The Ravenhill Cup
In 1916, Horace T. Ravenhill sold C.W. Lonsdale a corner of his acreage and the original house in which the School began. Ravenhill's own house was on the hill where Lake's House now stands, and he was very supportive of the new venture, in both moral and practical ways, helping to train the boys in drill and shooting (for which he donated a separate trophy) and by teaching classes occasionally. A year later, Ravenhill sold Lonsdale his home and remaining acreage.
Mr. Ravenhill donated this beautiful trophy, originally called the "Efficiency Cup," in memory of his son who was killed at Ypres in the First World War, one year before Shawnigan Lake School was founded. The Efficiency Cup was first awarded in 1917, at the end of the first full year of the School. The trophy, later awarded at the end of each term, was awarded to a student outstanding in academics, sports and citizenship, and for "unselfish devotion to duty and work for the good of the School." This award was described in the 1955 Magazine as "the most cherished in the School, won by the vote of the staff, who take into consideration a number of factors which includes qualities of leadership, sense of responsibility, and popularity." In the early 1970s, this trophy was used as the Senior Citizenship Cup, with citizenship alone being the main criteria.
In 2016, the trophy was renamed The Ravenhill Cup in order to revise the criteria slightly, and to honour the original donor of the trophy. The Ravenhill Cup is now awarded in June to the student in Grade 11 or 12 who has “fully embraced all aspects of a Shawnigan education with a particular emphasis on strength of character and commitment to the school community.” It is one of the premier awards at Shawnigan. As the motto on the cup says, "Candid and Steady"!
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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.
