Marian High
Marian Regional High School, founded in 1965, was an all-girls school located just off Holmes Street in Burnaby. Marian was a cohesive, small group with diverse students and teachers coming together from many areas of the Lower Mainland. The close-knit school created a strong sense of community pride and belonging. Many friendships, often across multiple grades, developed into cherished lifetime bonds. Many will attest that Marian provided a foundation for the girls in navy blue kilts and powder blue sweaters for their journey into strong, successful, loving and spiritual women in society.
Back In those days, St. Thomas More was an all-boys school and Marian High was their sister school. The two schools collaborated and held joint events such as dances, pep rallies, sporting events, school plays, car washes and the “milk runs” along Cariboo. The fond memories and bonds created still bring a smile for all!
Sadly on June 29, 1988, Marian High closed down and the classes of 89, 90, 91 and 92 were scattered like petals in the wind. At the time, STM tried to find a home for the “Marian Girls” but was unable. Over a decade later, STM became a co-ed school giving the opportunity for the “Marian Girls” to become “Knights” instead of “Gettes”. Today, a great many STMC sisters, mothers and aunts are Marian High alumnae, and the young women who attend St. Thomas More Collegiate could be considered the next generation of Marian High girls.
Let’s help to “Remember Marian High” by giving a “Marian Girl” a chance to attend St. Thomas More Collegiate.
Jennifer Plante (nee Cruikshank)
Jen attended Marian high in ’86 and would have been an ’89 grad had the school not closed. She loved her time at Marian where she was a part of the cheerleading team. Although she was only there for 2 years she really enjoyed the close-knit atmosphere and the people. After Marian was shut down she attended Holy Cross for grade 12. During that year she met Rob Plante (STMC Grad ’89) and they immediately fell in love.
After graduation she began working with disabled children which she loved doing. In ’94 she married Rob and they went on to have 4 wonderful kids that became her life. Jen loved being a mom and wife. Family meant everything to her and she loved to spend as much time as possible with them. Favourite times for her were camping for weekends and holidays.
Jen was the most kind-hearted, loving person who always wanted to help anyone in need. She cared deeply for her friends and family. Although she was only 5 feet tall, she had a heart of gold and made everyone she met feel at home. Her laughter was contagious and you couldn’t help but smile when around her. She struggled with severe rheumatoid arthritis but never let it define her. Even being diagnosed with MS years later she would never complain and was always a positive role model. Jen was loved by all and her 47 years on earth were way too short.
It is with Jennifer’s passing and the compelling desire to honour the Marian High legacy as an important part of STMC’s history that this bursary came to fruition. Please consider making a gift to the Remembering Marian High Bursary Fund. Your gift, regardless of amount, will help STMC build this fund so that bursaries will be available to families with financial need for many years to come.
