Chapleau High School grads in 1969 caught 'in crossfire of generation gap' according to former principal S.B. Pallett while Beanie BeaBop reports on drama award winners

Chapleau High School students were told at their 1969 Commencement that they were caught "in the crossfire" of the generation gap by Miss S.B. Pallett, a former teacher and principal at the school.

Miss Pallett, who had been invited to return as guest speaker, about 29 years after she had left Chapleau, told the students that they lived in an increasingly demanding world where their "enthusiasm, ideas and initiative were needed."

"You must make the world a better place to live in," Miss Pallett challenged the graduates, adding "never has there been such a challenge for youth. You are caught in the crossfire of the generation gap."

"LIfe gives back to you in proportion you give to it... Keep your minds receptive to new ideas and all need a positive set of values in spite of what others may think, say or do and you must be able to say no. No is still a good word."

Referring to the high price paid by two preceding generations for freedom in World Wars I and II, Miss Pallett urged students to continue creating a society where they had "freedom to be themselves without hurting the freedom of others. This was bought at a very high price by the two preceding generations."

"Happiness comes not by looking for it but by the way of life you lead."

Miss Pallett was introduced by Frank Coulter, a member of the Chapleau Board of Education, former CHS student and World War II veteran. She was thanked by student Brenda Pellow.

Kazufumi Higuchi was the valedictorian and recipient of the Austin McClellan Scholarship presented to him by by Conrad Tremblay, also a board member, former student and World War II veteran.

Kazufumi, Lucy Bignucolo and George Harris were presented Ontario Scholarships by J.B. Walsh, the school principal.

The Allan Austin Memorial Scholarship was presented to Marie Eveline by Aldee Martel, a board member, while another of the older awards at the time, the Davidson-Crozier was presented to Molly O'Connor by Mrs. Lillian (Crozier) Robinson.

The chair of the Chapleau Board of Education was Rev. Murray Arnill, and other members were Frank Braumberger, Douglas Jardine, Mansel Robinson and Leo Walzak. Business administrator was Elmer Freeborn and assistant business administrator was Anita Deluce.


Meanwhile, "Beanie BeaBop" was writing High School News in the Chapleau Sentinel. In one of her columns she wrote about the school's annual drama show, pointing out that the gym was packed for both nights of the production.

"Barbara Hoath's hilarious performance of 'The Howse' was outstanding and merited her an award for best performance by a newcomer," Beanie wrote.

"Awarded for their best individual performance was 'Mary and Ernie' (Mary Whitney and Ernie Chambers) whose melodious singing was pleasing to the ear as well as to the mind.

"It was so difficult to decide who won as best actress, Janet Morris in 'Three on a Bench' or Marie Therese Belair in 'Pen of My Aunt' so both tied for best actress. Michelle Ouellette was voted best supporting actress and John Cosgrove best supporting actor.

"Bob Fife received the honours of best actor for his performance in 'Pen of My Aunt." (I just can't resist an aside re Bob. He must have been preparing for his role as Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News while a student at CHS.)

How many of the teaching staff do remember if you were a CHS student in 1969-70. They were Pat Bamford, R.M. Cote, Ora Devine, Margaret Rose fortin, Wayne Guest, Ross Hryhorchuk, Carolyn Kay, R.J. Lemieux, Eleanor Lyttle, Ray MacDonald, Connie Plexman, Sonia Riddoch, Tom Riddoch, Merv Sheridan, Barbara Simpson, Nick Stevens, Marie Tremblay, John Tymchuk and me. Mr. Walsh was principal.George Evans was assistant principal. The school secretary was Mrs. M. Levesque and custodians were Gilbert Landry, Art Linklater and Wes Tatler.

And, who was Beanie BeaBop? My email is mj.morris@live.ca