WORCESTER – Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – A time capsule buried in the Burncoat High School (BHS) courtyard in 2000 was successfully unearthed last week after 25 years. Today, former teachers, students, and staff gathered for a mid-morning ceremony to celebrate the milestone and witness the unveiling of the capsule, originally buried to commemorate the turn of the millennium.
The search for the capsule began on Friday, August 16, when former teacher Brenda Hellerberg brought a 2001 yearbook to help pinpoint its location. Joined by former colleagues Gail Hamm, Jack Chiras, Barbara Kirklauskas, and Dianne Cummings, the team carefully dug until they uncovered a stone marker buried under several inches of soil and grass. Beneath it, more than a foot underground, they joyfully revealed the concrete time capsule, reconnecting with a piece of Burncoat’s history.
“This event brought together former teachers, students, and staff to celebrate the school’s history,” said William Foley, who was a history teacher at Burncoat in 2000 and now serves as Executive Director of Schools, Burncoat Quadrant, in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS). “It’s amazing to see memories from 2000 resurface and inspire reflection on how far our school community has come.”
Principal Joseph Ewich added, “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.”
The time capsule contained items offering a vivid snapshot of life at Burncoat in 2000, including:
Class photos of students who contributed to the capsule
Letters and reflections from students describing their daily life and hopes for the future
Memorabilia from school clubs, sports teams, and activities
Local newspaper clippings from the Telegram & Gazette
Art projects and personal mementos that capture the creativity and spirit of the students
Student artwork envisioning the future, featuring online learning and innovative sneaker designs
Yearbooks and other items documenting school events and achievements
During the ceremony, attendees shared stories and memories, bridging the past and present. Current students and community members were invited to contribute reflections and notes to a new time capsule, continuing Burncoat’s legacy for future generations.
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