Fort Richmond Collegiate celebrates 50 years

1967 Fort Richmond Collegiate blue prints.

Fort Richmond Collegiate celebrates 50 years

Fort Richmond Collegiate (FRC) first opened its doors to the students of Fort Garry fifty years ago.

At the time it was often referred to as "the Million Dollar School" because the cost to build was just over one million dollars. The building was designed around a circular library and theatre and also featured an indoor running track, believed to be the first in Canada. The school originally welcomed grades K-12 but elementary and junior high grades were later moved to nearby schools.

There have been some significant changes over the last five decades, but FRC’s legacy of educational excellence, athletic achievement and community involvement has remained constant.

To honour the history and ongoing success of the school, the FRC 50^th Celebration Committee has been planning for a three-day event which will run from May 5 to 7, 2017 and will include:

• Student accomplishments and displays

• Alumni Basketball Tournament

• Wine and Cheese Night

• Open House, including school tours, yearbook/era displays and group photos

• Children’s activities

• Teacher Coffee Stop – join your favourite teachers in the library

• Good Ol’ Manitoba Social

• Sunday morning gathering to “Remember FRC Friends” who are no longer with us

• Pancake brunch

The Sunday morning event will also feature live music by current FRC students, as well as a tribute to the first principal of the school, Albert (Bert) Kroeker, who passed away on September 13, 2014. Many other students of FRC will also be volunteering their talents and time to various activities throughout the weekend.

“It is amazing how many grads, former students and teachers I run into on a daily basis,” says FRC vice-principal Mike Weekes, who has been involved with the school for 17 years, first as a coach, student teacher, teacher and now vice-principal. “Every single one of those individuals speaks to me about what FRC has meant to them and how the school has shaped their lives, their careers, athletic endeavors and what it means to be a good citizen. This 50^th anniversary is a true milestone because it is celebrated by so many people from so many different walks of life.”

“There are so many friendships, accomplishments and milestones for all FRC Centurions to celebrate,” says Laurie Thompson, Class of 1975. “This reunion is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with those people who you may have lost touch with over the years, but who gave you memories that have lasted a lifetime.”

Sabrina Longobardi, Class of 1993, current Science teacher at FRC and FRC 50^th Celebration Committee member says, “FRC is a big part of my life, it always has been. As a former student and now a teacher with children of my own who are graduating from here, the memories are everlasting! I am excited to share this event with others in the community.”

If you’re an FRC grad, educator, student or support staff member, join us for this special and exciting reunion!

Additional event information and registration details are available at http://www.frc50.com/