SOSS alumnae present current staff and school board members with an architectural rendering of the old school building. From left to right, artist Bill Ross, Superintendent of Schools Bev Young, SOSS alumna Matt Zeeman, board chair Marieze Tarr, SOSS vice-principal Tracy Harrington and alumnae Beverlee Frisby and Lynn George.
Erin Christie photo
SOSS staff and alumnae took a trip down memory lane last Thursday.
Their journey back in time was courtesy of artist Bill Ross, who joined SOSS alumnae Lynn George and Beverlee Frisby in presenting the school with an architectural rendering of the former building.
George, Frisby and their sister Penelope Bosward commissioned Ross to create the piece as a gift to commemorate the work of their late father, A. E. Reid.
Reid enjoyed a long tenure with the school, (formerly known as Southern Okanagan High School), as vice-principal (1948 -1956), and as principal (1956-1967).
The sisters requested Ross, who is now based out of Calgary, after reconnecting with their former classmate at a SOSS class reunion last summer.
Ross said he completed the painting within a few months, but has been working on it over the last year to get it just right.
According to the Reid sisters, his hard work paid off.
“It looks just like yesterday,” Frisby marveled.
“We’re really pleased with Bill’s work. He did a great job,” added George.
SOSS vice-principal Tracy Harrington said the school’s principal (Marcus Toneatto) and staff would select an appropriate place to hang the painting once the construction had slowed down.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
