by K.C. Jordan
Shawville
May 15, 2024
Pontiac High School students and staff gathered at the school’s outdoor basketball courts on Wednesday for a three-on-three tournament in memory of beloved former high school teacher David Holmes.
Holmes, who passed away in 2017, taught at PHS for over 30 years, coaching many sports in his time, including track and field, volleyball, soccer and football.
But basketball was his favourite, according to his wife Carol Bretzloff-Holmes, who attended the memorial event.
“He’s done a lot for the community,” said Destinee Barber, a student in the . . .
school’s leadership class who, with a group of her classmates, organized what she hopes will become an annual tradition.
“I’m writing my English article about him just because he has done so much.”
The inaugural tournament featured six teams of students competing for the first place prize of the David Holmes trophy.
“Dad is here with us today,” said PHS teacher Phil Holmes, also David’s son, before joining his mother and kids in handing over the trophy to the winning team.
The leadership students made sure there was something to do for everyone, not just the basketball players. In the neighbouring field, frisbee and spikeball games were available to play. There was also a canteen.
“I just really like to see the school get together and come out and enjoy being with each other,” said Marissa Lang, another of the leadership students who made the event happen.
