Founder's Day 2016

With a mix of nostalgia and excitement, the Shawnigan family came together for a historic reunion.

The Centennial Founder's Day and Rowing Festival brought several hundred guests back to the School this weekend, as alumni caught up with friends, toured the new facilities and paid tribute to those who impacted their lives.

Opening the morning chapel service, the Rev. Jim Holland said that the School seems more than ever to reveal a positive feeling of life and energy. Holland added additional hymns to the chapel program after popular requests, and said "We really hope that you'll immerse yourself and absorb a lot of that energy today as you move around the campus."

Keynote speaker Hamar Foster, Q.C. ’66 depicted an unforgettable account of the "junior cans"z from his days at Shawnigan and also drew noteworthy comparisons between 2016 and 1916, the year of Shawnigan's founding. Musically, the chapel was as inspiring as ever, with a moving presentation of Natasha Bedingfield's Unwritten by the School choir and an upbeat performance by Jackson G. of ragtime composer Scott Joplin's Solace. Current and former students grinned as they filed out, humming to Jack Connolly's Ramones-style reprisal of There's a Voice in the Wilderness.

This year also included the largest group ever inducted into the Gold Club, as members of the Class of 1966 joined other alumni not yet inducted in receiving their commemorative pins and ties. "We all went to Shawnigan," Head of School Jade A. told the group as she answered their questions, adding "That's something that connects us all."

With guests enjoying a rugby sevens festival on the fields and alumni touring their former houses, attention moved to the Read Crewhouse for the unveiling of the Peter D. Yates Wall of Distinction. Former student and coach Ian Kennedy ’87 touched on Yates' impact on countless lives, saying that Yates truly fit the definition of the word "mentor." The rowing festival even drew members of the Gold Club into boats, as crews of alumni, current students and Brentwood College School rivals competed in ceremonial races and row-bys.

Moving to the Hugh Wilkinson Theatre, alumni relived highlights from the past as the Theatre Department presented a special Cabaret, showcasing favourite Shawnigan performers from today and yesteryear. Performers ranged from Tai Williams ’16 reprising her beloved Over the Rainbow to 'The Kingston Trio' (composed of graduates from the 1960s), who paid tribute to their friend Kevin Gillett ’66, who recently passed away.

The celebrations continued into the night, as guests enjoyed a banquet in Marion Hall and split into individual class get-togethers around the community. "We're trying to make sure that the children of tomorrow will have something great, meaningful and special waiting for them," Headmaster David Robertson said as he capped off the evening's festivities. "You have all shared a plethora of educational moments, most of them outside of the classroom. We hope to continue to transform lives for centuries to come."

Enjoy more photos at the Shawnigan Facebook page.