HWMHS celebrates 100th anniversary
Centenary celebrations for Hay War Memorial High School’s 100th anniversary have commenced.
The school hosted a trivia night on Saturday at Hay Services Club, where more than 200 guests enjoyed the lively competition among teams. The social event raised more than $1,000 for the P&C Association.
The celebrations continued on Monday with a breakfast in the grounds of the school, followed by a formal assembly in the iconic rose garden.
Dignitaries seated on the verandah of the main 1923 built building included Member for Murray Mrs Helen Dalton, Griffith Principals Network Director Mrs Jane Gill, ex-Principals Mr Jim Mather and Mr Alan McDonald, Hay Shire Mayor Mrs Carol Oataway and General Manager Mr David Webb, principals of Hay Public School and St Mary’s School Mr Peter Craft and Mr James Moran.
The assembly was led by the 2023 school captains Michael Tumolero and Emma Johnston and vice-captains Luke Nevinson and Darcy Masters.
The assembly commenced with the school song, before the welcome to country was given by HWMHS captain Emma Johnston, followed by Hay Returned Service League sub-branch president Mr Paul Edwards reciting the Ode.
The captains then shared a history of the school, its purpose and meaning to the local community.
“Few families could afford to travel overseas to visit war graves, so a war memorial at home became a very important substitute,” explained Michael.
“In 1923 on ANZAC Day the director of the Department of Education opened the front door to Hay War Memorial High School with a golden key, and unveiled the honour boards,” shared Emma.
“Our school is a living memorial that has educated thousands of students in a time when the only other options for students wishing to sit the leaving certificate were high schools in Wagga Wagga and Albury,” Darcy said.
“Every student and teacher who has spent time here has added to the traditions of our school,” Luke concluded.
Principal of the school Mr Yvan Chambers said he felt immense pride to be addressing the crowd on such an auspicious occasion.
“This school is not only a place of learning, but the town’s memorial, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many people.
“It is where young minds have been shaped. A symbol of hope and opportunity and a place of remembrance.”
Following a rendition of ‘Travelling Soldier’ by year 11 student Roree Moorhouse, Pat Cox addressed the gathering.
Mrs Cox is president of the ex-student’s association, and attended the school in 1956 as a ‘townie’ from Hay, as opposed to the students from surrounding towns, who boarded at hostels.
Mrs Cox delighted the crowd with her memories of travelling to Deniliquin for a swimming carnival on the back of Fred Atkins’ semi-trailer, with hay bales as safety barriers and seating.
“Who could have done any better than go to Deniliquin on the back of a semi-trailer,” she laughed.
“I don’t know if teachers had paperwork but we got off safely.”
Mrs Cox also had a somber message.
“ANZAC Day was very important to the school – the ANZAC story, the battles and the bravery of those who went, and those who didn’t come home.
“We must try to be more positive in stopping this from happening (again). It shouldn’t be part of modern-day life.”
Certificates of appreciation were presented by Mr Chambers to those who were instrumental in organising the centenary celebrations; Rhonda Slattery, Mark Nelson, Ingrid Heibel, Kylie Kerr, Lily Weymouth and Ann, Geoff and Danyal Cox.
Siblings Emily, Bailey and Benjamin Caughey received appreciation for their roles in organising the ANZAC Day march.
Torch flame awards were presented to those who had a special connection to the history and progression of the school; Paul Edwards, Ann Longworth, Janine Nelson, David Kerr, Pat Cox, Kerry Barnes, Jane Gill, Alan McDonald, Jim Mather and Mary-Lou Gardam.
Mrs Kerry Barnes, president of the P&C Association and Mrs Jill Jayne Gill unveiled the centenary plaque, to the applause of the crowd.
Further photos of the assembly will appear in next week’s Grazier.
