Mark Innis

Attended NDHS from September 1961 to June 1966.

I remember that there were four grade 9 classes the year that I started NDHS, compared to only one grade 9 class at NDHS the year before. We were the first class of the giant wave of "Baby Boomers" that were to come - all born between the years 1946 and 1961 - the 'frog in the snake', as they say (Statisticians used to commonly refer to our age grouping as the start of the 'Boomer' generation.)

I was in 9C, 10A, 11A, 12A and grade 13.

I took Latin and French in all five years.

Wally Reid, our principal, allowed me to drop Industrial Arts in grade 12 in order that I could take grade 13 History. I was quite happy to receive a mark of '74' on my departmental History exam in June of 1965.

Principals: Grades 9 and 10 - Mr Cameron St. John
Grade 11 - Mr. Ira Dempsey
Grades 12 and 13 - Mr. Wally Reid

During grade 9 initiation, I remember measuring the circumference of the gymnasium in weiner lengths. And of course carrying the books for those students who were in grade 13!

I was a member of the Drama Club in grades 12 and 13. In grade 12 I was an actor in a one-act mystery-comedy entitled "The Laughing Ghost". Who can forget my composure during an ordeal with a peppered sandwich!

In grade 13 the Drama Club under the direction of David and Stephanie Burke, presented Act 1V of "The Merchant of Venice", in which I played the part of the 'Duke'.

Our grade 13 train trip to Ottawa with Mrs. Oris Beecroft was memorable indeed!

I regret that we did not start making an annual Year Book until my last two years at NDHS. So many memories that could have been etched on paper for all to see in years to come were never recorded unfortunately.

We mourn the passing of so many former students and teachers at NDHS. Six students from my grade 13 class have already passed away.

I remember how traumatic it was when Don Straughn died suddenly in his car on December 13th, 1965, while on his way home from teaching that day. Our grade 13 class acted as an Honour Guard at his funeral as his casket was carried out of a packed United Church in Norwich.

I grew up on a dairy farm, which my father named "Innisfree Farm", two miles east of Otterville. I graduated from grade 13 in June 1966. I went on to receive my Honours degree in History and Physical Education from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I then earned my Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario in London in June, 1971.

I taught Secondary School in Wingham, Burford, Sudbury and Toronto for the next 12 years.

Now living in Kitchener. markinnis@rogers.com

I then switched careers, and in February, 1984, I began my second career as a Probation and Parole Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Public Safety and Corrections in Waterloo Region. I retired on November 30th, 2005.

I resided in Kitchener for twenty-five years before moving in September, 2008, to Baldwin Place in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Baldwin Place is an 'All Adult Lifestyle Community' located there. I purchased a lovely two bedroom, all brick bungalow there.

I moved back to Kitchener in October, 2011

I have many fond memories of my five years at NDHS. Friendships that were forged during those five years still remain. Among those with whom I still have regular contact are: Murray Jull, David Hinks, George Bishop, Brian Penny, and Doug Boswell.

I participated in Track and Field Day each year. On several occasions, I advanced to the Regionals in the '200 yard dash' and the '100 yard dash'. I played both football and basketball in grades 12 and 13. In grade 13, I was the quarterback of our football team. Tom Ayres was our coach. One funny incident occurred while playing a football game in the Fall of 1965 against Delhi. It was third down and five yards to go for us. Mr. Ayres decided not try to get a first down, so instead, we punted the football to the Delhi team. George Bishop punted the football straight up into the air. A Delhi player fumbled the ball after attempting to catch it. I then recovered the fumbled football, but because I was disorientated after looking straight up into the sky at the punted ball, I ran the wrong way down the field after recovering the football. Of course, everyone was yelling loudly, but I thought that they were simply cheering me on. Fortunately Merlin Howse, from our team, ran after me, and tackled me to the ground before I was able to reach our own end zone. How embarrassing! Mr. Donald Strachan, my grade 13 Geometry teacher was at the game, and he never let me forget the incident. All in fun of course!

I also participated in Public Speaking contests, and represented NDHS at several Regional Contests.

I worked as cashier in the cafeteria during lunch hour in grades 12 and 13. We were so lucky to have Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty prepare such great meals for us at the school during lunch time. And it only costs 25 cents! Imagine!

I commend the reunion committee for all of their hard work in organizing the June 2010 reunion. It was great renewing old acquaintances during those three days.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from one and all who remember me. My email address is: markinnis@rogers.com

I would love to hear from former students and staff alike. It would be so interesting to find out where their lives led them during these past 44 years.

I have posted a recent photo of myself, as well as a photo of my sister Nancy and my two daughters.
My sister graduated from grade 13 at NDHS in 1959.
The third photo is of myself with mascot "Tex" of the Kitchener Rangers Junior Hockey team, of which I'm a huge fan!

Cheers to you all. I'd love to hear from you via this website, or by personal email at: markinnis@rogers.com

My first cousin still lives on a farm east of Otterville.

Very occassionally.

Happily retired after 37 years in the workplace, first as a High School teacher, and then for many years as a Probation and Parole Officer.

Enjoyed the challenges that both professions gave me.

Lawn bowl, curling, golf, pickleball, volunteering, travel.

Not my age, that's for sure. I just turned 73 this year.

Lots of grey, and some white too.

No surprises. What you see is who I am.

"Sparky"

Get up enough courage to ask out a certain girl that I had a tremendous crush on.

Fruit juices.

Softball & football.

Anything that is healthy for you. No red meat though!

"The Notebook"

Instrumental soft music. Kenny Gee is my favourite!

Lincoln Alexander and Pamela Wallin

Took a river boat cruise up the Rhine River in 2017.

Love and laugh with gusto!

No. I wish that I had though!

Lots of times. It's our duty to do so as living partners in this world of ours.

Once in grade 12 during Track and Field Day.

Yes, and I'm never afraid to admit it either!

Swam in the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Once or twice.

Several times, quite unsuccessfully I might add.

Who hasn't done that!!

Never!

Never

When I was younger.

Yes, but it was fake mistletoe!!

No, but would love to share such a precious moment as that with someone very special.

Many times with my two daughters when they were young.

No, but would love to do so.

What a wonderful experience on a hot and humid day.