Three generations at College

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 26, 24 November 1987, Page 9

Three generations at College

Lurline Berry (nee Read) of V a 1 1 e y Road, Ohakune was one of the original pupils to attend the first high school in Ohakune, established in 1921. Mrs Berry was present last week at Ruapehu College's senior prize-giving to watch her granddaughter Rachei - a third generation Berry, graduate from the seventh form. Mrs Berry, her three children and six grand-children all received their secondary education in the Waimarino; in the earlier years at the Ohakune Dis-

trict High School* and since 1953, at Ruapehu College. Mrs Berry, then Lurline Read, attended secondary school for two years and attained her intermediate grade, an equivalent qualification to School Certificate. She spent two years probationary teaching at primary schools in the district before attending teacher's college for one year. She then returned for a further three years' teaching. Lurline Read married Waimarino farmer Dave Berry in 1930 and put her teaching career on hold. Since 1945, a stream of Berrys have passed through the school system. Two of

their sons, David and Bruce, attended Ohakune District High School. Their third son Peter started at the brand new Ruapehu College in 1953. All Mrs Berry's grand-children have since attended the college. Mrs Berry's association with the college did not end there. She served on the first Board of Governors from 1953-56 and since 1945 has rarely missed a college prize-giv-ing. A number of other members of her immediate family have also chosen teaching as a career and are actively involved at primary school level. *In 1921, the Ohakune District High School operated from an old oneroomed building, formerly the Methodist Church. The building has since been used as a picture theatre and more recently, as a branch of Dalgety Crown. In 1922 the school shifted to a room in the grounds of the Ohakune Primary School. The first headmaster Mr Blyth, canvassed the Waimarino to find children to make up the 24 pupil quota needed to open the school.