From Friday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29, 2010, hundreds of former students, teachers and residents of the Boiestown and Doaktown communities gathered for the Two Schools – One Spirit Reunion, held to commemorate the “passing” of two of the area’s long-time high schools, the Doaktown Consolidated High School (DCHS) and the Upper Miramichi Regional High School (UMRHS).  At the same time, tours were provided of the new Central New Brunswick Academy (home to students in Grades 6-12 from both Boiestown and Doaktown) which officially opened its doors with the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.  Due respect was also paid to the old Doaktown Primary School whose almost 80 years of service to the Doaktown community came to an end in June 2010. 

CentralNew Brunswick Academy - New Bandon

The Reunion, organized by a group of dedicated individuals from both Boiestown and Doaktown (and all points in between) featured a number of events, including tours of the former high schools and the Doaktown Primary School, exhibits of memorabilia, Teachers Teas, a softball tournament, and The Last Dance prom which was held in the well-decorated Doaktown Arena and attended by over 650 party goers, many in formal attire. 

Members of the Organizing Committee (from left to right) Back Row:  Co-Chair Sharon Clowater, Shirley Ross, Doreen Parker, Sarah Carson-Pond, Jenny Colford, Belva Brown, Barb Gilks and Co-Chair Grant Ross Front Row:  Judy Ross, Pauline Merrill, Daphne O’Donnell, Karen Swim, Eleanor Gilks, and Olga Ross.

Excellent weather prevailed throughout the weekend and during the closing ceremonies held at the Academy on Sunday afternoon, the thermometer reached 34 degrees.  A crowd of over 100 gathered to watch the planting of two American horn beam trees and the installation of a commemorative plaque.

Claude Russell, a member of the first graduating class from DCHS (1954), is joined by Co-Chair Grant Ross and Committee Member Doreen Parker for the installation of the commemorative plaque. 

Monies raised through registration fees, the sale of souvenir T-shirts, donations and other venues not only paid for administrative expenses, but were also substantial enough for the Committee to schedule a special reception on Sunday, October 24 during which contributions totalling over $12,000 were made to a large number of youth-oriented community groups.  For a complete list of contributions made by the Two Schools – One Spirit Reunion Committee, click here.   We also have a small number of T-shirts (all Extra Large) remaining for sale at $10, including shipping and handling.  If you didn't get one during the Reunion or if you'd like another, please contact Olga Ross at 506-3692617 or olgaross@nb.sympatico.ca.  As before, the funds will go to support the youth groups in our area.  

Special thanks to all our sponsors and to those who contributed to the success of this event in any way.  Best wishes for a wonderful future to the staff and students of the Central New Brunswick Academy.