John F. Ross graduates holding 50th reunion for class of ‘76
GUELPH – Former students of John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute in Guelph are hosting a 50th reunion next month for the graduating class of 1976.
The event will welcome former students, teachers and friends from that year, as well as one year above and below the graduating class.
“I went to John F. Ross for five years. It was a wonderful experience,” said Maggie Vanderweit Meredith, former student and one of the reunion organizers.
“I was one of those kids who likes teachers, likes learning and Ross. John F. Ross is an amazing high school.”
She added, “In the last year, I’ve shown up there quite a bit ... everybody was so nice and welcoming.”
The reunion will be a three-day event starting with an open house at John F. Ross on June 5 from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
The open house will offer former students, teachers and friends a chance to reconnect, catch up and rehash the “good old times,” officials say.
Following the open house, reunion guests are invited to join Vanderweit Meredith at her home for a free barbecue. Donations will be accepted for a scholarship fund for the graduating class of 2026.
“We are asking at all times for donations to our scholarship fund, and we are going to be as a class, offering a scholarship to a student in the class of 2026 who exemplifies the Ross spirit,” said Vanderweit Meredith.
“We’re going to have some teachers help us choose a worthy recipient ... and we’re very excited ... and we’ve got already a nice chunk of money to give to that.”
The barbecue is expected to begin at 6pm and run late into the night.
Day two will feature golf, a dinner and dance.
Guests are invited to play a round of golf at the Victoria Park East Golf Course in Guelph from 10am to 4pm.
This will be followed by a happy hour, buffet dinner, cash bar and a dance, also at the Victoria Park East Golf Course. The cost for the dinner and dance will be $110 per person and it will run from 4pm until late.
Day three is dedicated to informal gatherings among former students and guests.
Meredith said she hopes to spread the word to those locally who may not know about the event.
“It’s really hard to find people,” she said. “Women’s names get changed and people have scattered all over the place. And so this is an attempt to get some help getting the word out.”
Registration is required to participate and those interested can register online at jfross76.com. More information on each day’s activities can also be found on the website.
