Cobequid Educational Centre, most often spoken of in its abbreviated form, CEC, is a high school located in Truro, Nova Scotia. CEC serves not only the town of Truro but rural areas in Central and West Colchester County. The school is the largest high school in the province of Nova Scotia with approximately 1600+ students and 95 teaching staff. CEC is well known for the success of its Canadian football team, girls' volleyball team, symphonic and stage bands, and annual school musicals. The musical staff and students received two commendations for excellence in musical theatre for their 2001 production of "Jesus Christ Superstar", its 2005 production of "A Chorus Line" and its 2007 production of "High School Musical". In 1981 CEC produced the world premiere of Barry Stagg's musical "Prophet of the New World". The school was national champions of Reach for the Top in 1981 and 2005. The '81 team was led by current science teacher Hans Budgey. CEC's sports teams are nicknamed the Cougars and the school colours are blue and orange. The current principal is Rosalie Stewart-Fisher. Notable teachers, past and present include: Frank Lambert (Drama); Chris Brown (Art); Ruth Faulkner (English, Latin); Joyce Millman (English); Larry Bent (English); Bruce Fisher (History); Wayne Barrett (Geography, Economics, Principal); Beth MacMichael (History); Leo McKay, Jr. (English); Steve Malick (Math); Paul Barrett (Music); Adrian McMaster (Math;) Terry Thorsen (Math;) Ron MacKay (Music); Norman Hines (Guidance);
History
It opened in September 1970 as an experiment in amalgamating rural high schools in Nova Scotia. As well as serving as a replacement for the former Truro Senior High School, (which was also known by an earlier name, the Colchester Academy), CEC also replaced the former Central Colchester High School and West Colchester High School, which became junior high schools (grades five to nine for the newly renamed 'West Colchester Junior High School' and grades seven to nine for the newly renamed 'Central Colchester Junior High School'). When CEC opened, it was operated by the Colchester-East Hants Amalgamated School Board. As a result of the amalgamation of school boards in Nova Scotia, CEC is now operated by the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. In 1975, the school won first place in both football and basketball. A good year, notable athletes included Reggie Boudreau, Bruce Moore, Phil Johnson, yet both wins were team efforts. A very notable music teacher was Mr. Ron MacKay who was followed by Mr. Paul Barrett. Under Mr. MacKay, the senior stage band won 1st place at the National Stage Band Festival in Ottawa in 1978 or 1979. Many musicians came out of MacKay's band system who are now respected in their musical field. The current music teacher is Mr. Jeff "Graham Cracker" Graham.
