Mishall RehmanA one-time beloved high school for many military brats will be celebrating its 65th-anniversary reunion celebration this May.
All former students and staff of CFB Petawawa’s General Panet High School are welcome to come.
“We have kept in touch with many students (past and present) who are looking forward to returning for the 65th Anniversary Celebration, and every effort is being made to locate as many former staff and students as possible to make the event an even greater success,” writes the General Panet High School Reunion Committee.
A Fun-Filled Weekend for All
From May 19 – 21, 2023, all those connected to the former General Panet High School are welcome for a fun-filled weekend. The event will connect all those who once called Panet their school. Former students and staff from Valour High School are also welcome to attend.
The weekend will kick-off with a Meet and Greet at the Petawawa Civic Centre on Friday night, and the pinnacle event of the weekend will be the Saturday night Dinner and Dance. Other weekend events include golfing, a Jam Session Saturday afternoon and a Sunday brunch.
The General Panet High School Reunion Committee recognizes that this reunion is “more important than ever,” with many former students and teachers “getting up there in years.”
The deadline for registration and purchase of the full package is April 15. However, anyone can still join the celebration by attending the dance on May 20.
Welcoming Students for Many Decades
For more than fifty years, General Panet High School, formerly located on CFB Petawawa, welcomed hundreds of children of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Because of its unique nature, many alumni of the school note that bonds formed here remained for a lifetime. In 2015 the high school was demolished.
“Past years have seen as many as 700 people at the reunion ranging in age from the 20s to the 90s and usually around 50 golfers at the tournament. Lots of reminiscing, laughter, dancing and the food is always fantastic (breakfasts, lunches and dinners from the very best local catering companies). Plenty of old General Panet memorabilia, old yearbooks and uniforms will be on sale,” said Gary Serviss, reunion committee member.
Many alumni of the school have gone on to have astounding careers both in the CAF and beyond. Some notable alumni include: world-famous opera singer Joshua Hopkins, rock star Tommy Mac of the band Hedley, former NHL player Joe Reekie, and winter Olympian Nordic skier Chris Jefferies.
To learn more about the event, click here or the General Panet Reunion Facebook page here. Registration forms and requests can be sent here. Tickets range from $20 to $150, depending on the package.
