It’s always wonderful when our alumni return home to the HTS community, but it’s an especially exciting moment when they come back as parents!
We are thrilled to celebrate two members of the Holy Trinity School Class of 2005, Cora Ruscica and Michele Thompson (Charbonneau), who have recently re-joined the Campus community as HTS parents. Their return marks another chapter of a full-circle journey, demonstrating the enduring connection our graduates feel for their alma mater.
“HTS has always been a friendly and welcoming environment, and that hasn’t changed at all,” says Michele. “Even though the school has grown, the same warmth and sense of pride remain. Teachers and staff still go out of their way to say hello, check in, and make you feel seen. What has changed is the scale—there are more students, more programs, and a more modern campus. That balance of growth and continuity is part of what makes HTS so special.”
Cora concurs by saying that for her “it feels like everything has changed — and yet nothing at all. It's such a warm embrace to see all the traditional elements of the school that still exist today including house competitions, the annual Father Bob run, morning chapel, etc. Seeing those same HTS values and traditions, while also moving forward with new innovation, reaffirmed for me that my child would be in an environment that would foster his long term success, much to the same degree of how I felt as a student myself.”
Cora and Michele have seamlessly transitioned into their roles as HTS parents, and haven't wasted any time in making a positive impact on the alumni community. Their reconnections coincide perfectly with an exciting collective milestone: the 20th Reunion for the Class of 2005!
Recognizing the challenge of reconnecting classmates after two decades, Cora and Michele have stepped up as exceptional Reunion Champions by:
- Collecting Contact Information: They've been digging deep into their networks, reaching out across different platforms, and utilizing their collective memories to gather up-to-date contact information for as many Class of 2005 classmates as possible.
- Spreading the Word: They have become enthusiastic voices for the reunion, using social media, personal connections, and word-of-mouth to generate excitement and inform their former classmates about the event.
What makes Cora and Michele's involvement so valuable is not just their efficiency, but the genuine spirit of connection and energy they bring. Their initiative has already sparked fantastic new opportunities for the Class of 2005:
- Revitalized Networks: Their outreach has helped re-establish communication lines that had gone quiet, bringing old friends back into contact with the school.
- New Memories in the Making: The early momentum they've created ensures the 20th Reunion will be a vibrant event filled with nostalgia and laughter.
- Strengthening the HTS Alumni Family: They are setting a wonderful example of how alumni can stay engaged and contribute to the strength of the broader HTS family.
“Reconnecting with fellow alumni feels like returning to a place of belonging — a part of home that I’ve missed since graduating,” says Cora. “It also gives me the opportunity to show my son the lasting impact that his experiences at HTS can have. Although students eventually leave the school, the connection to the HTS community stays for life. I hope to instill in him an understanding of how meaningful and lifelong those ties can be.”
Michele adds on by saying she sees ”value in staying connected as an alum because it keeps me close to a place that had a real impact on my life. Being back has brought a sense of pride I didn’t expect — the kind that comes from recognizing familiar faces, shared memories, and a community that still feels grounded. It’s special to feel part of a community that continues to grow while holding onto what made it feel like home in the first place.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cora and Michele for their dedication and enthusiasm. Their commitment to their graduating class and the HTS community is truly inspiring!
If you’re interested in becoming a Reunion Champion or Class Representative for your graduating class, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact alumni@hts.on.ca.