News
Stag Awards
Three longtime staff receive award
Stag Awards were presented to three longtime Shawnigan staff members during Closing Week at the end of June. Congratulations to Cari Bell, Mick Feist and Nigel Mayes! It can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that they have made.
Cari Bell
Cari, an Eagle Feather recipient, is an exceptional life-long learner and educator. She was a very well-respected and committed English Department Head who set and attained high standards for herself and expected nothing less from her team as they collaborated on a unified department scope and sequence. Her scholarship and love of learning have her always delving into new books and authors whilst inspiring her students and colleagues to do the same. Cari’s approachable manner has made her a true mentor to fellow teachers, who have appreciated the time and support she has so generously given to discuss teaching challenges, educational matters and career aspirations. Students respond to Cari’s warm character and ability to make them feel inspired and special. She is the embodiment of discretion and a generosity of spirit, and also of unwavering professionalism in support of others. Cari brightens one’s day with each encounter, and it can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that Cari has made.
Mick Feist
Mick Feist started at Shawnigan as a bus driver in 1989, and has been a stalwart member of the staff for the ensuing 31 years. Due to his various skills and talents, he was seconded to the Maintenance Department where he has made his mark in his quiet, competent and deeply humble manner. He is always cheerful, level-headed and helpful – and he is always prepared to go the extra mile for staff and students alike. Mick simply gets the job done and nothing is too much trouble for him. Mick and his wife Nelly’s son Jason was a five year Ripley’s man and now works as a carpenter in the Cowichan Valley. I can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that Mick has made.
Nigel Mayes
A Stag Award is presented to Nigel Mayes. When Nigel received a Stag Award as a student in 1989, his citation commented on his leadership, thoughtfulness, maturity, and generosity. Those traits remain central to his contributions as a staff member. An Eagle Feather recipient, Nigel’s unfailing support of and belief in his students has inspired generations of scientific minds. Colleagues have grown under his respectful and humble leadership of the Science department and co-curricular programs, and Nigel’s passion for supporting student initiative is embodied through Shawnigan’s thriving robotics program. The success of the School’s observatory is solely through Nigel’s generosity and hours of attention, and it is just one of many of Nigel’s passions that have motivated students and colleagues to push themselves to explore. The School is indebted to Nigel’s calm leadership and compassionate approach to our trips and tours program over Spring Break as the pandemic made a global impact, and it can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that Nigel has made.
Cari Bell
Cari, an Eagle Feather recipient, is an exceptional life-long learner and educator. She was a very well-respected and committed English Department Head who set and attained high standards for herself and expected nothing less from her team as they collaborated on a unified department scope and sequence. Her scholarship and love of learning have her always delving into new books and authors whilst inspiring her students and colleagues to do the same. Cari’s approachable manner has made her a true mentor to fellow teachers, who have appreciated the time and support she has so generously given to discuss teaching challenges, educational matters and career aspirations. Students respond to Cari’s warm character and ability to make them feel inspired and special. She is the embodiment of discretion and a generosity of spirit, and also of unwavering professionalism in support of others. Cari brightens one’s day with each encounter, and it can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that Cari has made.
Mick Feist
Mick Feist started at Shawnigan as a bus driver in 1989, and has been a stalwart member of the staff for the ensuing 31 years. Due to his various skills and talents, he was seconded to the Maintenance Department where he has made his mark in his quiet, competent and deeply humble manner. He is always cheerful, level-headed and helpful – and he is always prepared to go the extra mile for staff and students alike. Mick simply gets the job done and nothing is too much trouble for him. Mick and his wife Nelly’s son Jason was a five year Ripley’s man and now works as a carpenter in the Cowichan Valley. I can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that Mick has made.
Nigel Mayes
A Stag Award is presented to Nigel Mayes. When Nigel received a Stag Award as a student in 1989, his citation commented on his leadership, thoughtfulness, maturity, and generosity. Those traits remain central to his contributions as a staff member. An Eagle Feather recipient, Nigel’s unfailing support of and belief in his students has inspired generations of scientific minds. Colleagues have grown under his respectful and humble leadership of the Science department and co-curricular programs, and Nigel’s passion for supporting student initiative is embodied through Shawnigan’s thriving robotics program. The success of the School’s observatory is solely through Nigel’s generosity and hours of attention, and it is just one of many of Nigel’s passions that have motivated students and colleagues to push themselves to explore. The School is indebted to Nigel’s calm leadership and compassionate approach to our trips and tours program over Spring Break as the pandemic made a global impact, and it can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions that Nigel has made.
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 West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
