Don Seaton knows his grandfather would have been "incredibly proud" had he been around to witness the 75th anniversary get-together for W.L. Seaton Secondary, the Vernon school he taught at for years, which is now named after him. 

Dozens of alumni gathered at the school to celebrate the milestone Thursday, May 22. Among them were Don's brothers, Jeff, Rob, and Hugh.

The Seaton boys knew exactly where to find a photo of their grandfather at the school; it hangs on a wall outside the office. It's a black and white image that shows a stately William Lyle Seaton, who got his first teaching job in Vernon as a 17-year-old and taught until he was 65. He was active in athletics, music and local functions, and had a strong passion for education. 

"He loved teaching," said Don. "When this school first opened he was the vice principal here, and then eventually he became the principal. He was a teacher, but he was really a very active member of this entire community."

W.L. Seaton's son, Bill Jr., also became a teacher at the school, starting in the '50s. And so, W.L. Seaton became known in the halls and classrooms as Bill Sr.

So respected in the community was Bill Sr. that it was decided the school needed a new name. 

"By the end of his career, I guess they felt that they wanted to honour that lifetime of giving to both education and the community," Don said of the decision to name the school after his grandfather. 

"He really loved what this school represented in the community, how it gave kids opportunities and created community and encouraged their citizenship. And so I think he would be thrilled this many years later to see this school still thriving," he added. 

Don graduated from the school in 1971, back when it was a junior high school. At the anniversary party, he reconnected with a classmate from 50 years ago. 

"I'm glad that it honours my grandfather and his legacy of being a good citizen in Vernon," Don said. 

Attendees got a slice of cake and a tour of the school. Old year books were strewn on tables in the library for former students to flip through and take a trip back in time. 

Principal Mike Grace said the event was a chance to consider how much has changed at the school over the years, both in terms of the physical building and the educational programs and culture within. 

More changes will come.

"There's a continued evolution that needs to happen," Grace said. 

Grace is retiring after this school year and Gus Busenius will be returning as principal.

"I'm grateful that this is the school I got to finish a fantastic career in," Grace said. 

W.L. Seaton opened in 1950 as the Vernon Junior High School. It was built for just under $473,000 and its first principal was George E. Falconer, with William Seaton serving as vice-principal. 

Thursday's anniversary party was originally slated for May 15, but it was rescheduled as police were investigating a at the school that day. The RCMP later said the threat was not credible.