The community that is Young High School all gathered in front of the building that started it all on the 7th of April 2025 to celebrate a century of teaching, learning and opportunity while reflecting on the journey that began with a courthouse 100 years ago.
The proceedings started with Lyn Schiller as the emcee, welcoming students staff both past and present along with community members and local and federal politicians including Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram and the Hon Michael McCormack MP.
"We are such a great school, with great staff and great students," Mrs Schiller praised the institution.
She also shared some of her journey, telling the crowd how she began her journey in education in 1989 in a skirt and heels, and here she was in 2025, in a skirt and heels stating how proud she was to be apart of the 100 year celebration at Young High School, stating she was "Deeply thankful for the opportunity that my education gave me to come and teach, and still teach 36 years later."
That was followed by the Welcome to Country presented by proud Wiradjuri woman Tori Apps, who highlighted the historical significance of the act by sharing the welcome to country used to be a means to teach people travelling through the country where they could camp and any risks or areas to avoid.
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The National Anthem was performed by Aylie Corkery and Lara Noyes.
A Historical Journey was presented by secretary of the Young Historical Society Nonnette Brown, and Year 11 student Billy Murphy.
"In 1924 it was announced the Justice department would hand over the court house to the department of education for the Young Intermediate High School, The Young Intermediate High School moved to the court house on the 29th of April, 1925 and became a sperate entity," Ms Brown shared.
She also highlighted the early success of the students.
"From early beginnings student shone academically and in the sporting arena," she said.
Lesley Watson, a student who studied at Young High in the 1930s and 1940s was honoured with a student reflection from 1941 which was shared by school captains Anna Cookburn and Aylie Corkery.
The differences between the school experience back then and now was highlighted, speakers noting how Lesley walked over 3km to school, while other students rode horses or caught the school train.
Lesley was also ceremonially presented with her Intermediate certificate she earned at Young High School all those years ago.
The attendees were then treated to a performance of 'Yesterday' by the Beatles, by students, Max Shea, Angus Steenbergen, Logan Lovasz and Lachie Davis.
Former staff member Cliff Traynor spoke to the crowds about his experiences with the very first computers at the school,
"At the end of 1979 I got permission by the board of studies to run a course at this school called computing studies for year 11 students," Mr Traynor said.
"How could you run a computing course if you had no computers? Well we had programable calculators.
"1982 the department of education let out contracts for two companies to supply computers to schools."
Mr Traynor, noted the turning point for technology at the school and the differences between the devices we have now and the first computers at the school.
"If I had a Microbee computer here to show you, you wouldn't recognise it," he said.
"By 1987 we had 10 of them and they were networked so we were getting to the stage where the computers could share information."
He said that moment could be seen as a turning point into something closer to the computers we see today.
Mr Traynor's reflection highlighted his dedication to seeing that Young High School had access to the latest technology, leading students to have further opportunities in and outside of computing fields.
Current principal Anna Barker was next to speak noting her pride in not only the current achievements of the school, but the history over the 100 years and all of the people who have contributed to what the school has become today.
YHS art club representative Hunter Stephens presented a commemorative artwork, which depicted the courthouse building, along with the schools newest edition, the library, the limited colour scheme was also used to highlight the schools colours.
Hilltops Council Mayor Brian Ingram spoke on the 100-Year commemoration celebration, noting the schools' "commitment to academic excellence which has nurtured generations of critical thinkers and problem solvers preparing them to thrive in the ever changing world we live in."
Mayor Ingram commended the further reaching aspects of the school.
"Schools also contribute to the community by breaking down barriers and promote understanding in diverse groups," he said.
"Making the connection between schools with staff and students with diverse backgrounds and a more harmonious community."
Mayor Ingram also contributed to the schools time capsule which will be used to mark the occasion.
This was followed by the Centenary Certificate presentation, with the certificate presented by Director Education Leadership for the Temora Network Carolynne Merchant and Michael McCormack, Federal Member for the Riverina.
Ms Merchant praised the schools achievements before the certificate was presented.
"This Milestone is a testament to the commitment of students, staff families and the wider school community post past and present," she said.
"This school has provided a strong foundation for education, shaping the lives of countless students and making a lasting impact on our region."
After the certificate was officially handed over the crowd heard from Mr McCormack.
Mr McCormack extended his congratulations and pride in the institution to the teachers, to the staff to the parents, but most most especially to the students of Young High School.
Mr McCormack noted what a milestone this is saying, "100 years of achievement, 100 years dedication."
The Centenary cake was cut, with past and present principals of Young High School having the honor cutting the cake.
Guests, staff and students were then all invited to share morning tea, while the '100 years of YHS' exhibit was open, showcasing the school throughout the years, and evidence of the growth the school has made since 1925.
