A group of former students at Brennan Middle School in Attleboro, Mass., gathered on June 10 to open a time capsule they buried 25 years ago. The capsule contained items such as T-shirts, school work, a Spice Girls CD and a cassette tape of their principal’s morning announcements.
The capsule was made by fifth through eighth graders in 1997, when the school opened. The original promise made by educators was to dig it up after 25 years and share it with the grown students.
However, the capsule’s location was forgotten over time, and it took a ground-penetrating radar to find it on May 11. The items were badly damaged by water and mold, but they still brought back memories for the attendees.
“It was before 9/11 when the world was different,” said Dawn Greening, a longtime teacher who organized the reunion. “It’s a time gone by that we don’t have anymore.”
Some of the former students said they were surprised by how much they had changed since 1997. “I was a little bit more outgoing back then,” said Jenna Mercier, who brought her daughter to the event. “Now I’m more reserved.”
Others said they were nostalgic for the simpler times of their childhood. “It’s just history,” said Matt Smith, who wore his old T-shirt from the capsule. “It’s about reflecting on our childhood. It’s part of who we are.”
The reunion also featured a slideshow of photos from 1997, a trivia game and a raffle. The attendees said they were grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with their old classmates and teachers.
“I think it’s awesome that they did this for us,” said Jessica Silva, who found her old school work in the capsule. “It’s nice to see everyone again.”
Reference：
- Time capsule from 1997 opened at Attleboro school reunion | The Sun Chronicle | June 11, 2023
- Students reunite after 25 years to open time capsule in Attleboro | CBS Boston | June 10, 2023
- Attleboro middle schoolers relive the past at time capsule ceremony | WJAR | June 10, 2023