Memory lane: See how students marked school’s 140 years

History, heritage and school memories brought together at Fraser Coast high school celebration. See how it unfolded here.

People join in on the 140 year anniversary celebrations at Maryborough State High School. Photo: Stuart Fast

The collective school memories of hundreds of people came to the surface as they gathered to celebrate Maryborough State High School’s 140th anniversary on Saturday.

The school’s principal Simon Done said the day was a joyous one.

(L) Noel Rollings, the first principal of the amalgamated Maryborough State High School in 1974 with current principal Simon Done. Photo: Stuart Fast

“For people it’s about the memories about the things they did at school, the things they got away with and the things they didn't get away with,” he said.

“We know we’ve had people fly up from Melbourne, from Cairns and interstate, so that’s lovely to see. I know we’ve got reunions happening across Maryborough as well.

“A lot of it is about letting people walk around their school and reminisce.”

Mr Done honoured two former principals Noel Rollings and Leoll Barron during the celebrations with emeritus principal positions for their work at the high school.

Mr Rollings was principal at the school when it was amalgamated into a co-ed school in 1974 and Mr Barron currently holds the record of Maryborough State High School’s longest serving principal.

(L) Former Principals Noel Rollings and Leoll Barron both were awarded emeritus principal positions during the 140th anniversary celebrations. Photo: Stuart Fast

Former student Trish Belt attended the school in 1983 to 1984 and said the current state of the school was a lot different from her experience many years ago.

(L) former students Joyce Richards (1955 to 57), Trish Belt (1983-84), Janet Bray (1955-57), Margaret Lupton (1954-57) and Helen Rasmussen (1956 – 57) remember their school days while at the 140th anniversary celebrations. Photo: Stuart Fast

She said it was good to see what the school had grown to be and it brought back many memories of her high school days.

Her comments were echoed by former student Jennifer McQueen who said she was really happy to have made the effort to come to the reunion.

Mr Done said from this point forward, progress for Maryborough State High School would be onwards and upwards.

Originally published as Memory lane: See how students marked school’s 140 years