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A New High Mark for Shawnigan Grad
Not only was it Shawnigan’s largest graduating class ever, but it is also being called the best grad weekend ever.
The grad weekend at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on May 15 and 16 was simply outstanding, with the students, their families and guests, and a multitude of staff members heading into the mountains north of Vancouver to celebrate the end of 151 students’ Shawnigan Journeys.
The special events began on Thursday with the Parent Gathering on the hotel rooftop, where family members mingled with staff for conversation and interaction. Nametags featured the colours of the Boarding Houses, allowing staff members to easily spot the parents from far-flung parts of the world whom they may not have seen regularly over the years.
Everyone was up early on Friday, and there was a buzz in the air throughout the day as students prepared for the Grad Gala in the evening. Corsages and boutonnieres were donned in the afternoon, and students and their families lined up for portraits with School photographer Ms. Arden Gill. That was followed by House photos and a shot of the entire grad class, which required multiple staff members to set up.
The grad banquet, in addition to being the largest Shawnigan has ever held, was also one of the largest ever hosted at the Chateau Whistler. Deputy Head of School Mr. William Nicholas and Senior Master Mrs. Wendy Milne announced the names of all the students as they proceeded into the banquet hall, followed by a land acknowledgement and a pre-filmed speech by Head of School Mr. Larry Lamont. Grace was delivered by Grade 12s Oscar N. and Sorath R., and the delectable dinner provided a chance for students, family and staff members to share Shawnigan memories.
When the food was cleared away, Co-Heads of School Seb A. and Desi S. spoke, as did their respective fathers, recalling important moments and memorable times across their years at the School. Musical performances were given by two bands and a choir, followed by an emotional slideshow featuring all members of the Class of 2025.
When that ended, the room came alive with the graduation dance. The Co-Heads of School and their parents took the floor first, but it didn’t take long for the rest of the class to join them. Off the dance floor, table games and a photo booth provided additional entertainment.
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.
Grad photos will be shared on our photo sharing site before the end of the school year.
Grad photos will be shared on our photo sharing site before the end of the school year.
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.
