Lakeway Tech reunion reignites memories (7 photos)

There was no shortage of laughs, tears and reminiscing at the Lakeway Tech reunion this weekend as over 180 former students and faculty members of the old high school gathered at the Machine Shop for a three-day homecoming spectacular.

The reunion was extra special as 2022 marks 100 years since the school opened in 1922.

Originally called Sault Technical and Commercial High School – or The Tech – the school later broadened its programming and became Lakeway Collegiate and Vocational School in 1969.

Lakeway eventually closed in 1987 to make way for St. Mary’s College, leaving behind countless memories and a legacy that stretches far beyond the classroom.

“Lakeway is more like a family than it was a school,” says Emilio Cupello, a former student and reunion committee member.

Cupello is one of seven members on the Lakeway Tech reunion committee who had been planning the event since before the pandemic.

Despite some setbacks, remote meetings, and last-minute alterations, the group of former students pulled off what they’re calling a truly unforgettable weekend.

“We all brought something to the table,” Sharon Siegfried says. “The spirit is very strong with this group.”

The school’s last reunion in 2012 had a similar turnout in attendance compared to this year’s, which turned out to be a jam-packed weekend full of fun and entertainment.

On Friday, reunion attendees enjoyed a mix and mingle where they dressed in fashion inspired by their high school years.

The group gathered again on Saturday for a semi-formal dinner and dance, which also included speeches and a photo booth.

To wrap up on Sunday, former students and staff from Lakeway Tech came together for a farewell breakfast before saying goodbye to old acquaintances and new friends.

Saturday’s events included a memorial video for the teachers who had passed away in recent years, which was put together by reunion committee member Andy Taylor.

“The idea was to acknowledge and memorialize these people who would be here if they could be,” Taylor says.  

“You could literally hear a pin drop in here,” Siegfried adds.

Among the former teachers who attended the weekend festivities was 94-year-old Melba Hyyrylainen, who taught shorthand business at the school for a number of years.

“She stayed until 10 p.m. on Saturday,” Taylor says. “She was so excited to be part of the reunion.”

“The teachers at that school were absolutely amazing,” Siegfried adds.

The reunion committee, along with countless Lakeway Tech graduates, describe the school as incredibly tight-knit – unlike anything they’ve ever witnessed or experienced.  

“They announced the closure of the school a number of years before it closed, so our group got much smaller and a lot closer,” she says. “The jocks, the nerds – everybody. There was no judgment. We have this camaraderie that you don’t see in other places.”

“It wasn’t about the people, or the cliques – it was the school,” reunion committee member Kim Morin adds. “The fact that it was closing – it meant more to people than ever.”

Their unwavering connection was even recognized by the city at a recent council meeting when mayor Christian Provenzano issued a proclamation by naming Oct. 7-9 as ‘Reunion Weekend’ for the former students at Lakeway Tech.

Over 1200 people from the school stay in touch on social media through the Facebook group ‘Lakeway Trojans,’ which was created by Cupello in 2007. Many members who couldn’t be at the Machine Shop this weekend were posting ‘then and now’ pictures and sharing memories from their days at the school.

Taylor credits Cupello and his idea to make the Facebook group 15 years ago as the reason they were able to coordinate reunions in the first place.

“He’s the reason we’re having the reunion,” Taylor says. “That’s where the 2012 reunion and this one started – because of this group.”

Tables full of memorabilia – like yearbooks, sports plaques, and spirit wear – were displayed along the outskirts of the dining area throughout the weekend. Those items will be donated to the museum following the reunion.