Who remembers 1966, when the Batman television show debuted, mini-skirts were all the rage and everybody was listening to the song “I’m a Believer” by the Monkees?
And who could forget the year 2000, when “Y2K” concerns about widespread computer failures proved to be a dud, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was published, and Scary Movie first played in theaters?
For today’s high school seniors, both years are practically ancient history. They weren’t born in 2000 and some of their parents weren’t even born in 1966! But Mount Dora High School seniors got to know both years up close and personal during their recent homecoming week when they gathered in the courtyard to open a time capsule containing artifacts from both years.
“These were items from the class of 1966 and the class of 2000,” said Principal Marlene Kurecki. “There were lots of things, many artifacts from the decades — mostly letters and pictures.”
One letter is from President Bill Clinton, who wrote: “I’m delighted to participate in your time capsule project. As President and a parent, I have many dreams for our children’s future. Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, and we must ensure that they have the knowledge and encouragement they need to succeed.”
The capsule also included yearbooks, a pager, newspapers from New Year’s Eve 1999 and New Year’s Day 2000, and a brick from the original bell tower.
The items are on display in the school’s media center.
Now, students are ready to create a new time capsule with items from the unforgettable 2020!
Students and members of the community are invited to submit “anything relevant to our era,” Kurecki said. Letters and other items can be sent to Mount Dora High School, 700 N. Highland Street. The time capsule will be buried in April, right before graduation, and will be opened in 20 years by the class of 2041.
“The students love it,” Kurecki said. “There’s a lot of pride and sentimental value that goes into it. It’s been fun to watch the kids get so involved.”
