A celebration of Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.
Stories and photos that recount the important early history of a dynamic and innovative rural school during a pivotal and exciting time from 1967 to 1980.
The school's leadership, teachers and students, and its broader local community, had a lasting and positive impact on its graduates.
What's New
Saying Good-Bye to the AHSS Building
From left to right: Marilee Black, Cindy Culbert, Anne Holenski-Kidd, Mr Edwards, Mr O'Halloran, Mrs. White, Mrs Gough, Ms Miller, Dave Thoma, Marilyn DeVries, Mr Haywood, Mrs Streich, Mrs Hall, Margaret Moore, Mel Key, Steve Johnson, Davey Meloy, Mr Ramsey, Mr Mallory, Mr Toderoff, Mr Reaburn, Dave Minden, Mr Camarni, Mr. White, Mr Moxley, Brad O’Gorman, Scott Anders Mr Bottomley.
Many thanks to Wendy McCrimmon@wMacPhotography
On Sunday December 1, 2024 former AHSS teachers, staff and students visited the original AHSS building site to say their good-byes. Memories were shared, champagne was uncorked and a toast was raised to the former high school.
To celebrate the 'unique spirit, learning and friendships' that were part of Almaguin, Margaret Moore McDonald, former student and local business owner of 89 Main in Sundridge, has created a line of clothing commemorating the years 1967-2011 from when the building was opened until the new high school was completed. Many of those attending the mini reunion wore sweaters and hoodies that are part of the AHSS Heritage Collection. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of the clothing will go to support the sports endeavours of current AHSS students. Visit 89 Main Street in Sundridge or click the link below to order your heritage apparel.
With the words to the AHSS Anthem on the back of the legacy sweaters we expect to hear many renditions of "From the Halls of Tobermory...." in the future!
To celebrate the 'unique spirit, learning and friendships' that were part of Almaguin, Margaret Moore McDonald, former student and local business owner of 89 Main in Sundridge, has created a line of clothing commemorating the years 1967-2011 from when the building was opened until the new high school was completed. Many of those attending the mini reunion wore sweaters and hoodies that are part of the AHSS Heritage Collection. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of the clothing will go to support the sports endeavours of current AHSS students. Visit 89 Main Street in Sundridge or click the link below to order your heritage apparel.
With the words to the AHSS Anthem on the back of the legacy sweaters we expect to hear many renditions of "From the Halls of Tobermory...." in the future!
AHSS Building Under Demolition
October 29, 2024 - The original AHSS building has been vacant since 2011 when the new high school building was opened. The building was purchased by private interests a number of years ago. Sadly it is in a state of significant disrepair and damage and is being demolished. It is unknown what the plans are for the property once the demolition is complete.
The original South River Sundridge High School building broke ground in 1958 and was completed in 1959. Its expansion began in 1966 and was completed in 1970. The new school was named Almaguin Highlands Secondary School and included students from across the Almaguin area.
Thank you to former AHSS student Rick McKeig who allowed us to share his tribute to the building and our school. In Richard’s words “The video I believe represents a true highlander....humble, simple, yet strong and proud.“
An era has passed for the generations of the many students, teachers and staff who walked the halls of that building for more than 50 years. Although it will soon be gone the memories of our time there will stay with us forever.
LONG LIVE THE MIGHTY SPIRIT OF A HIGHLANDER
The original South River Sundridge High School building broke ground in 1958 and was completed in 1959. Its expansion began in 1966 and was completed in 1970. The new school was named Almaguin Highlands Secondary School and included students from across the Almaguin area.
Thank you to former AHSS student Rick McKeig who allowed us to share his tribute to the building and our school. In Richard’s words “The video I believe represents a true highlander....humble, simple, yet strong and proud.“
An era has passed for the generations of the many students, teachers and staff who walked the halls of that building for more than 50 years. Although it will soon be gone the memories of our time there will stay with us forever.
LONG LIVE THE MIGHTY SPIRIT OF A HIGHLANDER
South River Lions Fundraising for AHSS Bursary in Honour of Mr. McDermott
South River Lions Club
John A McDermott Memorial Fund
The South River Lions Club with the support of
the McDermott Family have organized the
John A. McDermott Fund
Each year a percentage of the total fund will
be directed toward bursaries for students of
Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.
If you wish to contribute to this fund
please make your cheque payable to:
South River Lions Club
and note that it is for the John A. McDermott Fund.
Send to: PO Box 220, South River, ON P0A 1X0
John A McDermott Memorial Fund
The South River Lions Club with the support of
the McDermott Family have organized the
John A. McDermott Fund
Each year a percentage of the total fund will
be directed toward bursaries for students of
Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.
If you wish to contribute to this fund
please make your cheque payable to:
South River Lions Club
and note that it is for the John A. McDermott Fund.
Send to: PO Box 220, South River, ON P0A 1X0
Norm Mason
1939 to 2024
It is very sad that so soon following the loss of Mr. McMcDermott, that we have lost another important Almaguin educator and leader.
Many of us knew Mr. Mason as the first Principal of Land of Lakes Senior Public in Burk's Falls. In 1980 he joined the Almaguin Highlands family as Vice-Principal, working closely with Mr. McDermott and Mr. Dorst. He later became Director of Education for the area.
We send our sympathies to his wife Marilyn and his family.
Many of us knew Mr. Mason as the first Principal of Land of Lakes Senior Public in Burk's Falls. In 1980 he joined the Almaguin Highlands family as Vice-Principal, working closely with Mr. McDermott and Mr. Dorst. He later became Director of Education for the area.
We send our sympathies to his wife Marilyn and his family.
John A. McDermott
1925 to 2024
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It is with much sadness that we learn of Mr. McDermott's passing on January 11, 2024.
He was the heart and soul of Almaguin Highlands.
Through his deliberate thought, integrity, graciousness, kindness, courage and leadership he created a school and a culture that helped define and teach us about what is right, what is important and how we can work together to build community.
We send out our thoughts to his family and his friends.
His wife Jean and his daughters Kathy and Marilee were all important members of our Almaguin family.
We thank our fellow classmates at Eastholme who have cared so well for Mr. and Mrs. McDermott.
We hope to post tributes on Mr. McDermott over the next while.
If you would like to contribute please contact us.
He was the heart and soul of Almaguin Highlands.
Through his deliberate thought, integrity, graciousness, kindness, courage and leadership he created a school and a culture that helped define and teach us about what is right, what is important and how we can work together to build community.
We send out our thoughts to his family and his friends.
His wife Jean and his daughters Kathy and Marilee were all important members of our Almaguin family.
We thank our fellow classmates at Eastholme who have cared so well for Mr. and Mrs. McDermott.
We hope to post tributes on Mr. McDermott over the next while.
If you would like to contribute please contact us.
Tributes to Mr. McDermott
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Liz Paul-Brooks
Mr McDermott was an eloquent letter writer as well as a great mentor and listener. I had kept and read to him a couple of the letters he had sent to my dad, Max Paul, when he was diagnosed with cancer, and then to Mom after my dad died. A month after dad died was my graduation from high school. When I took my diploma from John, he leaned over and said “He was so proud of you,“ meaning my dad. Every time I would go to visit my mom Evelyn at Eastholme I would try to see John and Jean and often would, as they enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine. Because he couldn’t see, I would always immediately tell John who I was. As time went on though, I only had to say Liz, not even my whole name. He always made you think that you were the very person he was looking forward to seeing! He will be missed. RIP Sir! |
Terry Lynn Schneider Philips
And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed. ~ Maya Angelou There is no doubt that we are all better people because this great, kind and brilliant man existed in our lives. The greatest of our Highlanders...We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Jean, Kathy, Marilee and their families ... and to John's friends. A thank you to those of our class mates who work/worked at Eastholme and shared their kindness and respect with him daily. |
Donna and Jim MacLachlan
In October of 2022, Donna and I went to Eastholme to present a comedy show to the residents, of course including Jean and John.
It was difficult to find the Eastholme entrance as work on the elevator closed the front door. We found the side door and after a COVID test, we were ushered to the second floor meeting room.
Jean and John were brought in early after lunch and we had a chance to visit before the show. Just before the show I wanted to test the microphone to be sure all could hear. This is what I said: “Donna and I are very happy to be here today. It did take us quite a while to get in with your front door being closed, your elevator being worked on and COVID testing. Eastholme, do you realize how hard it is to just get in here today?”
Without hesitation and no preparation John clearly said:
“ Jim, they make it even harder to get out.”
Best one-liner of the afternoon.
In October of 2022, Donna and I went to Eastholme to present a comedy show to the residents, of course including Jean and John.
It was difficult to find the Eastholme entrance as work on the elevator closed the front door. We found the side door and after a COVID test, we were ushered to the second floor meeting room.
Jean and John were brought in early after lunch and we had a chance to visit before the show. Just before the show I wanted to test the microphone to be sure all could hear. This is what I said: “Donna and I are very happy to be here today. It did take us quite a while to get in with your front door being closed, your elevator being worked on and COVID testing. Eastholme, do you realize how hard it is to just get in here today?”
Without hesitation and no preparation John clearly said:
“ Jim, they make it even harder to get out.”
Best one-liner of the afternoon.
Patti Nelson (nee Pettitt)
RIP Mr. McDermott. You were our gentle giant. You will be missed. 😞🙏🏻❤️
I have a story to share...I don't even think my family knows about this. I'm not sure if fellow classmates remember when my name was called over the school's PA system to go to the "principal's office". I do remember the oooo's I got as I left whatever classroom I was in! 😊
Back story...a long personal story but...our father tried to keep our grandmother from contacting us. Grandma wasn't letting any of that. She contacted Mr. McDermott and asked if he would help her to talk to me. Our gentle giant agreed. Sooo, when I was "called" to the principal's office...he'd take me into his office, let me sit in his big chair at his desk and talk to my grandma! He also let my grandma send letters "in care of him" to me!
Another memory I will never forget happened during our grad ceremony...as we walked across the stage to receive our diplomas and his handshake. As I crossed to shake Mr. McDermott's hand...he leaned into me and whispered, "Can I borrow your phone some time!?" ❤️
So you see Mr. McDermott you will always be special to me! Thank you for being the best!!
🙏🏻❤️😞
RIP Mr. McDermott. You were our gentle giant. You will be missed. 😞🙏🏻❤️
I have a story to share...I don't even think my family knows about this. I'm not sure if fellow classmates remember when my name was called over the school's PA system to go to the "principal's office". I do remember the oooo's I got as I left whatever classroom I was in! 😊
Back story...a long personal story but...our father tried to keep our grandmother from contacting us. Grandma wasn't letting any of that. She contacted Mr. McDermott and asked if he would help her to talk to me. Our gentle giant agreed. Sooo, when I was "called" to the principal's office...he'd take me into his office, let me sit in his big chair at his desk and talk to my grandma! He also let my grandma send letters "in care of him" to me!
Another memory I will never forget happened during our grad ceremony...as we walked across the stage to receive our diplomas and his handshake. As I crossed to shake Mr. McDermott's hand...he leaned into me and whispered, "Can I borrow your phone some time!?" ❤️
So you see Mr. McDermott you will always be special to me! Thank you for being the best!!
🙏🏻❤️😞
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The Almaguin Community Trails are Growing and Need Your Support
Have you visited the walking/skiing/snowshoe trails behind the new school on Mountainview Road?
The trails, which are very well used by the school and the community, are part of the Discovery Routes Trail Organization. They continue to grow and in 2023 an additional kilometre was added, bringing the total to more than 8 km.
In 2021 two benches were added to area.They are dedicated to our much loved John and Jean McDermott (see photo below).
Last year in cooperation with AHSS, the trails hosted a dogsled race organized by the Sleddog Sport Association of Southern Ontario (SSASO). Twenty teams competed in time trials with mushers came from as far away as Pennsylvania. SSASO was so impressed with the facility that they are returning with an estimated 40 plus teams in 2024.
An application has been made to the International Federation of Sleddog Sports to make the AHSS trail’s race a World Cup Qualifier. It is hoped that this will become an annual event. Visit the Almaguin Community Ski Trails Facebook page to see videos and pictures of the 2023 event.
The trails are maintained with great support from local businesses and individuals, but more support and funding is needed. The biggest expenses are to keep the ageing groomers operational.
Tax deductible donations can be made on the Facebook page electronically or by cheque made out to Discovery Routes Trails Organization (for Almaguin Community Trails) sent to: 205 Main St. East, North Bay, ON P1B 1B2. Tax receipts will be given.
For more information, contact Stephen Todoroff at [email protected]
The trails, which are very well used by the school and the community, are part of the Discovery Routes Trail Organization. They continue to grow and in 2023 an additional kilometre was added, bringing the total to more than 8 km.
In 2021 two benches were added to area.They are dedicated to our much loved John and Jean McDermott (see photo below).
Last year in cooperation with AHSS, the trails hosted a dogsled race organized by the Sleddog Sport Association of Southern Ontario (SSASO). Twenty teams competed in time trials with mushers came from as far away as Pennsylvania. SSASO was so impressed with the facility that they are returning with an estimated 40 plus teams in 2024.
An application has been made to the International Federation of Sleddog Sports to make the AHSS trail’s race a World Cup Qualifier. It is hoped that this will become an annual event. Visit the Almaguin Community Ski Trails Facebook page to see videos and pictures of the 2023 event.
The trails are maintained with great support from local businesses and individuals, but more support and funding is needed. The biggest expenses are to keep the ageing groomers operational.
Tax deductible donations can be made on the Facebook page electronically or by cheque made out to Discovery Routes Trails Organization (for Almaguin Community Trails) sent to: 205 Main St. East, North Bay, ON P1B 1B2. Tax receipts will be given.
For more information, contact Stephen Todoroff at [email protected]
Remembering Teacher and Coach Bill DeVries
1941 - 2023
1941 - 2023
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Bill DeVries will be well-remembered by AHSS students and staff.
We see his photo throughout this site coaching many of the sports teams throughout the AHSS early years.
We see his photo throughout this site coaching many of the sports teams throughout the AHSS early years.
Former Vice-Principal Don Dorst remembered Mr. DeVries:
"Bill's impact on the AHSS community is the stuff of legends. He was an excellent teacher, supportive to our students and staff members, a valued coach who welcomed all students who wanted to be better at their sport and to be better sports, and a friend to us all. He was a valued teacher, guidance head and vice-principal during his career. He always had a big smile of welcome, every morning, and it was obvious when he was in the halls, in his classroom or office, coming home on the hockey team bus from away games, or inside or outside doing coaching or cheering, that he quickly became and remained the centre of attention and admiration of kids and staff alike. He set the bar high--in sports and teaching, family life and in community service."
"Bill's impact on the AHSS community is the stuff of legends. He was an excellent teacher, supportive to our students and staff members, a valued coach who welcomed all students who wanted to be better at their sport and to be better sports, and a friend to us all. He was a valued teacher, guidance head and vice-principal during his career. He always had a big smile of welcome, every morning, and it was obvious when he was in the halls, in his classroom or office, coming home on the hockey team bus from away games, or inside or outside doing coaching or cheering, that he quickly became and remained the centre of attention and admiration of kids and staff alike. He set the bar high--in sports and teaching, family life and in community service."
Mr. Warren Wanless remembers Mr. deVries at his memorial service:
I would like to speak of the longstanding friendship that I had with Bill spanning a period of almost 50 years.
Bill was the second transplanted American whom I got to meet and know in Sundridge. My mother-in-law, Louise Mitchell, was the first. Both were fine people and became good, productive Canadian citizens.
We can, and sometimes do, take friendships for granted and forget how much our friends contribute to our lives. I am grateful to Marilyn for giving me the honour of speaking as it has given me the time to reflect on how Bill's friendship has impacted my life.
As a fellow teacher at Almaguin Highlands, I had many interactions with Bill on a professional level. He taught phys. ed, coached many different teams, was a guidance counsellor and became vice principal. I always thought he should have been a history teacher for he was very well read in history for his own enjoyment and knowledge. He was maybe more knowledgable in history than I was!!
I didn't have a lot of close contact with Bill then as we were both very busy with our careers and raising our families, but I certainly remember his passion for coaching and managing teams. At one time he was very involved with the high school boys' hockey team and he and Doug McDonald had some difficult times with the North Bay coaches over gaining entry for Almaguin into the North Bay High School hockey league.
While teaching, Bill and I became a part of a golf foursome that lasted for over 40 years. Initially it also included fellow teachers Doug McDonald and Bob Bisbee. We would get together once a week in the Wednesday Night Men's League at the Eagle Lake Golf Course. I was golfing with some elite golfers: one year Doug won the Bucko MacDonald Championship Trophy (named in honour of his father) and a couple of years ago Bill got a hole-in-one during regular league competition. As a way of celebrating his achievement he opened his wallet and bought us all a round of drinks.
After our good friend Doug died, Frank Campbell took Doug’s place on our foursome. He too excelled and won the Bucko MacDonald trophy twice. Bill would often tease Frank that he "sand bagged" throughout the golf season and then performed well above his handicap at the year-end championship.
Besides golfing once a week we would often get together with our wives for special occasions such as Christmas or New Year's Eve and birthday celebrations.
Following our retirements, I saw Bill more frequently. In addition to golf we now visited the local restaurant for coffee and conversation at least once a week. We had many common interests and were never short of conversation. We shared an interest in sports, especially hockey.
We also talked about our respective families, golf, hunting and politics. Politics would include American, Canadian and municipal. On the political spectrum Bill was more right-of-centre and I was a little left-of-centre. However, we never let that get in the way of an open-ended discussion and we accepted and respected each other's views.
A few days before Bill went to the hospital, we got together for a nice visit at his home. I had not seen Bill in the previous two months but knew that he had not been well. He had fallen the day before and was using a cane to steady himself but he was in good spirits and we spent about an hour reminiscing. He let me know that his golfing career was over. At the end of the visit there were no profound goodbyes, just the expectation, as always, that we would see each other again.
I don't think the rest of us quite realized the extent of his medical difficulties He was a very proud man.
Well Bill - lots of good laughs and memories - right to the end!!
I would like to speak of the longstanding friendship that I had with Bill spanning a period of almost 50 years.
Bill was the second transplanted American whom I got to meet and know in Sundridge. My mother-in-law, Louise Mitchell, was the first. Both were fine people and became good, productive Canadian citizens.
We can, and sometimes do, take friendships for granted and forget how much our friends contribute to our lives. I am grateful to Marilyn for giving me the honour of speaking as it has given me the time to reflect on how Bill's friendship has impacted my life.
As a fellow teacher at Almaguin Highlands, I had many interactions with Bill on a professional level. He taught phys. ed, coached many different teams, was a guidance counsellor and became vice principal. I always thought he should have been a history teacher for he was very well read in history for his own enjoyment and knowledge. He was maybe more knowledgable in history than I was!!
I didn't have a lot of close contact with Bill then as we were both very busy with our careers and raising our families, but I certainly remember his passion for coaching and managing teams. At one time he was very involved with the high school boys' hockey team and he and Doug McDonald had some difficult times with the North Bay coaches over gaining entry for Almaguin into the North Bay High School hockey league.
While teaching, Bill and I became a part of a golf foursome that lasted for over 40 years. Initially it also included fellow teachers Doug McDonald and Bob Bisbee. We would get together once a week in the Wednesday Night Men's League at the Eagle Lake Golf Course. I was golfing with some elite golfers: one year Doug won the Bucko MacDonald Championship Trophy (named in honour of his father) and a couple of years ago Bill got a hole-in-one during regular league competition. As a way of celebrating his achievement he opened his wallet and bought us all a round of drinks.
After our good friend Doug died, Frank Campbell took Doug’s place on our foursome. He too excelled and won the Bucko MacDonald trophy twice. Bill would often tease Frank that he "sand bagged" throughout the golf season and then performed well above his handicap at the year-end championship.
Besides golfing once a week we would often get together with our wives for special occasions such as Christmas or New Year's Eve and birthday celebrations.
Following our retirements, I saw Bill more frequently. In addition to golf we now visited the local restaurant for coffee and conversation at least once a week. We had many common interests and were never short of conversation. We shared an interest in sports, especially hockey.
We also talked about our respective families, golf, hunting and politics. Politics would include American, Canadian and municipal. On the political spectrum Bill was more right-of-centre and I was a little left-of-centre. However, we never let that get in the way of an open-ended discussion and we accepted and respected each other's views.
A few days before Bill went to the hospital, we got together for a nice visit at his home. I had not seen Bill in the previous two months but knew that he had not been well. He had fallen the day before and was using a cane to steady himself but he was in good spirits and we spent about an hour reminiscing. He let me know that his golfing career was over. At the end of the visit there were no profound goodbyes, just the expectation, as always, that we would see each other again.
I don't think the rest of us quite realized the extent of his medical difficulties He was a very proud man.
Well Bill - lots of good laughs and memories - right to the end!!
On June 19, 2023 former AHSS teacher Jim MacLachan presented the AHSS Early Years project with a cheque for $500.00 to support the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of this site. Mr. MacLachlan raised the funds through his Comedy 4 Community held on June 3. He is shown presenting the cheque to Vicki Whitmell (1975-76) who is the coordinator of the website. Donations for the site can be sent to Jim at [email protected].
Who Do You Recognize?
Many of these former former teachers and staff were at AHSS between 1968 and 1980. They gathered together at Caswell's Hotel in Sundridge to celebrate John A McDermott's 85th birthday.
For their names and more photos visit the teacher's page.
Thanks for former teacher Caroline Miller for sending us the photos and details.
For their names and more photos visit the teacher's page.
Thanks for former teacher Caroline Miller for sending us the photos and details.
More than fifty years later we still remember.
This Reflections of AHSS alumni video taken from comments and
responses on our active Facebook page "AHSS The Early Years,"
demonstrates our gratitude for the AHSS leadership, teachers and students,
and the community they created.
This video was compiled by Terry Lynn Schneider. Many of the comments are also included in the pages that follow.
AHSS was located on Highway 11 (now Highway 124) between South River and Sundridge, Ontario.
The school brought students together from the nearly 4000 square kilometres within the rural-based school district.
Outstanding leadership and the recruitment of excellent and energetic teachers provided students
with rich academic learning.
Students were encouraged to participate in sports and athletics and in a large range of
social, artistic and cultural activities.
Inclusive approaches were taken to involve the surrounding local communities with its central high school.
The school brought students together from the nearly 4000 square kilometres within the rural-based school district.
Outstanding leadership and the recruitment of excellent and energetic teachers provided students
with rich academic learning.
Students were encouraged to participate in sports and athletics and in a large range of
social, artistic and cultural activities.
Inclusive approaches were taken to involve the surrounding local communities with its central high school.
This site is a work in progress. Here you will find the links to photos and stories are recently added to our site.
There is lots more to come.
Watch our Facebook page for updates or come back to visit to see what is new.
We would love to hear what you think about our site and to hear your memories of AHSS.
There is lots more to come.
Watch our Facebook page for updates or come back to visit to see what is new.
We would love to hear what you think about our site and to hear your memories of AHSS.
We need your help to complete this site.
If you have memories, photos, corrections, or thoughts, please send them to us.
We want this to be as complete a record about AHSS and its students, teachers and communities as is possible.
If you have memories, photos, corrections, or thoughts, please send them to us.
We want this to be as complete a record about AHSS and its students, teachers and communities as is possible.
"From the halls of Tobermory to Glencairn and Inverness
We are mighty northern highlanders and we fight for AHSS
And from Argyll to Balmoral, and from Heath to Stornoway
We are proud and we're united
It's Almaguin all the way!"
The school song (as written by AHSS Students in 1971)
"From the halls of Tobermory to Glencairn and Inverness
We are mighty northern highlanders and we fight for AHSS
And from Argyll to Balmoral, and from Heath to Stornoway
We are proud and we're united
It's Almaguin all the way!"
The school song (as written by AHSS Students in 1971)
We acknowledge that our school was on the traditional lands and waterways of the Anishinabek
and Algonquin peoples,
and part of the Robinson Huron (1950) and Williams (1923) Treaties territory.
We further acknowledge that as Canadians, we are all treaty people.
and Algonquin peoples,
and part of the Robinson Huron (1950) and Williams (1923) Treaties territory.
We further acknowledge that as Canadians, we are all treaty people.