De La Salle College are very proud to be celebrating the Centenary of the Past Pupils Association.
”It was hardly a special occasion, just an ordinary, rather chilly day in January 1924 when the football match took place. The game itself was nothing particularly significant, just a chance for De La Salle’s present generation of pupils to pit themselves against the school’s former pupils, now moved on into adult life. The event, however, turned out to be a providential one in the school’s history with the start of something prominent in the island community for years to come. A friendly game of football in 1924 was the genesis of the Beeches Old boys Associations or BOBA for short”*
Enduring Star- The story of De La Salle College 1917-2017 by Ian Ronayne
Following this event arranged at Brother Edward’s instigation a potential way forward was proposed. The first Headmaster of the College was enthusiastic in ensuring that the community of the College should not be confined to students at school but extend into their adult lives. It was decided that an old Boys association should be formed.ead of the College was enthusiastic about contining h
From these humble beginnings grew the “Beeches Old Boys Association” whose sporting and social successes are legendary. The College are very proud of their alumni who have achieved great things across numerous fields, both locally and internationally.
Brother Edward , the first headmaster of the College, wrote the following in the 1939 BOBA magazine:
“Every pupil, past or present, of ‘The Beeches’ is expected to be a star in his own sphere; not a ‘shooting star’ that will shine only for a short time, say when he is at school, and disappear, but a ‘constant star’, ever steady in the fulfilment of his various duties, always fair in sports, constantly keen and honest in business, evenly exemplary in behaviour. Although each one may only be a little star of insignificant lustre, yet what an amount of cheerfulness and happiness they would spread around them if they were to shine all together! Their behaviour would really be a ‘sign’, a manifestation of the Christian principles of Faith for which their Alam Mater stands.*
Enduring Star- The story of De La Salle College 1917-2017 by Ian Ronayne
De La Salle Island Walk 2024
Once again, it was wonderful to welcome Guest walkers to participate in the Island Walk in this special Centenary Year. Tuesday 26th March dawned calm and cloudy, a bonus for the 400 plus walkers who were preparing to tackle the walk. This event has become legendary for the many past pupils of the College.
In all thirty-two guests, made up of past pupils and friends of the College, set off from La Fregate. This year the College were delighted to welcome Mick Emmanuel, past president of the Beeches Old Boys’ Association, to start all the walkers on their way. Guest walkers are invited to walk as far as they wish, the aim is to encourage a community event.
However, it was wonderful to see our youngest guest, Jacob Videgrain, set a blinding pace which could not be matched by any other walker. He finished the 36 mile course in a fantastic time of 4 hours 56 minutes. Sincere congratulations to Jacob! Other guests also managed to complete the course and, in some cases, many years after their first attempts. Once again, the class of ’71 took part, and their good humour and reminiscing was a joy to behold. Every guest participant receives a memento of their achievement.
Saturday 21st September ( 10.30 to 13.30) sees an Open Event at the College. Past, present and future students are welcome to join us to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful students and maybe take a walk down memory lane and witness the recent developments at the College.
On Friday 27th September we will be delighted to welcome friends and past pupils to the Annual Staff versus Past Pupil football match. This event will take place at Springfield at 6pm and is becoming well known for the fun and healthy competition which is prominent in all Lasallian competitions.
If you are interested in participating in the future or knowing more about events involving past pupils or friends of the College, please contact Leesa Sale at alumni@dls-jersey.co,uk.