THERE were tears, laughs and plenty of applause as former students and teachers of Kelso High School took a trip down memory lane on Sunday.
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The much awaited 3D reconstruction of the old school, destroyed by fire in 2005, was launched at the Bathurst RSL Club.
Former students Dr John Rouse and Nick Drengenberg came up with the concept of a 3D reconstruction last year, and began working with retired Kelso High teacher Hans Stroeve, making the dream a reality.
Former Kelso High student and now staff member Damien Allan was among the crowd at the morning launch and recalled his time at the old school fondly.
Mr Allan said with its three level library, court yards and other facilities Kelso High was literally the best school to go to.
"It really was amazing, the library was phenomenal."
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Mr Allan said the 3D reconstruction of the school was really impressive and commended everyone involved.
He said Hans Stroeve had put in a phenomenal effort.
"He is a man who has dedicated his life to the school," he said.
Cr Graeme Hanger, who taught at the school from 1991 to 2016 said he wasn't surprised to see such a big crowd attending the launch.
"If you have an association with Kelso High School, it's in your DNA," he said, adding the 3D reconstruction "was fantastic."
Nick Drengenberg, one of the former students who came up with the concept, said so many people had really fond memories of the old school, but there weren't a lot of visual memories for people to look back on.
The reconstruction can be seen at 3dwalkabout.com.au/kelso.