A Night to Remember

Sadly, I don’t have the ability to make a huge impact across the globe, but I have been blessed with this amazing opportunity to bring back the laughter and passion into our community. In saying this, I thought there was no better way to bring staff and students together than a school social. On Thursday, October 7th, students from Grades 8 to 12 dusted off their cowboy hats and practiced their two-step as they got ready for the first Shawnigan Hoedown! With an amazing group of student and staff leaders, the idea of the Hoedown quickly came together. Being a part of organizing and putting this event together was an amazing opportunity. Not only because of the wonderful people I had the privilege of working with, but because I got to see, first hand, a sparkle of joy in so many eyes. Grade 8s were growing out of their shells and line dancing with senior students. Teachers were singing country songs alongside the student body. The line to the Stag Café and the gelato truck traced throughout the Main Building. But most importantly, the community was coming together as one.

 

It was amazing being a part of such a powerful and impactful night. My personal highlight was standing out on the balcony of the Main Building, being able to see a perfect view of everyone dancing and singing together. A challenge that we did face was creating the event safely and making sure we followed every guideline surrounding COVID-19. It was important that everyone was, and felt, welcomed. Thankfully, we got outdoor heaters and fireplaces which help created the Hoedown ambiance.

 

Something that surprised me about the event was seeing how many people embraced the night and the country theme. Students came fully decked out from head to toe in cowboy boots, flannels, jeans, and of course cowboy hats. This enthusiasm has made me very excited to plan more student life events throughout the year. I’d like to thank all the School Prefects for helping set up and clean up the event. None of the magic would have been possible without Mr. Eriksen, who brought his band to play and entertain the crowd. My extreme gratitude goes out to all the interns who made the night run as smoothly as it did. A very important thank you to everyone on the Stag Café and sound team. Mrs. Koltun, Ms. Robb, Ms. Solsberg, Ms. Russell, thank you for putting so much work and passion into the event, I’m extremely grateful. And last, but surely not least, Mr. Sturrock. Thank you for making the whole vision possible. For putting your heart and so much enthusiasm into everything you do for the School. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. To give all of you some perspective on his hard work, when I asked Mr. Sturrock if we could find barn animals to have in the Quad to get students excited for the social, saying he didn’t let us down would be an understatement. As lunch break began on the afternoon of the 7th, students were welcomed into the Quad by a grand horse. All in all, it was a night filled with smiles, creativity, and joy. 

– MacKinley B. ’22 (Strathcona)  

Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.