Grad Weekend

Families celebrated together as Shawnigan's Class of 2019 enjoyed the School's annual Grad Weekend.

 

The latest chapter in a storied custom saw 130 graduating students travel to Whistler, BC for a weekend of ceremony and family fun.

 

Friday's gala included musical performances by students as well as traditional toasts from the Heads of School – Jojo T. and Tolani A. – and Jojo's mom, Keiko.

 

"This is a place where you have the opportunity to write your own story," Jojo said, in thanking his mother, his teachers, and his classmates. "And as with every story, the people behind the scenes are the real heroes."

 

Picking up on Jojo's theme of heroes, English teacher Jay Connolly spoke positively about the conflicts students have experienced while at Shawnigan and will continue to experience in their adult lives. "Conflict is the engine of change and growth for human beings," Mr. Connolly said. "Our conflicts tell us who we are. They show us what we care about and remind us of what we do not want to be. Conflict reveals to us the values we must defend and the internal obstacles we must overcome to maintain our self-respect."

 

Grads now face a final month of school, as they return for athletic championships, artistic showcases, and final exams.