As preparations continue for Arthur Voaden Secondary School’s 100th anniversary celebration in September, the community will soon have an opportunity to walk the halls of the historic school once again.
The AVSS Centenary Committee is hosting a public walk-through on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving alumni, former staff, students, and community members the chance to revisit a building that has been part of St. Thomas for generations.
The event comes at a particularly emotional time for many in the community. In April, the Thames Valley District School Board announced that Arthur Voaden Secondary School would be closing at the end of the year after determining significant cost-prohibitive maintenance and infrastructure upgrades would be required.
The self-guided tour will provide access to the first- and second-floor hallways, cafeteria, and large gymnasium. Classrooms will not be open to the public.
Admission is free, with visitors able to enter through the north door at the northwest corner of the building or through the accessible entrance at the front of the school. Free parking will be available at the vacant lot located at the corner of Ross and Talbot streets.
Commemorative centennial merchandise will be available for purchase during the event, along with tickets for the committee’s upcoming Dress Your Decade karaoke party later that evening and the larger centennial celebration planned for September.
The walk-through is one of several events organized by the AVSS Centenary Committee as it works toward celebrating 100 years of Arthur Voaden Secondary School and the generations of Vikings who passed through its doors.
Organizers note that last entry for the walk-through will be at 4:30 p.m. on June 27th.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
