But there were also some tough times, too, as the community pulled together after a fire gutted Crawshaw High School.
Here, we've dug through the YEP's archives to bring you a collection of photographs from 2001.
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1. School reopens
Pupils at Crawshaw High School, Pudsey, Leeds, returned on September 6, 2001 for the first time after the school was badly-damaged by the fire. Pictured left, Tracey Coy, head of year and Nigel Turner, headteacher, with Year 7 pupils looking on. Photo: James Hardisty
2. Rolling with the punches
West Yorkshire Boxing Association Round One ABC event at Bien Venue, Pudsey. Left to right, Danny Roberts, assistant coach, Tony Lumb, sponsor of event, Rob Richardson, Jim Huddleston, Steven Roe, Mark Bateson, main coach. Photo: Graham Lindley
3. Fundraising for Candlelighters
Pudsey residents who were set to travel to Scarborough using unusual means of transport to raise money for the Candlelighters charity. Pictured is Richard Bell, Haydn Beaumont, Brendan Beaumont, Stuart Beaumont, Richard Bell, Geff Beaumont, Nick Waterhouse, Jane Verity, Paul Larryman and Ronnie the Rhino. Photo: Helen Gardner
4. Rocket experiment
Sian Davis from Oakbank School, Keighley, launches a rocket as part of National Science week, at the playing fields on Woodhall Lane, Pudsey, on March 20, 2001. Photo: Simon Hulme
5. Temporary classrooms
A unit is lowered into place as the temporary classrooms take shape at Pudsey Crawshaw School, following the fire. Picture on August 10, 2001. Photo: TONY JOHNSON
6. William Hague visit
William Hague, the former Conservative Party leader, pictured during a question and answer session in May 2001, with the pupils of Pudsey Grangefield High School. Photo: Justin Lloyd