Clayburn Middle School started 10 years ago with a "blank canvass."
The school's first principal, Dr. Angus MacKay, returned to Clayburn Middle for its anniversary celebration on Friday, explaining to students, staff and community members the efforts of those who helped open the school on Oct. 17, 2003.
MacKay said that when the school began, staff talked a lot about the type of environment they wanted to create for students and followed through on those plan.
"I truly believe that's what made the difference."
He said staff worked to put students first – instituting a healthy canteen program, no-cut athletic programs, daily physical education and inclusion of special education students.
Today, Clayburn Middle has 600 students in Grades 6 to 8.
The school assembly featured presentations by present and former staff, students groups, Supt. Kevin Godden, and members of the board of trustees, and performances by the school's choir and drumline.