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Graduation Celebration!
Accompanied by their families, guests, and many staff members, the members of Shawnigan’s Class of 2026 travelled to Whistler last week for graduation events at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on May 14 and 15.
The two-day celebration began on Thursday with the Parent Gathering, where family members mingled with staff.
Everyone was up early on Friday to prepare for the Grad Gala that evening. In the afternoon, students and their families lined up for portraits with School photographer Ms. Arden Gill, followed by House photos and a shot of the entire Class of 2026 in their graduation finery.
The banquet that evening began with Deputy Head of School Mr. Bill Nicholas and Senior Master Mrs. Wendy Milne announcing the procession of graduates into the hall, followed by a pre-filmed speech by Head of School Mr. Larry Lamont, a land acknowledgement by Zak T., and grace delivered by Justus F. Dinner provided a chance for students, family and staff members to share Shawnigan memories and reflect on their respective journeys.
After dinner, co-Heads of School Ash B. and Benneit H. spoke, and their parents, Ash’s father Mustafa and Benneit’s mother, Helen Mayes ’91 (School House) delivered speeches of their own. That was followed by a trio of musical performances – Dorje S. and Isaac C., accompanied by Mr. Vince Hale; the Core Four (Ash B., Rosa O., Noel T. and Sasha T.), and Penelope L. – introduced by Mr. Hale, who noted that he started as a teacher four years ago, and that it was many of these students who “taught him how to teach.”
Next up was an emotional slideshow featuring all members of the Class of 2026. The graduation dance began with the Co-Heads of School and their parents on the floor first, joined soon after by the rest of the Class.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Grad weekend in Whistler, and to the Events team and all the other staff members who made the celebrations possible.
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 12 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
