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This I Believe
Always an emotional event as students share their raw feelings in front of their classmates, this year’s “This I Believe” evening of speeches was held in the Chapel this past Tuesday.
Grade 12 students gathered to hear 12 of their peers read essays they have written in their English classes about a topic of their choice – anything close to their heart. All students composed essays and read them to their classes, and those classes subsequently chose who would read their pieces on Tuesday.
Shawnigan’s “This I Believe” program was inspired by the 1950s CBS radio series by the same name and many subsequent series that have used the same name.
“This year’s speeches ranged in tone from hopeful, brave, or uplifting to poetic, remorseful, and cautionary,” said English teacher Ms. Stephanie Brown, who organized the evening. “Students delivered unflinching and inspiring reflections on topics related to battles with illness, atypical achievements, and relentless pursuits of creativity. While our Grade 12’s surprise us in their approach each year, they consistently bring their whole selves to this task.”
Following tradition, the event was followed by an outdoor reception in the Quad, complete with s’mores.
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.
