Coral Springs High School Welcomes Alumni for 50th Anniversary Celebration

by David Volz April 6, 2025

by David Volz April 6, 2025 3 minutes read

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Members of the Coral Springs Student Government Association on Friday night before the alumni dinner. They worked for several months to organize the 50 year reunion. {David Volz}

Brantley Barr can remember when Coral Springs was a growing city, and Coral Springs High School was huge, with double sessions and a senior class of more than 1,000 students.

Barr, a member of the class of 1979, was among a group of alumni who participated in the 50th anniversary celebration on April 4 and 5.

The fun began on Friday morning with a breakfast attended by alums, students, and community leaders. Throughout the day, various school history presentations were given, and an evening festival with food trucks was held. On Saturday evening, alumni could tour the school and have a special dinner.

When most people graduate high school, they never return except for a reunion. Barr earned a diploma and played on the Colts golf team. But he never really left Coral Springs High.

Coral Springs High School Welcomes Alumni Back for 50th Anniversary Celebration

Brantley Barr, long time cross-country and track coach and Coral Springs
High alumni at the 50 year reunion. {David Volz}

Soon after graduating, he returned as a volunteer coach and began working with the cross-country and track and field teams. Eventually, he was hired to coach those teams and led the programs to success over a 42-year career. Barr also coached the girls’ soccer team and taught at the school. In 1989, he led the girls’ cross-country team to a state championship. Eventually, he left the Colts and now coaches cross-country and track and field at Coral Springs Charter.

“I have many good memories and love coaching,” he said.

Alumni came back home and shared memories. Cory Laub, class of 97, also returned to teach English, yearbook, and other courses. Although he is no longer on the faculty, he has many positive memories of the school. “It was a great experience, and I have a lot of Colt pride,” he said.

Susie Halliday taught English for 20 years and returned for the celebration. “I loved teaching here, and I had a lot of fun,” she said.

Some of the returning alums want to reconnect. Heather Bedor, class of 2000, remembered being in the band and drama program. “Now I am helping to plan our 25-year reunion. I love high school,” she said.

Members of the Student Government Association did much of the work to plan and host the anniversary. Donny Vo, SGA vice president, spent about seven months working on the event. “It went well, and we had a good time,” he said.

Coral Springs High School, alumni and teachers at the Friday festival for the 50 year anniversary celebration. {David Volz}

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.