Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Once again, the spark has been lit and the fire of the XLCR alumni spirit is set to burn brightly in Canada. This was the sense that emerged after the first meeting in over a decade happened late June in the East end of the GTA. Charles Chambers, C. June Blair and Preston Harrison (all graduates from the 1960s) along with Mindell Senior-Morris (’85), Horace Stewart (’80) and Owen Blakka Ellis (’77) had a lively and productive meeting on Thursday June 25 at the Malvern Public Library in Scarborough.

The Ontario six have formed a steering committee and have resolved to work towards revitalizing the now dormant Excelsior School Alumni Association of Ontario. The association had its first major event - the Inaugural Spring Dance - on June 6, 1987 and was officially incorporated in 1988.

However, after a few years of activity and productivity the momentum decreased and membership waned. A few attempts at revival emerged over the years but none had any real impact. The last sitting treasurer for the association, Chambers presented a brief financial report, while Preston Harrison handed over copies of the Constitution, by laws, and letters of patent for the organization to the steering committee. Ellis shared ongoing plans and developments in his personal initiative - A grand reunion Dinner and Dance.

The committee intends to use the social as a rallying point for mobilizing more support and collecting names and contact information from a larger number of alumni. A general meeting will be announced for sometime by or before mid September where a new slate of officers will be elected. Blair, Stewart and Senior-Morris are leading the charge to distribute tickets for the Dinner Dance planned for August 21 in Mississauga.

The Ontario six are resolute in their determination that with the support of alumni all over, soon and very soon the Excelsior eagle will not only fly again in Canada, she will soar yet higher.