On Sunday January 17th our Association held its first Appreciation Evening. The event was held at the Tall Pines Community Centre and in spite of the worst snow storm on the previous three days, a large number of our alumni and spouses attended.

Our feature speaker, Dr. Robert Moore was unfortunately unable to attend because of the existing travel conditions between Ottawa, where he lives, and Toronto.

M.C. Arthur Henery welcomed attendees and thanked them for their attendance. He then asked our President, Gerald Alleyne, to address the audience.

Gerald stated that we all had one thing in common, i.e. a positive attitude to service, service to our community and to our alma mater. He then announced two initiatives: firstly the ABC Plan (Automated Bank Cheque) -a user friendly method whereby one could subscribe to the Association, and secondly, the introduction of a Bursary Fund by which children of paid up members would be eligible for educational assistance of up to $500. Three bursaries would be awarded each year.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of five Appreciation Certificates to members and friends who have made significant contributions to the Association. Those being acknowledged were:
Denis Chow Woon, a stalwart alumnus, who has worked and continues to work diligently to maintain and update our data records since our inception and was the chief organizer of our successful Ray Luck concert.

The BHS Alumni Association who have unstintingly given their support to all our efforts, and is a manifestation of the term "Sister Organization". Their help has been indispensable.

Rupert De Castro, a visionary whose drive in planning and co-ordinating the Last Lap Lime has made the function the tremendous success it has been and for his substantial contribution to the Fire Fund.

Richard Gaskin who has made the single largest contribution to the Fire Fund to date

Nand Hardowar, whose generosity has been overwhelming by allowing us the use of his restaurant the Roof Garden for fund-raising projects is gesture worthy of much praise.

In the absence of Dr. Moore, we asked Dr. Percy Anderson to address the gathering. His speech exhorted us to "know ourselves" and to continue to strive for excellence in all our efforts.

All in all, it was a worthwhile evening, where we met, in some cases, fellow alumni whom we had not seen for many years, and left the get together with warm feelings of camaraderie.

Currently, we are in touch with our Alma Mater trying to clarify the needs of the students and the real priorities. The school has generated a wish list and we hope to be able to provide tangible assistance before long. More about this later.

Please acquaint yourselves with our ambitious program of activities for the months ahead. We have already commenced planning for Last Lap Lime 1999 and, in the intervening winter months, you can come out and have fun with us at the Spring Dance, Casino Rama etc.

Mark April 25th in your calendars and come out in large number for the AGM.

With best wishes to all our friends and supporters and once again, thank you!

Gerald Alleyne
President, 1998/99