brian Smith 1965 Donald Coldwell

SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY

1960 W. Preston 5’58.2” 1961 C. Smith 5’30” 1962 C. Smith 5’50” 1963 Ashley Smith 5’34” 1964 Perry Spidle 5’29” 1965 Perry Spidle 5’20” 1966 None 1967 Allison Corkum 5’02” 1968 Paul Smith 5’12” 1969 Perry Schofield 5’01” 1970 Perry Schofield 4’50” 1971 Perry Schofield 1972 Perry Schofield 1973 Charles Arenburg 1974 None 1975 Avery Schofield 1976 Avery Schofield 1977 Darren Whiston 1978 Leslie Longley 81

1979 Leslie Longley 1980 Leslie Longley

HIGH JUMP JUNIOR 1970 Fred Walker 5’4” 1961 Gary Johnson 1971 Wilfred McNeil 1962 Gerald Hatt 1972 Doug Milne 1963 Ashley Smith 5’3” 1973 Marty Lake 1964 Brian Goucher 5’1” 1974 Gerry Dunbar 1965 Victor Rogers 1975 None 1966 None 1976 Dom Ellison 1967 Freeman Schofield 4’11” 1977 Graeme Coldwell 1968 Freeman Schofield 5”5” 1978 Jill Canning 1969 Freeman Schofield 5’9”

HIGH JUMP MIDGET

1961 Michael Chiasson 1971 None 1962 Brian Goucher 1972 Craig Clowery 1963 Brian Hatt 4’7” 1973 Matt Tanner and Stan Viner 1964 Kenneth McBay 4’11” 1974 Marty Lake 1965 Freeman Schofield 1975 None 1966 Freeman Schofield 5’ 1976 Darrell Jordan 1967 None 1977 None 1968 Neil MacKenzie 4’10” 1978 Dom Ellison 1969 John Crawford 4’8” 1970 John Crawford 4’9”

HIGH JUMP SENIOR

1961 William Preston 1962 Gary Johnson 1963 Gerald Hatt 5.5 1964 Gary Johnson 5.4 1965 Ashley Smith 1966 Victor Rogers 5.1 1967 Victor Rogers 5.2 1968 Gary Folker 5.10 1/2 1969 Donald Coldwell 5.6 1970 Freeman Schofield 5.6 1971 David Leslie 1972 David Leslie 1973 David Leslie 1974 Doug Milne 1980 Dennis Gertridge

TRACK AND FIELD AWARD JUNIOR GIRLS

1975 Louise Coldwell 1979 Cathy Tetrault 1976 Kelly Snow 1980 Sherry Walsh 1977 Kelly Snow 1981 Sherry Walsh 1978 Jill Canning 1982 Linda Messom 82

TRACK AND FIELD AWARD INTERMEDIATE GIRLS

1975 Peg Crawford 1979 Kelly Snow 1976 Debbie Griffiths 1980 Margo Levy 1977 Julie Lake 1981 Deirdre Bergin 1978 Sally Coldwell 1982 Sherry Walsh

TRACK AND FIELD AWARD JUNIOR BOYS

1975 Terry Ward 1979 Kerry Lockhart 1976 Terry O’Neill 1980 Mark Langdon 1977 Sam MacNeil 1981 Anthony Singleton 1978 Joey Nemeth 1982 Stephen Leslie

TRACK AND FIELD AWARD INTERMEDIATE BOYS

1975 Marty Lake 1979 Joel Stirling 1976 Danny Lake 1980 Kerry Lockhart 1977 Terry O’Neill 1981 Kerry Lockhart 1978 David Nunn 1982 John Stiles

INTRAMURAL BADMINTON GIRLS SINGLE

1964 Carol MacPherson 1973 Mary Beth Lang 1965 Carole Anne Mosher 1974 Faith Fenton 1966 Carole Anne Mosher 1975 None 1967 Ainsley Rand 1976 Julie Lake 1968 Janice LeBlanc 1977 Julie Lake 1969 Janice LeBlanc 1978 Julie Lake 1970 Wendy Lang 1979 Julie Lake 1971 Judy Lloyd 1980 Vicki Schofield 1972 Emily Levy

CURLING AWARD: “In recognition of the 1972-1973 HDHS Girls Curling Team, which was represented in the ’73 School Girls’ Provincial Championship by Janet Newcombe, Nancy Jordan (Lead), Chris Stirling (Second), Carol Coldwell (Mate), and Pam Young (Skip).

WILLIS JORDAN MEMORIAL CUP (Hockey) Best All Around by New Minas B.Y.F. (Trophy in memory of Willis Jordan, a student who lost his life; the 1961 Yearbook was dedicated to him.)

1962 John Davidson 1969 Rick Newcombe 1970 Doug Hennigar 1978 Glen Condran 1979 David Anderson 83

1980 Kelvin Wallace

DARRELL BEZANSON MEMORIAL CUP (Hockey) Presented for Best Sportsmanship by New Minas B.Y.F. Trophy in memory of Darrell Bezanson, a student who lost his life; the 1961 Yearbook was dedicated to him.)

1962 Robert Smith 1978 Ron Mapplebeck 1969 Doug Hennigar 1979 Chris Viger 1970 Robert Morse 1980 Chris Viger

VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE AAA CHAMPIONS Kings Local NSTU

1982-1983 1986-1987

KINGS COUNTY AAA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS

1979 to 1988 inclusive

DARING ANGELS Consolation Winners 1975-1976 In Memory of Wade Swinamer, Windor 18-3-76: Coach – Paul Young

D. Crosby G. C. Levy J. Cavanagh C. C. Burbidge T. Bezanson C. Bird D. DeAdder A. W. Spidle A. G. Gertridge N. Hovass B. A. McInnis C. Rafuse J. Bishop N. Kynock D. Griffiths L. Carter G. L. Hughes

O. H. ARMSTRONG LIMITED TROPHY Kings County Junior Basketball Championship

1968 1971 1988

THE HORTON 1969 CANADA GAMES TROPHY presented by The Kings-Hants District Soccer Association to the Local School Soccer Champions 1969 Canada Games Soccer 1st Ontario 2nd British Columbia 3rd Newfoundland 4th Nova Scotia: Represented by Horton High 84

Principal: John Margeson (sic) Coach: Conrad MacNeil (Attached to the trophy is an additional plaque: Horton: Mike MacNeil Coach 1993)

NS HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT Senior Women 1977-1978

Coach: Roger Matheson Carol Hayes, Cheryl Matheson, Heather Parker

VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE AAA CHAMPIONS Kings Local NSTU

1982-1983 1986-1987

KINGS COUNTY AAA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS

1979 to 1988 inclusive

HORTON JUNIOR GIRLS CHALLENGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

1978 1979 1980 1988 1990 1985 1986

NORTH EAST MONTREAL SOCCER ASSOCIATION PLAQUE PRESENTED TO N.S. 1967

ACADIA HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER TOURNAMENT Champions 1990

ACADIA UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT Champions 1981

There are several dozen tournament trophies and plaques in the school and broken trophies no longer identifiable. For example, there is a trophy from the Class of 1965, unidentifiable. Probably some trophies are lost.

85

Appendix Four: Horton Students Art Collection

In 1984, the graduating students of Horton District High School established the Horton Students’ Art Collection, works of art created by former students at Horton. These artworks hang in a public art gallery accessed from the main entry into the new school. Our student collection has waited fifteen years for its own home, and we hope that former students, present and future students, and all friends of Horton will enjoy these artworks for years to come.

• Gift of the Class of 1984: David MacNeil ’76: “Top Stairs” (watercolor from his exhibit, “Paintings from Acaciacroft”, the home of H. J. B. Marriott, June 1984) • Gift of the Class of 1985: Pat Jollimore ’76: “Jim Martin’s” (graphite) • Gift of the Class of 1986: Ruth Tuttle ’84: “Mary” (graphite on paper; subject is Mary Sheppard ’93) • Gift of the Class of 1987: Sheri Hancock ’86: “Guitarist No. 1” 1988 (watercolor from the Mother-Daughter Exhibition entitled “New Works”, May 1987; mother is Jean Edmonds Hancock; subject is Brad Duncanson ’86) • Gift of the Class of 1988: William Wells ‘74: “Carter” (watercolor; subject is Carter Lake ’77) • Gift of the Classes of 1989 and 1990: Catherine Lake ’71: “Outback” (watercolor; “Is representative of her style as a figurative artist and uses a family member in an autobiographical setting.”) • Gift of the Class of 1991: Elizabeth Sircom ’81: “Untitled” (oil) • Gift of the Class of 1992: Kasia Muldner ’91: “Untitled” (charcoal sketch) • Gift of Class of 1993: [NONE] • Gift of Class of 1994: [NONE] • Gift of the Class of 1995: Andrew Giddens ’94: “Winter Light” (oil) • Gift of the Class of 1996: Peter Crouse ’89: “Last Exit” (mixed medium on plaster, “developed from a study of order and chaos in Nature”) 86

• Gift of the Class of 1997: Mark Theriault ’78: #1 “The Tassel House” (photo reproduction of a freehand black and white conte drawing in the Art Nouveau style; “based on a real place in Brussels by Victor Horta, c. 1910”) • #2 “Angst or Is This Art?” (abstract-expressionist collage, “an experiment in nonrepresentational imagery”; donated by the artist) • Gift of the Class of 1960 (reunion): Mac Bishop ’75: “Artist’s Choice” (black and white photograph) • Gift of the Class of 1998: “Looking Forward: HDHS 1959-1998”: Dianne E. Thompson-Sheppard ’60, Class Artist 1960; (watercolour; it features a person looking beyond the Old Horton, both into the future and towards the New Horton.)

Principal Giddens receives the first artwork for the Horton Students’ Art Collection.

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Tribute to Horton

Hesitantly we stand on the threshold of tomorrow, And shudder as we step Into the new and unfamiliar.

For we have another errand; To seek new sweets beyond The bounds of mortal sour.

And as we cut the ties To migrate to new frontiers, Our eyes cloud with misty unshed tears.

We look into the future, Not knowing What the morrow holds.

And then give thanks to those To whom we owe so much. To you, we say a fond adieu. Janet Ethier, 1968