Mar
Events
Unveiling the Sam Richardson Plaque
A Wonderful Event at Central Technical School
May 11th, 2023, was a day of celebration at Central Technical School (CTS). The CTS Alumni Association and CTS supported by Heritage Toronto and the Ontario Black History Society, hosted the unveiling of the Heritage Toronto plaque in honour of 1936 CTS student and Olympian Sam Richardson.
Graciously emceed by Suzanne Kavanagh from Heritage Toronto, the event began in the CTS auditorium. TDSB dignitaries, CTS staff, students and alumni, neighbourhood supporters, Sam Richardson’s family and friends, attended the ceremony and reception. Sam’s family representative Carol McGrath and friend Arthur Downes shared memories of Sam at the podium. Retired CTS teacher/coach Bruce Smith spoke on behalf of CTS athletes and athletic legacy. Fernanda Pisani spoke on behalf of the CTS alumni. School Principal Anne Chirakal and student Shianne Blackman spoke for the school and student body. Carol McGrath and Shianne Blackman unveiled the plaque, ground breaking for the garden was done by Norman Richardson, Stacey Turner Richardson and Dean Ali McGrath.
The event program was designed by CTS teacher Mark Lambert. Local media coverage by the Annex Gleaner and the HVRA newsletter featured the event and history of Sam’s legacy. The CTS Alumni has honoured Sam’s legacy with two bursaries at the 2023 commencement as well as planning a commemorative garden to surround the plaque at the Harbord Street side of the school.
All has come full circle in honour of Sam. The pathway named after him in front of CTS and the intersection where the plaque stands is the continuation of Lippincott Street, where the Richardson family lived for many years.
Donations towards continuing the two Sam Richardson bursaries are encouraged and appreciated, please visit: www.ctsalumni.ca/eve.nts/commencement-2022/.
For more on Sam Richardson visit: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canadian-olympic-hero-sam-richardson-honoured-by-his-former-high-school-1.4537615 and: https://ctsalumni.ca/sam-richardson-plaque/.
