A special ceremony was held at Merwin Greer Public School on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Along with students of the school, alumni were invited to the opening of two time capsules that have been locked up for 25-years just inside the schools front entrance.
The Millennium Time Capsule for the Junior Division and Primary Division were unveiled inside the gym shortly after 9 a.m.
“It’s a wonderful tradition in terms of bridging the generations of students at the school,” said Principal Greg Sumi.
Merwin Greer first opened in the late 1960’s and created their first time capsule in 1972 and was opened in 2000.
Students and alumni were shown a brief video of the opening of the 1972 time capsule that was opened in 2000 that held among other things a one dollar bill.
Some of the items from the 2000 time capsule were writing from the students on why they will be when they are grown up.
Video cassettes (VHS) of the students introducing themselves, a stuffed animal, artwork, the kindergarten class list with the students writing their names, a roll of pennies, Pokemon cards, an article from Cecilia Nasmith about the time capsule, gum, class photographs, images of their favourite actors.
Former student Charae Wamsley Gipson lives in Reno, Nevada but came home especially for the unveiling.
She found a letter she wrote to herself in 2000.
“To my future self,” the letter began.
Wamsley Gipson said the letter mentioned her friends and her teacher and that she’s 8.5 years-old and her favourite sport is baseball and her favourite subject is reading.
“At recess I love to catchup with my friend Brooke. I hope I will be married and have two kids in the year 2025.”
Wamsley Gipson is married and does have two children.
Merwin Greer was so special to her and coming home for the opening and to visit her family was something she wouldn’t have missed.
“It’s so special.”
Though she doesn’t remember writing the letter she does remember the time capsule and saying how old they will be opening it up in 25 years.
Summing up the time capsule opening and seeing old friends, Wamsley Gipson summed it up by saying, “it’s a blast from the past.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
