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Glorious Great Gatsby Gala
The Friesen Centre came alive with jazz music, flapper fashion, and everything that made the 1920s roar as it hosted the Great Gatsby Gala, a fine dining experience and fundraiser for the EDGE (Engagement, Development, Gratitude and Experience) Spring Break trip to Jamaica.
Organized by Grade 12 student Ali S. as her capstone project, the event had the Friesen Centre done up in Jazz Age style, while guests – including students, parents and staff members – donned their best period attire and enjoyed an enticing meal prepared by Shawnigan head chef Mr. Dustin Setso and his kitchen team with the help of the entrepreneurship students who operate the Stag Café.
In addition to the dining space, there was also a greeting area with appetizers, era-appropriate entertainment in the form of poker and fortune-telling, and a dessert station with live music provided by student musicians and teachers Ms. Mandy Bryant and Mr. Vince Hale.
In the week leading up to the event, vintage-looking posters featuring Shawnigan staff and students (created by Mrs. Rainbow Bartlett, Mr. Al Brunet and the Digital Photography 360) were displayed in the hall of the Main Building, to the delight of everyone who passed by.
In the week leading up to the event, vintage-looking posters featuring Shawnigan staff and students (created by Mrs. Rainbow Bartlett, Mr. Al Brunet and the Digital Photography 360) were displayed in the hall of the Main Building, to the delight of everyone who passed by.
It took a lot of people to make the event possible, entrepreneurship teacher Ms. Mariel Solsberg emphasized.
“From the early planning stages and set up, to the amazing musical performances and artwork, to the food, games, service, and clean up, we are so lucky to see our visions become reality and to see things executed so well,” she said. “This was not an easy task, and it is because of all of your support that it was a success.”
Additional gratitude from the organizers went to the Events team, Mr. Ed de Melo, Mr. Justin Theriau, Ms. Katrina Cholack, Mr. Galen Loiselle, the Interns, and students in Art 11 and the Digital Photography 360.
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.
