Celebrating the Class of 1974

On the evening of Saturday 8 June, Hotel Brandon hosted a celebratory 50-year school reunion for the Burdekin Catholic High School (BCH)’s graduating class of 1974!

A fabulous night was had by all with the cohort recalling the establishment of BCH in 1974 following the amalgamation of the Marist Brothers and St Francis Xavier Convent High School. Many of the attendees travelled far and wide to catch up with one another, with some travelling from Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Yeppoon, Tin Can Bay, Macky, Townsville, and even New South Wales.

One of the attendees, Rita Quaglita, expressed her joy in reuniting with her old school friends to celebrate such a momentous memorial occasion.

“Catching up with beautiful people that we haven’t seen for 50 years was a golden opportunity for all to welcome back alumni in a nostalgic celebration of such a significant milestone,” expressed Rita.

The evening was led with Angie Wagner sounding the school bell and then joined by Robert Tomarchio to welcome the guests with a commencement speech. Terry Lund and Carmen Dalponte then initiated a remembrance call, and a minute silence for those who had passed.

Teleporting back half a decade, Rita Quaglita and Christine Viero called out the student roll call and toasted to the joyous and memorable occasion, however, the highlight of the evening was the surprise visit of former schoolteacher, Mrs Freshwater. Mrs Freshwater was welcomed by the class with tears and laughter as many reminisced on their time spent with her at BCH.

BCH 1974 school captain, Susan O’Shea held the honourable role of cutting the celebratory cake and the night encompassed various lucky door prizes with many fortunately walking away with a bottle of wine.

The cohort thanks Hotel Brandon, the chef, Kristi, Jess, and all staff for the delicious buffet and service for what was an extraordinary event they’ll remember forever.

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