Danforth's History — The 1990s to Today

For the nineties, Danforth held many great memories. It was a time of the (newly-renamed, politically correct) Redhawks' domination of soccer, and when Danforth started to become a volleyball power,

"Very few high schools give you the freedom to find out who you are, and Danforth is one of them." - Adam Richardson (student, 1988-1993)

winning back to back volleyball championships. A time when Danforth continued its tradition of being at the leading edge of technology, logging on the "Internet" and becoming an undisputed leader in the field of computers. The nineties were also a time of recognition, as Principal Lougheed won the Reader's Digest Principal of the Year award, and Mr. J. Borovilos, English Department Head, won his Teacher of the Year award.

"[These awards] proved to the world what we already knew, that here at Danforth we have always had a staff of exceptional quality. The school took centre stage as Prime Minister Jean Chretien and later the Toronto Raptors, deemed our school important enough to pay a visit. We also went through sad times at Danforth, as we lost one our great teachers, Mr. Osa Tanaka, to a fatal disease, but we hoped to turn some of that sadness into hope, as a memorial 'state of the art' fitness centre was erected in his memory."
- Wayne Pau (student 1992-1997)

The nineties also brought uncertain times at Danforth, as there was fear that the school would fall victim to the government funding cutbacks, and would need to be closed. An article appeared in the Toronto Star in October 1998*, about Danforth's "fight for survival". Many people credit Danforth's wide range of special programs with saving the school from being closed. Learning-disabled, deaf, blind, and physically challenged thrived in Danfoth's diverse environment. The school also openbed its doors to the Gifted program. Young people in the top two academic percentile study and excel here.

And of course, also found at Danforth were the average students, students from traditional families or broken homes, the well-off and those from low income backgrounds, new Canadians and students whose families have been here for generations. "We are a slice of Toronto," said principal Robert Gooding.

Model Parliament facilitators are asked to attend a brief meeting in C40 at noon...There'll be a Student council meeting at 3:20 today. Please he prompt... The Chess Club will be having its first meeting of the year at 11:45 today. All interested students are welcome... The Daaforth Junior Soccer Redhawks scored victory yesterday, defeating Harbord in post-season action 9 – 0... Would all those students on the Romeo and Juliet field trip tomorrow, please attend a meeting at lunch in B 74...

The school even boasted a Girls' Synchronized Swimming Team. "From the Beatles to the BeeGees, the rise of the...team was astonishing. In a pool no bigger than a bathtub, four cold momings a week, Danforth's girls grew from a clumsy last place group of girls to a stunning gold medal team."
- Sarah Evans, Rhoda Lee, Emma Lyndon, Michelle Whyle (students 1993-1998)

"So what makes Danforth a good place to be? Undoubtedly, it is the variety. Danforth has a wide spectrum of courses, allowing the students a very eclectic education. Its student and faculty populations complement each other, by providing a harmonious blend of many different backgrounds. Its clubs, newspapers and other extra-curricular activities provide many alternatives for students. No matter what their interests may be, there's a place for everyone."
- Vincent Pau (student 1989-1994)

"Danforth is a multi-everything school, and my class happened to arrive just when everything was changing. Some extremely dedicated teachers challenged us to help make Danforth great. My five years at Danforth were a gradually increasing storm of activity. What I remember are meetings, deadlines, grade eight days, model parliament, student council, dances, and going to the Boyne. Danforth teachers would put to shame any university seminar I have yet encountered. Very few high schools give you the freedom to find out who you are, and Danforth is one of them."
- Adam Richardson (student 1988-1993)

Today, Danforth continues to celebrate its diverse student body and wide variety of course offerings. From the Gifted program to cosmetology to English literature to weightlifting, Danforth has programs to interest, enthrall, and educate every type of student. Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute has entered the 21st century as a dynamic and repected institution, and will surely contunue to educate young minds for many years to come.