Alumni Awards and Scholarships
Shawnigan Alum of the Year Award
The Shawnigan Alum of the Year (SAY) Award honours alumni change-makers who exemplify the School’s mission by living a life of purpose, service, and positive contribution. This award celebrates alumni who generously give their time and talents for the good of others, strengthening community and creating lasting impact in society. It recognizes individuals who may not always be publicly celebrated, but whose actions reflect the core Shawnigan values of Curiosity, Compassion, Community, and Courage through meaningful, sustained engagement. These are lives lived with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to making the world better for others – echoing the words inscribed at the School’s front gates: that Shawnigan will continue to prepare students “to contribute positively to society, thereby building a better Canada and a better world.”
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Award Selection Criteria
Nominees will be assessed holistically, with emphasis on impact rather than status or recognition.1. Community Impact- Demonstrates a meaningful, positive contribution to a community or group
- Impact may be local, national, or global
- Contributions may be highly visible or quietly transformational
2. Embodiment of the Four Cs- Curiosity: Seeks understanding, innovation, or learning in addressing challenges
- Compassion: Acts with empathy and care for others
- Community: Builds connection, belonging, or support for others
- Courage: Takes principled action, shows resilience, or challenges injustice
- Lives with integrity and purpose
- Reflects the spirit of service and responsibility fostered at Shawnigan
- Demonstrates ongoing involvement or long-term dedication rather than a single achievement
- Shows consistency and depth of engagement
- Serves as a role model for current students, staff and alumni
- Inspires others through actions, innovation, education, mentorship, or example
- Fosters a sense of pride and ongoing connection amongst alumni
The selection committee, consisting of the Co-Directors of Alumni Relations, representatives of the Board of Governors, staff alumni, and former Chairs of the Board, will review nominations and make recommendations to the Head of School’s office for review in June.The recipient will be notified in June and will be invited to Founder’s Day where they will be recognized in front of students, faculty, alumni and community members.The recipient will receive a commemorative award and their name will be added to the Honour Board in the Main Building.The recipient will be invited to speak or participate in mentorship opportunities during the visit and beyond.The recipient’s profile will be shared in Shawnigan publications and alumni channels, including the Black & Gold magazine (community section) and Community News. -
Application Process
Applications will be accepted each year between March 15th and May 30th, and should be submitted to advancement@shawnigan.ca.
Graham L. Anderson Award for Alumni Scholars
The Graham L. Anderson Award for Alumni Scholars Fund (previously named the Graham L. Anderson Scholarship Fund) was originally established in 1999 by members of the alumni community in memory of Graham L. Anderson, a long-serving staff member whose dedication spanned 70 years as he lived his life in service of Shawnigan Lake School. Graham L. Anderson was exceptionally dedicated to the pursuit of education, intellectual curiosity and academic growth, and this fund was created to honour Mr. Anderson’s legacy by supporting alumni as they explore their passions through post-secondary studies.
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Purpose of the Fund
The Graham L. Anderson Award for Alumni Scholars supports Shawnigan Lake School alumni who wish to further their academic pursuits with either an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree at a recognized university, college or educational institution. Award funds are intended to cover tuition and/or living expenses for the successful applicants.Graham L. Anderson Awards for Alumni Scholars are available to applicants once in their post-secondary career and the successful applicants will receive a one-time award of $5,000.Graham L. Anderson Awards for Alumni Scholars will be presented to up to two individuals each year. -
Award Selection Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate the following:- Has graduated or is graduating in good standing from Shawnigan Lake School;
- Has been accepted or is enrolled at an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate program at a recognized post-secondary university, college or educational institution; and
- Has demonstrated consistent outstanding performance in scholarly pursuits and is expected to continue demonstrating the intellectual curiosity that Graham L. Anderson encouraged in his career as an educator.
Preference will be given to applicants who:- Articulate financial need; and
- Demonstrate ongoing service and commitment to bettering the wider community.
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Application Process
Applications will be accepted each year between April 1st and deadline of May 15th, and should be submitted to advancement@shawnigan.ca. Applications must include:- A letter of application addressed to the Head of Shawnigan Lake School, detailing the applicant’s educational background, plans and goals; and
- Confirmation of acceptance/or enrollment from the applicant’s chosen university, college or educational institution
Successful applicants to the Graham L. Anderson Award for Alumni Scholars will be referred to as Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholars, and will be asked to:- Sign the Founder’s Pledge document committing to one day giving back to support another student with their education;
- Provide a letter of gratitude to be given to the donors of the fund; and
- Work with the Advancement and Community Engagement Office as they prepare materials to publicly announce winners of the Graham L. Anderson Scholar Award.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
