Jack Chiras, former history teacher, opens the time capsule during the ceremony
Quarter-Century Strong: Burncoat Brings the Family Back Together
Nothing says “We’re still here” quite like digging up a time capsule that’s been chilling in the dirt for twenty-five years. That’s exactly how Burncoat High School marked its big milestone on August 20, 2025—pulling together generations of teachers, students, and staff for a reunion that hit all the feels.
It wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a look back at everything—the scrapes, the laughs, the lessons, and the people who gave this place roots. Burncoat has seen a whole lot since 2000, and on Wednesday, the courtyard was full of stories.
The Hunt for History
Turns out, finding a two-decade-old time capsule isn’t as easy as checking under the nearest rock. The hunt started a few days before, on August 16, when Brenda Hellerberg—who used to run English classes at BHS—showed up with the 2001 yearbook in hand, squinting at old photos, looking for clues.
She wasn’t alone. She rounded up a whole squad: Gail Hamm, Jack Chiras, Barbara Kirklauskas, and Diane Cummings—teachers who remember Burncoat before the WiFi worked and when cafeteria pizza was still square. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and started digging.
They hit the jackpot—literally—once they found a stone marker. Under a foot of earth, there it was: a big, sturdy concrete capsule, thrown down in the dirt at the dawn of Y2K.
Jack Chiras, former history teacher, opens the time capsule during the ceremony
Cracking it Open: What the Capsule Revealed
Let’s talk about nostalgia fuel. As former history teacher Jack Chiras cracked open the capsule, the courtyard crowd leaned in—hoping for a piece of their past to surface.
Inside, it was a blast from the Burncoat past:
- Class photos of the students who built the capsule—long hair, baggy jeans, and all.
- Letters and reflections from students, some funny, some deep, lots of wild predictions about the future.
- Memorabilia from school clubs, sports teams, and jobs—from yearbooks and band flyers to a faded Lady Patriots basketball pin.
- Telegram & Gazette clippings showing off big moments and little victories.
- Art projects, sneaker sketches, and essays about what the year 2025 might look like (one kid nailed the whole “everyone’s learning online” thing).
- A preserved copy of the BHS Class of 2000 yearbook, looking just as crisp as the day it went in.
Reflections from the Burncoat Family
This wasn’t just about what was buried—it was about the people opening it. William Foley, who taught history at BHS back in 2000 and now runs things as the Burncoat Quadrant’s Executive Director, said it best:
“It’s amazing to see memories from 2000 resurface and inspire reflection on how far our school community has come.”
Principal Joseph Ewich had a few words too:
“Uncovering this time capsule is a wonderful way to connect current and former members of the Burncoat community with their history. It’s a tangible reminder of the students, staff, and community members who shaped our school 25 years ago.”
It was a chance for everyone to remember: this school isn’t just halls and classrooms. It’s a web of lives, all tied back to the same patch of grass, asphalt, and brick.
Bridging Generations: Reunion Moments
The best part? It turned into a true family affair. Alums caught up with old teachers. Staffers swapped stories about that time someone let a goat loose before finals. Parents pointed out their old lockers to their own kids.
Folks pulled out yearbooks and compared then-and-now photos. There were hugs, some tears, and a whole lot of “Remember when…?”
Current students were there, too—seeing in real time that they’re not just passing through. They’re part of the story.
You could feel the pride in the air. A sense of legacy. And as the crowd circled up, they didn’t just dig up the past—they kept it going.
A New Chapter: What’s Going in the Next Capsule?
It wouldn’t be a real Burncoat get-together if the current crew didn’t put their stamp on things. So, the school started collecting notes and reflections—from today’s students, staff, and anyone who pulled up—to build a new time capsule for 2050.
What are they putting in? Smartphone photos. Masks from the pandemic era. Maybe a vape (kidding—sorta). Notes about AI, about how school’s changed, about what they hope comes next.
It’s tradition, but it’s also a promise. Burncoat’s always building on what came before—leaving each class a piece of the story to dig up and laugh about someday.
Community members, young and old, contribute notes and mementos for Burncoat’s next time capsule.
Why Time Capsules Matter in Worcester
Look, schools everywhere have time capsules and homecomings. But this? This is Worcester. And Burncoat? It isn’t just four years and out.
Ask around and you’ll find generations of Worcester folks with a Burncoat tie: the teacher who looked out for you, the classmate you still text, the memory of a basketball win or talent show, or just a day you felt like you belonged.
By bringing everyone back to open that muddy box, Burncoat did more than just reminisce. They reminded the city what’s possible when people come together—when we honor our past and build our future with a little bit of everyone in the mix.
That’s something to cheer for, whether you’re class of 2000, 2025, or just rooting from the neighborhood.
Want to Stay Connected?
If you’ve ever worn green and gold, this is your reminder—check in on your Burncoat fam. They’re making new memories, and you’re part of it.
Share your own #BurncoatMemories in the comments, or swing by the next event.
What’s Up Worcester will keep you posted on the next reunion, capsule opening, or anything big coming out of the North Side. Until then, keep your stories alive.
#BurncoatPride #WorcesterFamily #WhatsUpWorcester
Former students and staff share stories, laughter, and a few emotional moments during the Burncoat 25th Anniversary celebration.
For more on neighborhood milestones, reunions, and local news that actually feels like Worcester, head over to whatsupworcester.com. We cover the stories that hit close to home—one community at a time.
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