Alumni
Alumni Notebook - July 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.
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.
2024 BC Rugby Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to Ian Hyde-Lay '75 (Lake’s) and Eddie Evans '81 (Lake's), who were named as inductees into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame for 2024. Ian joins his father, Derek Hyde-Lay, a long-time Shawnigan staff member, who was inducted in 2007.
This achievement demonstrates the influence Eddie and Ian have had on rugby, not only in BC, but across Canada. Read more here.
This achievement demonstrates the influence Eddie and Ian have had on rugby, not only in BC, but across Canada. Read more here.
Michael Mehl ’18 (Ripley’s) Check out our latest alumni profile!
Michael Mehl ’18 (Ripley’s) competed in the Mike Johnson Classic Squash Tournament this past May and connected with the Advancement & Community Engagement team to share his Shawnigan experience and why he continues to give back to Shawnigan Lake School. Read his full profile here.
Alexandra Hennig ’10 (Kaye’s)
Shout out to Alexandra Hennig who achieved a professional milestone and recently presented at her first external speaking engagement at an Impactic Global GmbH conference in Munich. Alexandra is a senior manager in marketing at the Coca-Cola Company.
Amanda Banks ’05 (Groves’)
As part of the Victoria Hospital Foundation #HumansFirst series, Amanda opened up about her career as a palliative care registered nurse at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Read her full story here and discover more about Amanda’s own journey from Kenya to Shawnigan to nursing.
The #HumanFirst series shares the stories from behind the hospitals’ frontlines.
Do you have a career highlight, accomplishment or milestone? We’d love to hear from you, please email us at alumni@shawnigan.ca
Read her full story here and discover more about Amanda’s own journey from Kenya to Shawnigan to nursing.
The #HumanFirst series shares the stories from behind the hospitals’ frontlines.
Do you have a career highlight, accomplishment or milestone? We’d love to hear from you, please email us at alumni@shawnigan.ca
Samuel House Grand Opening
Shawnigan had the opportunity to thank Gaynor and Rhodri Samuel and the donors and School community members who made Samuel House a reality during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 10.
Although Samuel House – Canada’s first co-educational boarding house for Grade 8s – opened in February to students and the staff families who live with and nurture them, the ceremony in May provided a sense of formality, as well as an opportunity for the project’s generous donors to celebrate and see the House in person. Read the full story here 
Although Samuel House – Canada’s first co-educational boarding house for Grade 8s – opened in February to students and the staff families who live with and nurture them, the ceremony in May provided a sense of formality, as well as an opportunity for the project’s generous donors to celebrate and see the House in person. Read the full story here
Congratulations to Sharm Pedersen ’24 (Strathcona) and Shaughnelene Smith ’13 (Groves’), the 2024 Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship recipients.
Sharm Pedersen ’24 (Strathcona)
Sharm is a recent graduate of Shawnigan Lake School, where she excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, which has served as a foundational asset to her next step of pursuing a degree in business. This fall, Sharm will attend the University of Toronto, taking the Rotman Commerce undergraduate business program, helping her achieve her goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur in international business. Beyond academics at Shawnigan, Sharm was active in sports, student-run organizations and the arts. She is a talented singer and songwriter and has written and composed six songs for her album, Daisies.
“The nurturing environment that Shawnigan has to offer and the diverse opportunities for engagement have been essential in shaping who I am today. I look forward to using everything that Shawnigan has provided me in terms of self-development to make meaningful contributions to the wider community in the real world. I am genuinely passionate about contributing to the broader community and believe my education at the University of Toronto will further equip me with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.” – Sharm Pedersen
“The nurturing environment that Shawnigan has to offer and the diverse opportunities for engagement have been essential in shaping who I am today. I look forward to using everything that Shawnigan has provided me in terms of self-development to make meaningful contributions to the wider community in the real world. I am genuinely passionate about contributing to the broader community and believe my education at the University of Toronto will further equip me with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.” – Sharm Pedersen
Shaughnelene Smith ’13 (Groves’)
Since her time at Shawnigan, Shaughnelene earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Queen’s University, graduating with distinction in 2017. Following her post-secondary education at Queen’s, Shaughnelene attended medical school at Kansas City University, where she discovered her passion for social determinants of health with a specific focus on geographical isolation and the negative impacts on the health outcomes of patients. Shaughnelene has also published works in journals such as the Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine regarding the social influences affecting those living in northern Canada and those of Indigenous descent.
The Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship will support Shaughnelene as she completes her post-graduate medical education at Mayo Clinic to become a fully licensed board-certified physician.
“My ultimate aspiration is to practice medicine in a rural setting, mirroring the community that shaped me and providing essential primary and dermatological care to underserved populations. The Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship's support empowers me to concentrate on my academic pursuits and work toward this meaningful goal.” – Shaughnelene Smith
The Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship will support Shaughnelene as she completes her post-graduate medical education at Mayo Clinic to become a fully licensed board-certified physician.
“My ultimate aspiration is to practice medicine in a rural setting, mirroring the community that shaped me and providing essential primary and dermatological care to underserved populations. The Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship's support empowers me to concentrate on my academic pursuits and work toward this meaningful goal.” – Shaughnelene Smith
About the Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship
The Graham L. Anderson Alumni Scholarship was established in 1999 by members of the alumni community in memory of Graham L. Anderson, a long-serving staff member whose dedication spanned 70 years at Shawnigan Lake School. Learn more here.
We are grateful to our donors who continue to support our financial aid and scholarship programs. The generosity transcends time and makes a positive impact on students’ lives. To learn more about the impact of scholarships, watch this video of messages from our young alumni scholars.
We are grateful to our donors who continue to support our financial aid and scholarship programs. The generosity transcends time and makes a positive impact on students’ lives. To learn more about the impact of scholarships, watch this video of messages from our young alumni scholars.
Ian MacDonald ’01 (Ripley’s)
Ian was recognized by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce through the Volunteer of the Year Award for his work as a Chamber Ambassador.
"Ian is the very first Calgary Chamber Ambassador, becoming an amplified voice for the Chamber and becoming part of the Chamber's identity, embodying leadership and connection among Calgary's business community. His infectious enthusiasm and ability to bring people together through his donation of time and efforts are valued by all, creating a better city for every Calgarian through his selfless actions."
Read the full post here
"Ian is the very first Calgary Chamber Ambassador, becoming an amplified voice for the Chamber and becoming part of the Chamber's identity, embodying leadership and connection among Calgary's business community. His infectious enthusiasm and ability to bring people together through his donation of time and efforts are valued by all, creating a better city for every Calgarian through his selfless actions."
Read the full post here
Ian is the Business and Innovation Leader with KPMG in Calgary, where he leads the High Growth Ventures program, working with tech and innovation startups and scaleups. He lives in Calgary with his wife, Kelly, who he married last June.
2024 Derek Hyde-Lay Fishing Derby
Earlier this month, a group of Shawnigan alumni, friends and staff competed in a friendly fishing tournament and revived the Derek Hyde-Lay Fishing Derby at Langara Fishing Adventures, owned and operated by Rick Bourne ’69 (Copeman’s).
Freeman Ford ’57 (Ripley’s), Iain Morris, past parent, and James Morris ’17 (Duxbury) joined Larry Lamont, Head of School; Bill Nicholas, Deputy Head of School; and Greg Stevenson, Campaign Director; for a five-day fishing expedition to Haida Gwaii.
Check out their amazing adventure here.
Freeman Ford ’57 (Ripley’s), Iain Morris, past parent, and James Morris ’17 (Duxbury) joined Larry Lamont, Head of School; Bill Nicholas, Deputy Head of School; and Greg Stevenson, Campaign Director; for a five-day fishing expedition to Haida Gwaii.
Check out their amazing adventure here.
Announcements
Celebrations & Recent Visits
Stuart Milbrad ’48 (Lake’s)
Long-time SUSA (Shawnigan USA Fund) Board Member Stuart Milbrad ’48 (Lake’s) celebrated his 95th birthday with family and friends on June 14, 2024.
Karsten Broockman ’81 (Lake’s) and his friends, on a recent trip from Hamberg, Germany, stopped by to visit Shawnigan Lake School on their way up to Tofino, BC.
Bill Liakas ’53 (Lake’s) in his home in Delta, BC with Rhod Samuel and Larry Lamont.
Shawnigan Lake School staff, friends and family wrapped up the school year in a fun-filled cricket match against the Cowichan Cricket Club / All-Stars. Staff and friends also participated in a pickleball tournament, coordinated by Sheila and Bugsy Johnson'66 (Copeman's).
In photo: Ian Hyde-Lay ’75 (Lake’s) and Rhod Samuel
Births
Alex Macintosh ’09 (Lonsdale’s)
Alex and his wife, Missy, recently welcomed their first child, Evelyn, in June 2024.
Marshall Fremlin ’14 (Copeman’s)
Marshall and his partner, Shandy Murphy, gave birth to their son Maxwell James Fremlin on February 17, 2024.
Arthur Chang ’03 (Ripley’s)
Arthur Chang and his wife, Grace are pleased to announce the arrival of their twin boys in March, bringing their family up to seven members!
Marriages
Congratulations to Conor Finucane ’00 (Copeman’s) who wed this June. There were many Shawnigan alumni in attendance at the wedding, including (L-R): Joel Duthie ’00 (Copeman’s), Matt McClure ’00 (Copeman’s), Erik Groot ’00 (Copeman’s), Paul Houghton ’00 (Ripley’s), Conor Finucane ’00 (Copeman’s), Ryan Sutcliffe ’00 (Ripley’s), Seppe Laudisio ’99 (Copeman’s), Yuichi Levinson ’00 (Lake's), Kevin Finucane ’02 (Copeman’s); kneeling, L - R: James Carswell-Engle ’00 (Ripley’s) and Toby Cubitt ’99 (Copeman’s).
Passages
In this section we recognize those members of our alumni and greater community who have passed away. Please reach out to Rhodri Samuel at rsamuel@shawnigan.ca if you have information or updates you would like to share with our wider community.
David S. Williams ’55 (Groves’)
‘Willy’ was a thorough member of the Class of 1955 – friendly, capable, determined and usually on the edge of trouble. Tales of Willy’s escapades could fill much of an evening among SLS grads of that era.
https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/david-williams-1089409641
https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/david-williams-1089409641
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.
