The Brooklin Town Crier 3 Brooklin's Community Newspaper Relay For Life at Donald A. Wilson On Friday, June 3, members of the Donald A. Wilson Secondary School community participated in the annual Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. Teams spent 12 hours doing laps around the school track which was illuminated by hundreds of luminaria, dedicated by participants who have personally been affected by the loss that cancer brings. Pictured here are members of The World Travellers Team, which raised $940 to help find a cure for cancer in our lifetime. From left to right: Sawyer Christieson, Robert Hauk, Taylor Gorden, Alexandra Stewart, Chelsea Margerum, Brittany Dunn, Shae Schell (top), Lauren Bessel (bottom), Samantha Christie, and Mitchell Pulla. photo by Robert Pavlopoulos Smoke Grenade Ignited at Brooklin High School Cafeteria Police responded to a call this week from Brooklin High School after reports that a smoke grenade was ignited in a cafeteria filled with students. On Monday, June 13, 2016, at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers from Central West Division responded to Brooklin High School on Carnwith Drive West to assist the fire department. A device had been ignited in the school cafeteria, which generated a large cloud of orange smoke. The cafeteria was filled with students on lunch period at the time and caused panic in some students as they rushed to exit the cafeteria. The incident put the safety of the students and staff at risk and could have resulted in serious injuries. The school was evacuated as a safety precaution, but no injuries were reported. The device was determined to be a high-output smoke grenade that is commonly used by paintball enthusiasts. The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is appealing for witnesses to contact Detective Constable Rayner of Central West Division at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1854, with any information about those responsible for the incident. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca, and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward. New Brooklin High School is Impressive By Kim Aloe Attending the Official Grand Opening of our community's new Brooklin High School was truly a historical event. The last Brooklin High School was located on southeast corner of Baldwin Street and Winchester Road. It opened on January 30, 1924 and closed its doors in 1972. While the new Brooklin High school has been opening and thriving since September, its official opening took place on May 26, 2016 and was marked with formal presentations, band and drama performances, and an Open House in many departments. MC's Maggie MacEachern, Liam Maloney, Greg Scotchburn and Fiona Tokic moved the guests and presenters through various guest speakers and formal presentations, keeping it interesting and entertaining. Members of the student body received various gifs, including Canadian, Ontario and Whitby flags, a copy of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and a portrait of the Queen for the school's foyer. As seen in the last edition of the newspaper, Mayor Don Mitchell presented the Whitby flag to Samantha Grandy, grand-daughter of the original land owner. Rattana,and Darren Elliott gave a brief history of our town and its schools, and Principal. Warren Palmer gave a thoughtful speech, thanking the contributions of so many departments and community supporters to see the vision, design, construction and implementation of the Brooklin High School come into fruition. The ceremony closed with a ribbon cutting by Mr. Palmer, Kathy Smith (school secretary), Shane Stagg, Samuel Yacob, Lorri Busch and Effie Coughlan (School Community Council Co-Chairs). The school mas- cot's official name was also announced, as voted upon by all the students. Don't forget to cheer on "Baldwin" Bear when you see him at the next school game! The night was far from over though. Each department had its doors open, and guests wandered through the school admiring the latest technology and equipment available to our town's youth. Our new school is rich in opportunity for students with a variety of interests. This includes Fashion Arts, and the design rooms have as many sewing machines as the Business Tech Department has computers. Parents and guests played computer games designed by students, sampled food from the Culinary Arts Department (a French Cafe, rich with crepes - yum!), and all the Art Departments demonstrated their many talents. Admittedly, I had a difficult time leaving the Biology Department display of pig lungs and flat worms as I as so impressed with the resources available to the students. For the sports-minded, guests could meet and play basketball, volleyball and badminton with the school teams, and even check out the fitness room. Various music trios were located throughout the school as you wandered about, and you could even learn to make a wooden pencil in the Technology Department. Whatever area of interest you might have, the Brooklin High school certainly has something to offer. How fortunate are Brooklin youth are to have such a unique opportunity to be the newest students of such a wonderful school, no doubt with a bright future ahead. Go Bears! Grade 9 student Jordan at the official Grand Opening of the Brooklin High School on May 26. submitted photo Publisher's Note: Originally from Scarborough, Liz Lowe has lived in Durham Region for over twenty years and currently resides in Brooklin with her husband Anthony and their pet parrot Pebbles. In her spare time, she is an avid photographer, loves to cook, and is a passionate reader of mysteries. She is an enthusiastic (die hard) Maple Leafs fan and is a past contributor to Surfacing Magazine which showcases Durham`s artistic and creative people.