News Archive

We are excited to share an update on the inaugural Shawnigan Alum of the Year (SAY) Award!

Following an incredible response to our spring nomination process, the SAY Award Committee carefully reviewed the many outstanding alumni nominated by members of our community. We were inspired by the extraordinary stories of Shawnigan graduates who are living lives of purpose, service and positive contribution in communities across Canada and around the world. 

After thoughtful consideration, our selection committee – made up of Board members, staff alumni and the Co-Directors of Alumni Relations –  selected a recipient whose life and work beautifully reflect the spirit of the SAY Award. The recommendation was then brought forward to the Head’s Office, where it was enthusiastically endorsed.

We are keeping the name under wraps just a little longer! We can tell you that this year's inaugural recipient is an alum whose work demonstrates the Shawnigan values of Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage, and whose commitment to others has created a meaningful and lasting impact.

We had the wonderful opportunity to connect with our recipient this summer, and it has been a joy to learn more about their journey since leaving Shawnigan. We are so excited to share their story with the entire Shawnigan community.

The inaugural SAY Award will be presented in a special Chapel ceremony on Founder’s Day, Saturday, October 24, 2026, as part of Shawnigan’s 110th anniversary celebrations. It will also be featured in this fall’s issue of Black & Gold magazine.

We look forward to celebrating not only our inaugural recipient, but the many remarkable alumni whose lives and contributions continue to demonstrate what it means to carry the Shawnigan spirit beyond the gates.

 

April 27, 1916 was the day that C.W. Lonsdale signed the charter that created Shawnigan, and we marked it with events both serious and – in the words of an alumnus and former Chair of the Board of Governors – “absurd and ridiculous.” Interested in learning more about Lonsdale’s journey in creating a boarding school, read this blog post by Shawnigan’s archivist, Sarah Teunis-Russ.  

 

Throughout 2026, we are celebrating the School’s 110th anniversary with special gatherings around the world, from London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul to Hong Kong and back home on campus.

Shawnigan was proud to host a special 110th anniversary event at Canada House in Trafalgar Square, London, on March 27, 2026. We were delighted to welcome over 120 guests from our global community, including alumni, current and past parents, and friends of the School. Most incredibly, we were joined by David Trafford-Roberts ’43 (Lake’s), who originally attended Shawnigan as part of Operation Pied Piper during WWII! Other special guests included Canadian Olympic gold medallist (Tokyo 2020) Maggie Mac Neil, nuclear physicist Gerry Lander (son of John Lander '24, Shawnigan’s first Olympic gold medallist), and Gary Savage, Headmaster of Westminster School (C.W. Lonsdale’s alma mater).

Reid Irwin has continued to build an impressive path both academically and athletically since graduating from Shawnigan Lake School. After completing his time in junior A hockey, Reid earned a scholarship to the University of Denver before transferring to Colgate University, where he spent his final three NCAA seasons. At Colgate, he served as assistant captain in his junior year and was named captain in his senior year, reflecting his strong leadership and character.

Following graduation, Reid pursued professional hockey. While he had multiple playing options, education remained a priority. He ultimately signed with the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom. So far, in his first professional season, Reid has recorded 19 points in 44 games on a very strong Belfast team.

Beyond hockey, the Belfast Giants support their players’ academic growth. Reid is currently completing his MBA in Project Management through Lasell University in Massachusetts, balancing graduate studies alongside his professional career.

Reid’s journey highlights the lasting impact of a Shawnigan education and the balance of leadership, academics, and athletics beyond school. 

Shawnigan Lake School is a proud supporter of the HSBC Vancouver Sevens. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, the Lecky Foundation, and all of our sponsors for keeping the tradition of Shawnigan rugby stronger than ever.

The Lecky family’s connection to Shawnigan Lake School is foundational. John M.S. Lecky ’57 (Groves’) was a visionary whose commitment to the School is absolute.