About
School Motto
For over a century, the halls of Shawnigan have echoed with a phrase that is as much a challenge as it is a philosophy: Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat. Chosen by C.W. Lonsdale in 1916, this motto connects the School to a lineage of excellence shared by military heroes like Lord Nelson and prestigious institutions worldwide. While its Latin roots are ancient, its meaning remains a vital pulse within our community today.
Translated as “Let those who have earned the palm bear it,” the motto finds its origin in the stadiums of ancient Greece and Rome. In those arenas, a palm branch was the ultimate symbol of distinction, awarded to the gladiator or athlete who rose above the rest due to exceptional skill and effort. On the surface, it is a call to meritocracy – a reminder that if you desire recognition, you must work for it. It suggests that excellence is not an accident of birth or luck, but a harvest of hard work.
However, as current Head of School Larry Lamont emphasized in 2020, the motto is “more than a recognition of victory.” It is about the journey. At Shawnigan, "bearing the palm" isn't just about the trophy; it’s about the discipline, the late nights in the library, and the resilience shown on the pitch. It honours the effort that underpins achievement at every level. Crucially, this pursuit of excellence isn't a solitary act that leaves others behind.
The Reverend James Holland beautifully noted that in a world often hesitant to highlight individual success, Shawnigan views achievement as a collective lift. When one student earns a "palm" – whether that is a Dean’s Dinner, a top grade, or simply the satisfaction of a job well done – the entire community rises. Their success becomes a roadmap for others and a source of shared pride.
By keeping our standards high, we ensure that rewards are meaningful. Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat teaches us that while not everyone wins every time, the pursuit of the reward moves the whole School forward. We are fortunate to live where the "remarkable and inspiring" are daily occurrences, proven by those who work hard to bear the palm.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
However, as current Head of School Larry Lamont emphasized in 2020, the motto is “more than a recognition of victory.” It is about the journey. At Shawnigan, "bearing the palm" isn't just about the trophy; it’s about the discipline, the late nights in the library, and the resilience shown on the pitch. It honours the effort that underpins achievement at every level. Crucially, this pursuit of excellence isn't a solitary act that leaves others behind.
The Reverend James Holland beautifully noted that in a world often hesitant to highlight individual success, Shawnigan views achievement as a collective lift. When one student earns a "palm" – whether that is a Dean’s Dinner, a top grade, or simply the satisfaction of a job well done – the entire community rises. Their success becomes a roadmap for others and a source of shared pride.
By keeping our standards high, we ensure that rewards are meaningful. Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat teaches us that while not everyone wins every time, the pursuit of the reward moves the whole School forward. We are fortunate to live where the "remarkable and inspiring" are daily occurrences, proven by those who work hard to bear the palm.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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.
