Laidley High joins in celebrations

HUNDREDS of Laidley State High School Students paid tribute to local resident Clarice Ferrari to help celebrate her 90th birthday.

Mrs Ferrari has dedicated decades of her working career to the school and the Laidley community and was last week acknowledged for her tireless efforts.

Laidley State High School's deputy principal Andrew Tarvit said the school community felt it necessary to thank Mrs Ferrari as well as wish her a happy birthday.

“Clarice has been such an important part of the school and the Laidley community and we really wanted to help make her 90th birthday something special,” Mr Tarvit said.

“She was a teacher here for many years and worked tirelessly in the school's tuckshop, school P&C and is the school's patron.”

It was in 1940 that Mrs Ferrari moved to Laidley and began teaching.

Even after her teaching days were over, she continued her involved with the school through various roles.

She has also seen her dedication extend outside of the school grounds to also include being president and vice-president of the Community Care Association, volunteer at the town's community centre, Laidley Show Society member for more than 60 years and part of the Queensland Country Women's Association.

In 2003, Mrs Ferrari was awarded an Order of Australia Medal recognising her efforts.

Laidley State High School captain Dean Bichel gave a moving speech to the strong crowd and Mrs Ferrari to say “thank you”.

“Mrs Ferrari's dedication to her community has inspired many to be better people,” Dean said.

“Over the past 70 years Mrs Ferrari has been a committed volunteer and role model in the Laidley community so it seemed fitting to name our new hall the Clarice Ferrari Hall in her honour.

“On behalf on the student body, administration and teaching staff I would like to wish Mrs Ferrari a very happy birthday.”

Story courtesy of Queensland Times