Local Vikings say goodbye to General Vanier after 45 years

Students, staff members, and alumni of General Vanier Intermediate School (GVIS) along with community members had the opportunity to relive the school’s rich history and celebrate over 45 years of success at the GVIS Closing Ceremonies on July 22-23.

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Cornwall - Jul. 26, 2011 - Students, staff members, and alumni of General Vanier Intermediate School (GVIS) along with community members had the opportunity to relive the school’s rich history and celebrate over 45 years of success at the GVIS Closing Ceremonies on July 22-23.

Guests had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities including a Friday evening Wine and Cheese, school tour, athletic events, continental breakfast, and a look at hundreds of pieces of memorabilia.

In addition, the official closing ceremony included a performance by the Akwesasne Women's Singing Society, a wonderful speech by Gold Medalist Lori Dupuis, and GVIS reflections from former staff and students,” said Principal Robert Currier.

“The closing of General Vanier is a big loss to the Cornwall and Akwesasne communities,” said Currier. “I am proud to say that the school has mirrored the diversity of Canada and the Cornwall community through its various cultures that include English, French, Mohawk and multicultural populations. The closing ceremonies gave many former students along with other Cornwall and area citizens a chance to celebrate its distinguished multicultural heritage.”

Currier is also the principal of Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School which will transition to a Grades 7-12 school this fall. In addition, St. Lawrence Intermediate School - which will be known as St. Lawrence Secondary School in September �" will become a Grades 7-11 school this fall, and a Grades 7-12 school in September 2012.

“I would like to say thanks to all of the members of the Closing Ceremonies Committee who helped to make the event such a success,” he said. “The number of people that attended certainly exceeded our expectations.

“The positive comments about the closing weekend activities from former staff and alumni are too numerous to mention,” he added. “In true Viking form, the committee made sure that the GVIS celebration was one that people will fondly remember.”