Named Scholarships and Bursaries
Lonsdale Bursary / Graham Anderson Scholarships / Hyde-Lay Scholarships / Strathcona Bursary / John M.S. Lecky Scholarship / Langara-Haida Gwaii Scholarship and First Nations Bursary / M.J. Shaw Capital Foundation Scholarship / Daughters of Shawnigan Scholarship / Alumni Scholarship
Lonsdale Bursary
In December 1996, an anonymous donor created the C.W. Lonsdale Bursary Fund. The bursary was originally intended to be awarded annually to a Canadian student who exemplifies the School's philosophy of well-roundedness. Having grown over the years, this fund is now able to provide much-needed support for a number of students and remains a lasting tribute to the founder.
"I will never forget the day an Old Boy returned to speak in Chapel about his life in the School in the 20's. At the end, with tears in his eyes, he thanked Mr. Lonsdale for allowing him to to stay at Shawnigan 'even though his parents' circumstances did not permit them to pay his tuition in full for the last two years he was at the School.' It is fitting that a bursary named after the founder continues to ensure that boys in similar circumstances are not left behind." - Francois Elmaleh '53
Graham Anderson Scholarships
Graham Anderson '42, Senior Master Emeritus, is a Shawnigan icon. The only member of Faculty to have known every Headmaster, Mr. Anderson is the School's longest resident, having begun his tenure here as a boy in 1940. Today he remains a fountain of knowledge about the School and his academic area of expertise - History.
Beginning in 1999, two groups of former students seeking to honour Mr. Anderson established scholarships in his name. One is to assist top students in need to pursue their education on exchange programmes as students at Shawnigan. The other supports Shawnigan graduates pursuing post-graduate studies as a reflection of Mr. Anderson's love for knowledge and education.
"The number of loyal supporters of the Graham Anderson Scholarship is testament to the profoundly positive impact that Mr. Anderson has had on so many students at Shawnigan." - David Robertson, Headmaster
Hyde-Lay Scholarships
The Mary Hyde-Lay Scholarship was created in 1994 and is awarded to "a female student whose Christian faith is demonstrated by a strong record of humanitarianism or community service. While academic competence is essential, the winner will be identified more by an optimistic nature, strong character and compassion."
In 1995, after the death of Derek Hyde-Lay, an additional scholarship was added, and together they were "dedicated to the memory of Derek and Mary Hyde-Lay, whose combined service to the School cannot be measured."
Based on input from the family, the scholarships are awarded to "students who demonstrate an honest character, strong work ethic and a passion for the task at hand."
"An important factor for our family in awarding these scholarships is that they are awarded to external candidates in hopes of attracting young men and women to Shawnigan who would likely not be able to afford to come otherwise. It goes without saying that the successful candidates will be of upstanding moral character with a passion for the task at hand." - David Hyde-Lay '81
Strathcona Bursary
John M.S. Lecky Scholarship
John MacMillan Sterling Lecky '57 was a great visionary and benefactor of Shawnigan Lake School. He rowed for the School, the University of British Columbia, for Cambridge University and for Canada. He won a silver medal for his country at the 1960 Olympic Summer Games in Rome, and was also a member of the Canadian National Rugby team. The John M.S. Lecky Scholarship was initiated by his sister Janet Griesdale and Doug Kingsford '65, to honour John's memory and his love of sport.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan. Recipients would have already exhibited some of the talent, the character and the leadership potential that could see them go on to significant achievements in school and beyond. They should be honest, hardworking individuals motivated by a desire to pursue excellence and imbued with a declared passion for either rowing or rugby. It is envisaged that these awards would be made to students going into grades ten or eleven, or, in an exceptional case, to a grade twelve. Winners will be ‘Lecky Scholars’ for the duration of their Shawnigan careers.
"As a family, we have made a significant commitment to the buildings of Shawnigan, but we have not yet made the same effort to bring along 'the student.' It's time to seek top athletes from across the country to help realize the vision of excellence that John pursued and our family wishes to continue." - Janet (Lecky) Griesdale, Closing Day, June 2006
Langara-Haida Gwaii Scholarship and First Nations Bursary
First Nations students have always been represented at Shawnigan, and have made a significant contribution to the School. Recognizing this, and believing in the importance of continuing the tradition, Shawnigan Board member Rick Bourne '69 of Langara Fishing Adventures sought to ensure the presence of a Haida student from the Queen Charlotte Islands by establishing the Langara-Haida Gwaii Scholarship.
Soon after, in response to a compelling newspaper article about the difficulties that First Nations students have in getting an education, Shawnigan parent Melanie Clarance decided to do something about it. She began work that complemented Mr. Bourne's original initiative by working toward a First Nations Bursary that would ensure the availability of the Shawnigan experience to a deserving First Nations youth. With the support of a large group of dedicated volunteers, the School has hosted a number of events in support of this initiative, with more planned for the future.
"I am proud of my heritage and my School. Shawnigan has always held its doors open to First Nations students and it is great that this bursary makes it possible for more First Nations students to come here." - Ricky Funk '07, School Prefect
Visit the First Nations Bursary "Into the Light" page and art gallery
M.J. Shaw Capital Foundation Scholarships
In the Spring of 2006, the Headmaster was approached by Jim Shaw '77. Mr. Shaw and his family had already contributed generously to the School in the building of the Shaw Centre for Science. His desire was to have an impact on the students directly, enabling talented young people to experience the privilege of a Shawnigan education, while adding to the experience of all Shawnigan students by bringing their own special talents and characters to our campus.
Mr. Shaw also introduced an innovative concept in his gift, further ensuring its lasting effect on the School and its recipients. Holders of the Shaw Family Scholarships are asked to make a commitment to give back to Shawnigan in the future at whatever level they are able to.
"We are interested in helping students. They don't have to be top scholars or great athletes. They just have to be great kids." - Jim Shaw '77
Daughters of Shawnigan Scholarship
Envisioned at Shawnigan's first-ever "Women of Shawnigan Celebration Weekend" in June of 2009, this scholarship is awarded to the daughter of a graduate of Shawnigan Lake School. The scholarship recipient will be in her grade ten year and will have expressed a genuine desire to attend the School. She will exhibit qualities of honesty, leadership and character, and will be expected to contribute to all aspects of life at Shawnigan. The scholarship recipient must also have a demonstrated financial need that would otherwise prevent her from attending the School. The Daughters of Shawnigan Scholarship is intended to cover all tuition-related costs for the recipient, who will, subject to the Headmaster's approval, receive the award for the duration of her time at Shawnigan.
Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Scholarship was created in 2009 and is to be awarded to the deserving child of a Shawnigan graduate. The Alumni Scholar will be awarded annually to a student of all-around character who will benefit from, and take advantage of, the 'Shawnigan experience.' Recipients must contribute to all areas of school life, including academics, fine arts, athletics and house leadership. He or she will also have a genuine desire to attend Shawnigan, and preference will be given to candidates whose families face financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from following in their parents' footsteps. Recipients will exude courage, leadership and passion, qualities that are fundamental to the success of all Shawnigan students. Winners will carry the title of 'Alumni Scholar' throughout their Shawnigan careers, and will be expected to contribute to the scholarship fund after graduation.