Tech Plans ‘Living Memory’ Book For 50th Anniversary; February Deadline For Submissions

How do you celebrate a 50th anniversary?  

For Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, founded in September 1975, the usual celebration dinner would not be enough.  

"We wanted to do something more permanent," said John Ganss, a teacher at Cape Cod Tech and member of the 50th anniversary committee. That was when the idea for a memory book began to take shape.

The yearbook, they decided, would be a little different.  

"We are looking for how the school has impacted people — in the careers of students, faculty members of those who have worked here," Ganss said. "It will be a living history."

The school is actively looking for submissions by the end of February from all those to whom Cape Cod Tech has made a difference. It's more challenging than it might seem.  

"We don't have contact with many of our students after they graduate and move on," Ganss said. "We keep in touch a year or two. We are hoping that if people see this in the paper they will reach out."

Of special interest for the book will be stories of "things that have really impacted you," he added. Several stories have already been received. One staffer recalled meeting her husband when she was a student at Cape Cod Tech. "She was grateful for her beautiful family," Ganss recalled.

Ganss recalled receiving an email from a student who had graduated 15 years earlier. She had just been named a judge in a business/marketing competition, one that she had competed in as a student.  

"It was a full circle moment for her, and she said 'Cape Cod Tech changed my life completely,'" he said.

"We would love to hear from all our alums, faculty and customers," Ganss said. "What made a difference? Maybe it was a teacher, it would be nice to hear that story.

"We have graduated some amazing people with amazing careers," Ganss added. "We'd love to hear from them all!" Cape Cod Tech has a population of almost 700 students from a dozen Cape Cod towns. With a full academic course load, and classes for high school students as well as adults, the school features 15 technical training programs, including culinary arts, HVAC, auto repair, marine services, plumbing, electrical and business/computing, to name a few.

The book, which is expected to be published in June, will include archival photos, a history of former and current facilities, and memories/recollections from graduates and faculty members. The 50th anniversary committee is soliciting the public’s help in submitting inspirational stories, interesting technical projects, vintage photos, or any other memories dating from the opening day in 1975, up to and including today, Ganss said.  

Proceeds from the sale of the book are expected to support the Cape Cod Tech Foundation, which funds student financial needs that the school budget can't address, such as emergency needs, driver's education grants and certification costs.

To submit a story about your experience(s) at Cape Cod Tech, go to "50th Anniversary Book" in the "News" section on the front page of the school's website, www.capetech.us. The school is hoping to hear from graduates, former staff members and customers/training partners about what makes the school so highly regarded in the community. For more information, send an email to 50th-anniversary@capetech.us.