By Pisai Gumar

Copyright postcourier

LAE is a name that echoes beyond the minds of children who are born and educated in Morobe’s capital before leaving elsewhere to serve this country distinctively.

Lae continue to remain central in their hearts, many behold, regardless of their parental origins and heritage.

If it were not for the 12 female softball players, while attending Lae high school, who won the softball grand final in 1975 at Niall Reserves, Eric Woo, much of Lae high school’s fond memories would not be reminisced.

They were coached, none other than Mr Allan Ron, and their sponsor was Freight Ways Company. Lae remains their pride and legacy since childhood eyes and minds. Their lifetime journey, full of great memories and experiences, began in the 1970s and 1990s.

Lae brings to mind the memories of brotherhoods and sisters’ love that knit and blended to call themselves pikinini. Lae united without disparity since primary schools into Lae high school and tertiary colleges, in either Lae or elsewhere.

Still, the childhood bond that nurtured and blended them keeps them thriving elsewhere, regardless.

Niall Reserve at Eric Woo was the oval in their mind during weekends that offered them the space outside of school and parental eyes and stricter control to further strengthen their relationships and friendship into the future.

It was none other than the games of softball, Aussie rules, basketball, schoolboys’ rugby, and rugby union, while soccer was played at Lae Football Association Park.

Not the least, the BMX stunt competitions every weekend, peeping on racing motorcycles at the Speedway, and the K0.20 matinee at Huon theatre and Lae Haus piksa.

In late 2000, the taste of original Lae transformed, becoming filthy streets full of boom boxes, TikTok, and Facebook generations, stinking the beauty of Lae currently.

Until September 16, 2025, after 50 years, was a milestone in the history of graduating classes of 1975 in Lae High School.

Later, the name changed to Lae Provincial High and, lately, Lae Secondary School.

The class of 1975 (former students), both females and males, reunited for a worthy cause, initiating an alumni reunion coinciding with the 50th Independence celebrations.

Others flew in from abroad and met with those around the country who gathered at Lae International Hotel.

They set a new pathway for Lae secondary school for the next 50 years after reminiscing about good old memories with laughter, fun, and joy, with a dinner.

In essence, considering their immense contribution to nation building in some key roles in various public and private organizations in the country in the last 50 years, they decided to devise their re-investment plan into Lae Secondary.

Noting the significance of current education systems in a world fueled by intellectual abilities energized by technology.

To continue the legacy, leadership, and national pride that span from graduating classes from 1975 to 2025, the event, hailed as a first-of-its-kind, brings together Lae high school generations to celebrate five decades of educational impact and nation-building.

A reunion rooted in historyLae High School has long been a cornerstone of academic excellence in Morobe province, producing alumni who have gone on to serve in key roles across government, business, education, and ministry. The reunion is not only a celebration of personal and institutional legacy. It is a reflection of the country’s journey since independence.Computers and community investmentIn a show of gratitude and going forward, the alumni generously presented 40 computers to the school the day before the reunion, equipping current students with vital tools for digital learning. The donation is part of a broader fundraising initiative aimed at strengthening school infrastructure and student support. An additional 40 computers will be presented when available.Launch of the Lae High School Alumni AssociationA major highlight of the reunion was the official launch of the Lae High School Alumni Association (LHSAA), held during the reunion dinner at Lae International Hotel. The association will serve as a platform for ongoing mentorship, resource mobilization, and community engagement, ensuring the legacy of Lae High continues to grow.John Rosso to set HeadlineAdding to the significance of the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister of Papua and Lae MP, John Rosso, a proud former Lae high school student, was unfortunate to set the headline, as he was saddened by the passing of Morobe’s icon, the Governor, Late Luther Akisawa Wenge. Hence, I was away leading the Morobe provincial team, attending to the shocking news of the late respected Governor.

Mr Rosso’s keynote address and presence during dinner are expected to underscore the school’s role in contributing to shaping national leadership, social, and community transformation.A Tribute to all who made it possibleOrganizers extended heartfelt thanks to the planning committee, school administration, sponsors, volunteers, and alumni whose dedication made this historic event possible. Their efforts not only revived the memories but also essentially reignited a new lease of life with a vision for the future.As PNG celebrated 50 years of independence, Lae High School’s Grand Alumni Reunion stands as a shining testimony of how education, community, and heritage can blend together in unity to inspire and set a pathway for our next generation of educated Papua New Guineans to walk with clear direction into reaching the next 50 years, totaling 100 years of Independence of our country. Anutu Bless Papua New Guinea.