Alumni News/Profiles

List of 3 news stories.

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  Alumni Notebook - October 2024

  10/18/2024
  Gigi Yeung ’19 (Renfrew)
  
  

  Shawnigan teachers, coaches, advisors and guidance counsellors often have a long-lasting effect on students and alumni. One such influencer is Mike Johnson, Shawnigan Lake School’s Squash Director. The lasting impact he has had on Shawnigan is immeasurable, and is the inspiration for the Mike Johnson Classic tournament. 
  
  

  Gigi Yeung ’19 (Renfrew) recently shared her Shawnigan experience and the impact Mike Johnson had on her squash career. Read her story below.

   

  "After struggling in my Grade 10 English class in Macau, I knew I needed a change. This led me to consider attending a boarding school in Canada, hoping that a different academic environment would help me improve my English skills and reach my goal of getting into a top university. 

  
  

  Among the schools I considered, Shawnigan stood out for its balance between athletics, fine arts, and academics, along with its close-knit community. After speaking with a few students on the squash team, I felt Shawnigan was the perfect fit, especially since it would allow me to continue playing squash at a competitive level alongside some of the top junior players in Canada. 

  
  

  The support I received at Shawnigan was unlike anything I could find elsewhere – whether in academics, sports, or personal growth, there was always help available. Mike Johnson, Shawnigan’s squash coach, had a significant impact on my experience at Shawnigan. His dedication and passion for the sport inspired me to work hard and push myself. 

  
  

  From the first day, he pushed us hard in practice. Although the training was tough, he was always able to make the sessions enjoyable, and I had fun every time. Whether it was 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m., he was always willing to offer extra sessions, allowing me to practice outside of the regular practice times. 

  
  

  Even off the court, Mike was always willing to help and give me advice in any way he could, and he became like a father figure to me. His constant support and genuine care, and his belief in my potential, both on and off the court, helped me grow a lot. As a result, I was able to improve my squash game significantly, and I was recruited by Yale to play for their varsity squash team – an opportunity I never thought possible before coming to Shawnigan. Mike’s influence continues to motivate me today, as I still work hard and push myself, remembering the lessons I learned from his coaching. Along with Mike, the teachers, advisors, and university guidance counsellors at Shawnigan also played a big role in shaping my journey. Their support helped me thrive in both academics and squash, which led to being accepted into an Ivy League university, something that likely wouldn’t have been possible without the unique support I found at Shawnigan."

  
  

  Before attending Yale University, Gigi was the top female squash player in Macau and a multiple-time National Junior Champion. Gigi is the first player from her country to play for Yale and she is ranked #252 in the world for squash. Read more about Gigi’s accomplishments here.

   
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• 

  Alumni Notebook - July 2024

  7/9/2024
  Mike Johnson Classic Squash Tournament
  
  

  Shawnigan Lake School hosted the Mike Johnson Classic Squash Tournament from May 10 to 11. Players came from San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Calgary, Vancouver and the Island. We were honoured to welcome back a number of alums, three of whom are still playing at an elite level [Bransten Ming ’15 (Lonsdale’s), Ryan Picken ’17 (Lonsdale’s), Michael Mehl ’18 (Ripely’s)] and have competed at the National Championships. The calibre of squash was outstanding, and it was a unique opportunity for the spectators and our younger players to experience squash at this level. Bransten prevailed in the final, having come through a well-fought semi against his Shawnigan teammate, Ryan Picken. Following the final, Bransten made a heartfelt and thought-provoking address in which he paid tribute to Mike Johnson for the contribution he has made to all of the Shawnigan players. He highlighted Mike’s dedication to his players, coaching expertise (three World Champions), integrity and work ethic. His message for the current Shawnigan players was the recognition that they will inevitably lose matches along their squash journey, but that much more learning comes from the losses than the wins.
  
  The championship match was followed by a social gathering at the pavilion. The alums who came to play had a wonderful time reminiscing and commenting on the stunning campus. It was plain to see their sense of camaraderie, pride in Shawnigan and respect for Mike. Thanks go to Colin Whitney for all his time and organization, which ensured the smooth and efficient running of the tournament.
  
  The weekend would not have been the same without the artistic skill of Ben K. (Grade 10) who designed the tournament t-shirt.
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• Alumni Notebook - May 2024

  5/8/2024
  Devon Thompson '00 (Groves')

  
  
  
  

  Check out our latest alumni profile!
  
  Devon Thompson ’00 (Groves’) spoke with the Advancement & Community Engagement team as part of an ongoing series featuring the stories that make up the legacy of Shawnigan alumni. As one of our newest Board of Governors, Devon shared her experiences since graduating from Shawnigan. Devon is currently the Managing Director at RBCx. Read More.
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