Scholarships

The Shawnigan Scholars Program provides financial support to promising students based on financial need, as confirmed by an independent financial means assessment. Our Impact Scholarships and the Shawnigan Experience Fund go further, ensuring that all students have equal access to the full Shawnigan Journey by providing support for uniforms, books & technology, trips & tours, and other non-tuition expenses.

We seek to support students from Canada and abroad who have the spark, potential and desire to succeed, and would benefit from a Shawnigan education. In doing so, we are fulfilling our School’s historical commitments and positively impacting the world today. From over 100 years' experience providing financial support to outstanding students, we know that Shawnigan and its students benefit as much from this investment as the scholars themselves.

Below is a list of our current Scholarships which are funded through the generosity of donors. We invite you to join us on this important journey to make a difference for the future generation of Shawnigan students by donating now.

List of 20 items.

  • Anderson Family Scholarship

    The Anderson Family Scholarship has been made available through a fund established by Ron Anderson ’70 (Copeman’s) for outstanding students entering or currently enrolled in Shawnigan Lake School who would be unable to enroll without financial assistance. Four Anderson brothers attended Shawnigan from 1967 through 1977; Ron, who graduated in 1970, Doug in 1972, Rich in 1974 and Bruce in 1977. Their father, Donald McLeod Anderson, served on the Board from 1970-1980 and served as Chair from 1972-1978. Ron served on the Board from 1991-2005.

    The Anderson Family Scholarship was funded to support students who demonstrate leadership potential through excellence in team sport, community service, extra-curricular activities, or some other manner and who need financial assistance to attend the School. Preference is given to alumni legacy children with leadership potential. Special consideration will also be given to those who have experienced barriers to education that are beyond their control, and who demonstrate the ability to thrive in the Shawnigan community while broadening the School’s educational experience for all. Anderson Family Scholars’ enrollment is expected to contribute to the overall strength of the Shawnigan student body while fulfilling Shawnigan’s potential for positive impact in the world.  
  • Graham L. Anderson Legacy Scholarship

    Graham L. Anderson, a prolific classical and heraldic scholar, was awarded his own crest by The Royal Heraldry Society of Canada in 1992 which bore the motto: Non Sibi Sed Aliis, meaning “Not For Themselves But For Others.” This phrase parallels Graham’s own relationship with Shawnigan, which started as a student in 1940, and subsequently spanned 70 years as he lived his life in service of the School. The Graham L. Anderson Legacy Scholarship is created to honour his legacy: as devoted House Director of Lake’s from 1957 to 1986, where he was formative in raising generations of students, and as inspiring teacher where his own encyclopaedic knowledge sparked countless minds that came through the gates of Shawnigan.
     
    Graham was a link that ran through seven decades of Shawnigan’s history, and his former students are now the living links to his legacy. This Scholarship seeks to introduce a new generation of Anderson scholars, forging the link to Graham and his immeasurable influence on the School and ensuring his legacy of “Not For Themselves But For Others” persists for all subsequent generations of Shawnigan students.
     
    The Graham L. Anderson Legacy Scholarship was established in 2022 by John McIntyre ’60 (Lake’s) and his son Chris McIntyre ’98 (Lake’s), both of whom were profoundly inspired by Graham during their respective times at Shawnigan. 
     
    The Graham L. Anderson Legacy Scholarship brings together supporters who wish to contribute to the enduring legacy of Shawnigan as embodied by Graham L. Anderson as well as increase overall strength, performance, and diversity of the Shawnigan student body while assisting families that may require financial assistance to access the School. Scholarship recipients demonstrate the ability to contribute to the Shawnigan community in exceptional ways, thereby elevating the experience of those around them and enriching the School’s educational experience for all.
     
    Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be Anderson Scholars from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.
     
    The Graham L. Anderson Legacy Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Centennial Scholarship

    The Centennial Scholarship Fund is a consolidation of fund accounts that were originally established leading up to the School’s centennial year, to provide assistance to worthy students with demonstrated financial need at Shawnigan Lake School.
     
    This fund has been created to support a highly-motivated student to attend Shawnigan Lake School for a well-rounded, co-educational experience that challenges them intellectually, socially and personally. The student must have demonstrated over time, consistent and solid performance, and act as a role-model in their community. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Centennial Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Centennial Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience.
  • C.W. Lonsdale Scholarship

    The C.W. Lonsdale Scholarship Fund was originally established by Ramsay H. Milne ’39 (Lake’s) in 1996. The purpose of this fund is to support local students, preferably living on Vancouver Island (or residing within BC), to attend Shawnigan Lake School. 

    This scholarship which is a special honour bestowed on a student who, exemplifies the School's philosophy of well-roundedness and demonstrates a strong academic average and who, is recognized by the School for success in the arts, sports, community service and/or leadership. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Lonsdale Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Lonsdale Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience.
  • Derek and Mary Hyde-Lay Scholarship

    The Derek and Mary Hyde-Lay Scholarship Fund was established in 1995, in memory of Derek and Mary, for their combined 72 years of service and dedication to Shawnigan Lake School. 

    This fund has been created to support a student(s) to attend Shawnigan Lake School for a well-rounded, co-educational experience, that identifies by Derek and Mary’s optimistic nature, compassion for others and full commitment to the task at hand. While Derek and Mary deeply respected academic achievement, they held a particular fondness for students whose strength of character was demonstrated in other ways. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Hyde-Lay Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Hyde-Lay Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Diamond Foundation First Nations Scholarship

    Shawnigan offers a Diamond Foundation First Nations Scholarship for a new or returning student that exhibits qualities and traits of character that suggest they will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by a first rate education at Shawnigan Lake School.

    The Diamond Foundation First Nations Scholarship is made possible by donations from the Diamond Foundation, a private Jewish family foundation first endowed by its founders, Jack and Gordon Diamond in 1984. The Foundation was established to improve the quality of people’s lives in the communities in which the benefactors live and do business. The emphasis of its giving is directed toward organizations and issues that strengthen Jewish community life in Greater Vancouver and build tolerance in society. The Foundation also allocates a significant portion of its funds to Vancouver-area organizations that target young people who do not have the same opportunities as other youth to develop to their fullest potential or to participate in community life.

    Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Diamond Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Diamond Foundation First Nations Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Gave Family Scholarship

    The Gave Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 by Louis and Kelly Gave, as a long-term fund, to provide a Shawnigan education to a deserving student.
     
    This fund has been created to support a student who demonstrates strong academic performance, contributes to the school in various areas including the boarding house and co-curricular pursuits, and has a passion for the game of rugby. There is a balanced distribution of funding between male and female students, with either domestic or international citizenship. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Gave Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Gave Family Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Gerald R.B. Coultas Scholarship

    The Gerald Coultas Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by a gift received from the estate of the Honorable Mr. Justice Gerald R.B. Coultas ’48 (Ripley’s). A highly respected leader and BC Supreme Court Judge who encouraged and supported young people to, pursue outdoor educational experiences where they could take on new challenges, receive encouragement, develop self-confidence and to, recognise their potential.
     
    This fund has been created to support students who demonstrate strong academic performance and are recognized by the School for success in their studies, co-curricular pursuits, life on campus, and community service and/or leadership. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Coultas Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.
     
    Gerald R.B. Coultas Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Impact Scholarships

    The Shawnigan Impact Scholarship Fund was established by Head of School Larry Lamont and his wife Kathini Cameron in support of Project Future, Shawnigan’s 2021-2023 strategic vision, with a view to reaching our Shawnigan’s full potential for positive impact in the world.  In a letter to parents supporting the fund, Mr. Lamont shared: “You will know that supporting students dispossessed of safety and education is close to Kathini and my hearts. I am hopeful that, by working together, we can make the gift that you have given to your children available to others who are facing tragic circumstances beyond their control.”
     
    Correspondingly, Shawnigan offers Impact Scholarships for new and returning youth that have been victims of conflict and circumstance that impedes their access to the growth and development that education offers. These youth, through their life experience and commitment to education, will not only benefit enormously from the well-rounded education that Shawnigan offers, but they will have even greater positive impact on Shawnigan students, teachers, and the wider community. Impact Scholarships provide full access to and financial support for the Shawnigan Journey, including tuition, housing, books, uniform, and other expenses.
     
    Shawnigan Impact Scholarships are funded by a wide range of supporters who wish to contribute to the overall strength and diversity of the Shawnigan student body while fulfilling Shawnigan’s potential for positive impact in the world.  Scholarship recipients are victims of conflict and barriers to education, and demonstrate the ability to contribute to the Shawnigan community in exceptional ways, thereby elevating the experience of those around them and enriching the School’s educational experience for all.
  • Indigenous Student of Canada

    The Indigenous Student of Canada Fund was established in 2022 by Patrick Boot and Catherine Weenk from Saskatoon, SK, as a long-term bursary fund, helping worthy students with demonstrated financial need at Shawnigan Lake School. After their daughter's graduation, Sarah Boot '22 (Renfrew), the family was inspired to stay connected to the Shawnigan family while supporting future students to receive the same opportunity for a good education, setting them up for success in post-secondary and in life.
     
    Recipients of this scholarship are grounded in the culture and traditions of their ancestors and embrace the opportunity to act as role models. They help educate and strengthen Shawnigan's relationships with the Indigenous community and empower and support other Indigenous students on campus. This scholarship has been created to support Canadian citizens to attend Shawnigan Lake School for a well-rounded, co-educational experience that challenges them intellectually, socially and personally. This fund is strictly needs-based, and families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. 
  • Jemini Scholarship

    The Jemini Endowment Fund was established in 2013 by Brian ’59 (Groves’) and Joan Mitchell, and Jennifer Mitchell ’97 (Groves’), as a long-term bursary fund, providing assistance to worthy students with demonstrated financial need at Shawnigan Lake School.

    This fund has been created to support a Canadian citizen to attend Shawnigan Lake School for a well-rounded, co-educational experience that challenges them intellectually, socially and personally. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Jemini Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Jemini Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • James Marlow ’73 Science Scholarship

    The James Marlow ’73 Science Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 by a gift received from the estate of Jim Marlow. Jim was a former School Prefect and Head of Groves’ House. He came to the School from a small mining camp in Mexico and later went on to attend UBC, where he became a well-respected mining engineer. Jim's love of science and of engineering led him to set up two legacies: The James Marlow Scholarship in Mining Engineering at UBC and the James Marlow '73 Science Scholarship at Shawnigan Lake School. Jim attributes his success in life to his time at Shawnigan.

    This fund has been created to support a deserving student for their final year at Shawnigan who has an interest and passion for Science, and who is recognized by the School for qualities of integrity, citizenship, sportsmanship and leadership. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Marlow Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    James Marlow ’73 Science Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • John M.S. Lecky Scholarship

    The John M.S. Lecky Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by Janet Griesdale, in memory of her brother John MacMillan Stirling Lecky, a great visionary and benefactor of Shawnigan Lake School, whose untimely passing in February 2003 saddened Shawnigan community greatly.
     
    Lecky Scholarship recipients should have demonstrated the talent, character, teamwork and leadership that potentially lead to significant achievements in school and beyond. They should be honest, hardworking individuals motivated to pursue excellence and imbued with a passion for either rowing or rugby. It is envisaged that these awards would be made to students going into grades ten or eleven, or, in an exceptional case, grade twelve. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Lecky Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    John M.S. Lecky Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Jules Scholarship

    Shawnigan offers the Jules Scholarship for a Canadian student with verified financial need to attend Shawnigan Lake School throughout their Shawnigan Journey. This student must demonstrate an exceptional potential or ability to learn from and contribute to the well-rounded education that the School strives to offer.

    The Jules Scholarship has been established to honour Cole Shaw-Antonio’s graduation from Shawnigan Lake School in 2019 and is made possible by generous donations from the Jules Foundation. The Shaw/Shaw-Antonio Family has an extensive history with Shawnigan Lake School as important alumni and key donors, including past support from the Jules Foundation for the School’s scholarship programs.
  • Michael T. Waites Scholarship

    The Michael T. Waites Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 by Mike Waites, former Chair of the Board and current Chair of the Foundation, as a long-term bursary fund, providing assistance to worthy students with demonstrated financial need at Shawnigan Lake School.

    This fund has been created to support a student residing in BC to attend Shawnigan Lake School for a well-rounded, co-educational experience that challenges them intellectually, socially and personally. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Waites Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Michael T. Waites Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • The Ned Larsen Scholarship

    The Ned Larsen Scholarship Fund has been established by an alumnus and his family, in order to assist families that require financial assistance in order for their child to attend the School.
     
    Ned Larsen (’43), who was student Head of School in 1942-43 and served from 1948-1967 as Housemaster, Senior Master, and eventually Headmaster (1958-1967), dedicated much of his life to Shawnigan Lake School. During this time, he was part of a tremendous era of building renewal, sorely needed after years of austerity. However, Ned did more than help build structures and fields. Of far greater importance, he inspired.  He radiated vitality and zest for life, positively impacting the School’s classrooms, boarding houses, playing fields, and everywhere students engaged on their Shawnigan journeys. Ned was the epitome of the Shawnigan all-rounder and his positive influence continues to be felt at the School to this day.
     
    The donors to the Ned Larsen Scholarship Fund wish to recognize the legacy of this important leader in Shawnigan’s history, establishing a scholarship that will enable continuing access to the school for western Canadian families, and to perpetuate the kind of inspiring education that Ned Larsen represented so well. 
     
    Recipients should be academically able (but not necessarily outstanding), while also showing wide interest in and / or proficiency for the arts, sports, outdoor pursuits, community service and / or cultural activities.  Recipients will have demonstrated (particularly for returning students already known to staff) qualities of integrity, energy, curiosity, willingness to work hard, resilience in the face of adversity, and kindness and consideration for their fellow students and other members of the Shawnigan or wider community. Recipients should be seen by the committee as having reasonable leadership potential, particularly in terms of leading by good example. The Ned Larsen Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Robertson Family Scholarship

    The Robertson Family Scholarship was created in April 2019 through contributions from  supporters of a major Gala fundraiser to honour the Robertsons’ 25-year commitment to Shawnigan Lake School. 

    This scholarship is awarded annually to one or several young men or women of character who exemplify the values that the Robertson family embraced. The successful candidate(s) will have courage, humility, authenticity, kindness, and a commitment to making those around them better, but they will also embrace hard work, teamwork, and competition. Providing that they uphold the principles of the Scholarship, recipients would be 'Robertson Scholars' from the point of award to the end of their studies at Shawnigan.

    Robertson Family Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • Shaw Scholarship

    Originally established in 2006, Jim Shaw '77 (Lonsdale’s) and his wife, Kathryn Shaw, have been passionate supporters of all things Shawnigan. Among their greatest gifts to the School are the annual scholarships that provide a Shawnigan education to deserving young people. These scholarship focus principally on character and leadership, adding to the diversity of the Shawnigan community.
     
    Shaw Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more students who would benefit from the opportunities offered at Shawnigan, but require financial assistance to do so. All families must qualify through a financial means assessment, ensuring that Shawnigan remains within reach for deserving students. As part of the scholarship, the recipient will sign a pledge committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from a Shawnigan experience. 
  • The Spirit of '72 Scholarship

    Shawnigan Lake School offers Spirit of ’72 Scholarships for new and returning students that demonstrate an exceptional potential or ability to learn from and contribute to the well-rounded education that the School strives to offer. The Spirit of ’72 Fund was created through the generous support of alumni who graduated or would have graduated from the School in 1972. These remarkable alumni established and grew their connections and developed a plan to give back to the School as a celebration of their 50th reunion. It serves as a thank-you for giving them a kick start in their lives. Participants wanted to acknowledge the enduring friendships developed through Shawnigan Lake School and provide opportunities for others to experience the same education and lifelong benefits.
  • The Class of '73 Zenith Scholarship

    Shawnigan Lake School offers Class of ’73 Zenith Scholarships for new and returning students that demonstrate an exceptional potential or ability to learn from and contribute to the well-rounded education that the School strives to offer. The Class of ’73 Zenith Scholarship Fund was created through the generous support of alumni who graduated or would have graduated from the School in 1973. These remarkable alumni established and grew their connections and developed a plan to give back to the School as a celebration of their 50th reunion. It serves as a thank-you for giving them a kick start in their lives. Participants wanted to acknowledge the enduring friendships developed through Shawnigan Lake School and provide opportunities for others to experience the same education and lifelong benefits.

FAQ

  • Scholarships are based on merit and need no application.
  • Scholarships are awarded to current students yearly in June.
  • The criteria for each award are based on the intention of individual donors.
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.