Grad Pathways - The Alumni Magazine of Aberdeen Hall by aberdeenhall4

GRAD PATHWAYS

ABERDEEN HALL From Aberdeen Hall to wherever life takes you, you will always be a part of the AH family.

Issue 002 / June 2021

Living Curiously by Justin Charney AHPS 2019

Olivia Penalva takes the music industry by storm 06

At just 21 years old, Olivia Penalva (AHPS 2018) has proven that she’s a force to be reckoned with.

In this issue 03

Head of School Welcome By Chris Grieve, Head of School

Learning from our Alumni By Stephen Acree, Vice-Principal Senior School, University Guidance

Feature Article: Olivia Penalva By: Erin Jones, Director of Publications and Social Media

Leading the Way The Aberdeen Hall Mentorship Program

Living Curiously By Justin Charney (AHPS 2019)

Charting the Course Aberdeen Hall alumni share their post-secondary journeys

The Aberdeen Hall “Lifer” Award These 2021 grads have been with us since the beginning

#Adulting Your Guide to Adulting

22 Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams Grad 2021

26 Summer Reading Guide Our faculty share their favourites

27 Meeting Melinda - a Mentorship Tale By Kylee Wilson, Admissions and Development Coordinator

28 Forever is Composed of Nows By Grant Ozechowsky, High School Principal

30 Congratulations to the Class of 2021 Our Largest Grad Class Ever

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Head of School Welcome

The tremendous satisfaction of visiting with Aberdeen Hall alumni There is nothing more rewarding than meeting with Aberdeen Hall alumni, especially when we hear about their next stage of life. This may include the successful completion of an undergrad or master’s degree, completing some world travel, or starting a career position.

Hearing about our alumni’s favourite teachers, sports teams, Horizon’s trips and special friendships creates a warm feeling of connection.

Please join us in celebrating their journeys. Warm regards, Chris Grieve Head of School

Hearing about their favourite teachers, sports teams, Horizon’s trips, and special friendships creates a warm feeling of connection, and we appreciate that now more than ever. We are very proud of all of our alumni and really hope they (you) will remain connected to Aberdeen Hall through email and personal visits.

FOUNDED IN

2004

285 TOTAL ALUMNI

EIGHT

Graduating Classes to Date Including 2021

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STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2021

Learning From Our Alumni By Stephen Acree Vice-Principal Senior School University Guidance

The diversity of studies is exciting and affirms the many paths available to our graduates.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

“I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution the alumni make to our national life.” John F. Kennedy

It is an honour and a very educational experience to work with our phenomenal graduates. As they progress through high school and into post-secondary institutions, our graduates become our eyes and ears in the postsecondary world and ultimately are creating a growing network in the professional world.

Aberdeen Hall is graduating its eighth class this June, and it’s hard to believe that the years have rolled by so quickly. From our class of 14 students in 2014 to this year’s class of 52 graduates, we’ve grown in many ways, and not simply in class size. One of the greatest resources in our maturation? Our alumni! Within the ranks of our alumni we have entrepreneurs, accountants, and builders. We have alumni training to be doctors, engineers, and lawyers. Futures in the tech industry are bright, as we have alumni training in video game design, animation, computer science, and more. Renowned fine arts institutions have Aberdeen Hall alumni within their ranks. And alumni continue to embrace the humanities as they prepare to become influential leaders in our society. From Ivy League and other American universities, to excellent institutions across Canada, to other international universities in the UK and Asia, our alumni are spreading around the globe. The diversity of studies is exciting and affirms the many paths available to our graduates.

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John F. Kennedy said, “I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution the alumni make to our national life.” With the growing international nature of our alumni, I’d amend that statement to include “international”. The fact of the matter is that we are on the cusp of witnessing our alumni influence our world in significant ways. While learning is lifelong, formal schooling has led or is soon to lead many of our graduates into employment, into careers, and into influential positions. The many years of hard work in education pays off, and I for one am incredibly excited to engage with our alumni as they follow their paths to a rewarding future. And so I know that our alumni are one of our greatest resources. We need our alumni to help guide Aberdeen Hall, to lead the way into an ever-changing educational and professional world. I learn from the experiences that our alumni have, and the conversations that I crave having with them. Our

students benefit enormously from interactions with alumni. When we have past graduates into the building to speak with our current students, the connection is incredibly impactful. Our student experience is shaped by the suggestions and feedback of alumni who choose to stay connected, to share their struggles and successes, and who have personal and up-to-date intel to share with us. We listen to our alumni, and we incorporate their wisdom into the plans that we make. Alumni are consistently quoted and referenced in guidance meetings, and our students are eager to learn from them. As somebody who has worked with each of our graduating classes, I call on our alumni to continue this connection and to keep leading our school into a bright and impactful future. I am so very grateful to each of our alumni for their contributions, and I’m incredibly impressed with their achievements. To each of our alumni, I invite you to send me an update, a recommendation, a greeting, and perhaps notice of an intention to visit our current students. Aberdeen Hall supports and celebrates you, and will always be here to help you in any way we can.

STEPHEN ACREE Vice-Principal Senior School University Guidance stephen.acree@aberdeenhall.com

At just 21 years old, Olivia Penalva (AHPS 2018) has proven that she’s a force to be reckoned with. She has over 8 million streams under her belt, over 6.6 million YouTube views and more than 47,000 subscribers already taking notice of both her inspirational message and honest lyricism. In addition to having her cover of ‘Have a Little Faith in Me’ featured on American Idol and ‘You Are The Reason’ cover on America’s Got Talent in 2020, Olivia unveiled a pair of brand-new offerings with her singles ‘Vanilla’ and ‘No Rush’ to her already extensive playlist. Keeping up the momentum, Olivia released her current single ‘Love Me’ in September 2020 and hit #17 on Canadian pop radio. As a result she landed herself a US record deal with Decoded Music Group/Virgin Music. “Love Me” has has reached over 35.6 million views on TikTok and over 1.2 million total streams.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Olivia Penalva

Olivia has been actively working on her new record with critically acclaimed songwriters from North America and is set to release her highly anticipated third album in 2021. Source: oliviamusiclive.com

By Erin Jones Director of Publications & Social Media

This Aberdeen Hall Alumna is Taking the Music Industry by Storm 6

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

In March, our Head of School, Chris Grieve, had the chance to catch up with Olivia via zoom to ask her some questions about her postAberdeen Hall life. Chris Grieve: You recently signed a contract with a recording company. How did that come to be? Olivia Penalva: It was kind of crazy. No one really gets signed during a pandemic so I really wasn’t expecting it! At the beginning of 2020 I started working with a new team and a new manager and it was going really well. I spent the whole first part of the year (2020) writing non-stop. Come October I released my new single “Love Me” which resulted in a lot of interest from different labels, which was honestly sort of intimidating. Ultimately, there was one label that stood out to me, which was Decoded Records out of Nashville (with offices in New York). They felt like the best fit and I was super excited about the things we could do together. Chris Grieve: Congratulations! What’s the most exciting aspect about being a new musician? Olivia Penalva: I think writing my own music and releasing it and having it heard on the radio is so cool. Putting something out there and having people love it and being able to connect with so many people. Chris Grieve: When you think of your time at Aberdeen Hall, what comes to mind? Olivia Penalva: I’ve been thinking about this a lot. The one thing that really stands out is the teachers. You just always have support and I was so grateful for that. No matter what path you were on, be that music, drama or academics, dreams were always supported and encouraged. There’s always someone rooting for you. I went there from Grade 3 to Grade 12 so having been there at the beginning and then being able to grow with the school was so special. Chris Grieve: Well we miss you! If you could perform a duet with any artist, who would that be?

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Olivia Penalva: I’ve always had the same answer to that question, even when I was younger. It would be Ed Sheeran. I just admire him so much. His songwriting - he’s such a storyteller. I would die if he wanted to perform with me! Maybe one day... Chris Grieve: Well, I wouldn’t be surprised. Now you have two siblings who are also Aberdeen Hall Alumni. Could you tell us how Hunter and Alexandra are doing? Olivia Penalva: They’re doing so well. My sister and I live in the same apartment building, so we hang out a lot. She works part-time at Aberdeen Hall doing Homework Club and she loves that, and she’s in school at UBCO. My brother is still very much into golf and they’re both doing amazing. Chris Grieve: How many originals have you produced and how many covers? Olivia Penalva: In the last year I’ve written 80 songs! So my brain is a bit fried. But I think that’s one thing I’m most proud of. And covers, I have no clue. I’ve been doing them since I was 11 or 12 so quite a few by now!

No matter what path you were on, be that music, drama or academics, dreams were always supported and encouraged. There’s always someone rooting for you. ~ Olivia Penalva

Chris Grieve: Is there anything you’d like to say before signing off? Olivia Penalva: I’m super grateful for the opportunity to be here, I miss Aberdeen and I’m so glad I could do this.

Thank you Olivia for taking the time to catch us up on the amazing things you’ve been doing. Your Aberdeen Hall family is cheering you on, and we’re so excited to continue following you on your journey.

Support Olivia: oliviamusiclive.com @oliviaPenalva @oliviapenalva @oliviapenalva

Leading the Way The Aberdeen Hall Alumni Network and Mentorship Program

Roads are a record of those who have gone before us.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Are you an Aberdeen Hall student or alumni looking for advice about your education or career?

Some of our current alumni mentors These alumni are happy to connect!

Take advantage of the irreplaceable connection that comes from a oneon-one interaction with someone who shares your values and experiences.

Justin Charney (AHPS 2019) Contact: justin.charney@gmail.com Talk to Me About: • Bachelor of Science • Bioengineering • The University of McGill

Looking for a mentor? This program offers an opportunity for mentees to better understand and realize their personal and professional goals. It’s purpose is to foster the development of Aberdeen Hall alumni as they make their way in the world.

Kae Yuchiyama (AHPS 2017) Contact: kaiuchi050109@gmail.com Talk to Me About: • Master’s Program • Global Studies and Collaboration • Life in Japan

Are you Interested in being an alumni or parent mentor?

Chantel Bennett (AHPS 2020)

Are you looking to impart the wisdom of your experience on one of our young alumni? To a young person finding their way in the world, your mentorship can be invaluable. As a mentor, you’ll enjoy the reward of knowing you’ve made a positive difference in a life – a great return on an investment of just a small amount of time.

Contact: chantelbennett20@gmail.com Talk to Me About: • Bachelor of Music - Voice • Brandon University

Rita Lam (AHPS 2016)

If you’re interested in participating in the Aberdeen Hall Mentorship Program as a mentor or a mentee, please contact: stephen.acree@aberdeenhall.com or erin.jones@aberdeenhall.com.

Contact: rita519@outlook.com Talk to Me About: • Bachelor of Science • Microbiology • The Univeristy of British Columbia Okanagan • Master’s of Applied Science

Sylvia Lam (AHPS 2016) Contact: sylviashin@outlook.com Talk to Me About: • Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering • The University of British Columbia Okanagan • Co-op Programs

Some of our parent mentors:

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Jody Pihl

Lise Lachance

Contact: jodypihl@gmail.com

Contact: lise@jma.com

Areas of Expertise: Law: Pihl Law Corporation - 1998-2018 Non-Profits : Executive Director at Third Space Charity 2019-2021

Areas of Expertise: Biomedical Engineering: Skyland Technology Consulting (Director), MIVI Neuroscience

Living Curiously By Justin Charney, AHPS 2019 McGill University, Bioengineering

Aberdeen Hall Alumnus Justin Charney (our 2019 co-Valedictorian) shares key lessons he’s learned after his first two years at university. A successful drummer from an early age, Justin excelled artistically and academically while attending Aberdeen Hall. He has taken his discipline and perseverance to the University of McGill in Montreal where he is currently studying Bioengineering with a future goal of starting a biotechnology company.

“Hey Aberdeen Hall, this is Justin; I want to start by thanking you for taking a moment to hear an anecdote about my life since graduation and some lessons picked up along the way. The ones I will share have been instrumental in guiding my journey. My hope is they might do the same for you.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

My first lesson is about finding your ladder. The world is filled with ladders; your friends, parents, teachers, and even people you meet in passing have them, but they are not kept in the garage. These ladders are the metaphorical road maps of our lives that are supported by a foundation made of meaning and purpose. The problem is, without knowing our intrinsic motivation, we find ourselves climbing other ladders only to realize halfway up that the foundation cannot support our needs and desires. Worse yet, we might be stuck on the ladder out of loss aversion or other fears, but what if we could recognize this or avoid it altogether? By assessing our strengths, pursuing what inspires us, and reframing our goals by first considering why we have them, maybe our work can be more fulfilling because the ladder we choose to climb rests on a foundation that empowers us. My life is about exploration and designing solutions that improve the quality of life for our world. Finding my ladder and remembering its foundation with every step I take has been the most influential decisionmaking tool leading up to and during my university experience. I currently study bioengineering at McGill University. It is a field with extensive engineering principles and biology at its core, and tremendous opportunities to do work that I find meaningful. However, without knowing what drives me, I might have fallen into the trap of choosing a “safer” path that was not a good fit, which has been the case for

many of my peers that have followed socially accepted paths and left them unfulfilled. The second lesson is one I am still learning, and it is about creating a balanced life. According to the 10,000hour rule, 10,000 hours is required to become an expert at something. Start now; work harder and smarter than everyone else. At least that is what I thought until the compounding effects of sleep deprivation, stress, and diminishing connections with those I care about made me question whether it was worth the costs. Of course, for most of us, the answer is no, and there is good evidence to suggest a balanced approach to life will lead to more success over time. The reason is, beyond providing more domains to experience growth, it can also enable knowledge overlap to create novel solutions that overspecialized individuals cannot conceive. One way I have pursued balance is by having hobbies outside of school. Recently, I have spent most of my freetime practising machine learning and AI. Over the past several months, I have implemented algorithms that detect bullying through messages, classify skin cancers, and even write poems like Robert Frost. Because of my interest in this area, I will be doing research this

summer using deep learning to identify and fix microcracks in tooth enamel. However, without taking the first step to experiment with something I was curious about, this never could have happened. Therefore, I encourage you to try many different activities to see what perks your interest. Moreover, you could make a radar chart with areas of your life to determine where you are out of balance and take action in areas you want to improve. As I look towards the next steps on my ladder, I hope to take each with a sense of balance and purpose by remembering why I started the ascent. For now, it is hard to say where they might lead, and frankly, I am focused on enjoying the journey and letting the rest fall into place. But if there is one thing I wish for, it is to see all of you climbing alongside me.

Until then, live curiously and stay supple.

“

Your challenge is to focus on one concept mentioned (or one that this article reminds you of) for the next week and write down what you discover about yourself. For bonus points, determine a new action or habit to support the area(s) of discovery and start it today.

Co-Valedictorians Justin and Charlotte Benitz attending the Aberdeen Hall Grad Walk at Manteo in June 2019.

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Charting the Course Aberdeen Hall alumni share their post-secondary journeys

Chantel Bennett AHPS Alumna ‘20

Back in December 2020 I made the decision (with the support of my family) that I was ready to make the jump from amateur to professional golf, embarking on a new journey full of excitement and uncertainty. I began my career on the 2021 Vancouver Winter Golf Tour, teeing up in my first professional event in January. I adapted to the environment quickly, and picked up the win on my debut event; earning my first cheque as a professional. Since that win I have played a couple more events on the Vancouver Golf Tour, but have not yet picked up that second victory. With every event played, however, I have taken away positive learnings; creating new references to build on. Professional golf is a marathon, not a sprint, and I am grateful for every time I get to play and compete. Success in golf, as in

“If you are passionate about something and you believe in yourself, pursue it with all your heart. ”

The best decision I have ever made was to pursue my love of music. I am currently in my first year at Brandon University working towards a Bachelor of Music in Voice. I have always been passionate about the arts in all its forms. From my first community play in grade 2, I knew centre stage was where I wanted to live. The old adage of “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” certainly rings true for me.

staying at home. I was able to continue with Candesca. Candesca is an award-winning classical singing ensemble based in Kelowna. Although we had to cancel our winter concert, we are now working towards putting on Puccini’s one act opera, Suor Angelica, in August. It is rare that voice majors have the opportunity to perform in a community opera before the end of their degree, and I am thrilled to be performing in a main role.

Music is my entire focus, whether it be studying Mozart in music history, writing fourth species counterpoint in theory, or learning how to pronounce German in diction for singers. Everything in school is meant to mould me into a better musician and I couldn’t be happier. This year was challenging because like so many other students I had to stay home and take all my classes online. However, there have been some benefits to

All of this said, if you are passionate about something and you believe in yourself, pursue it with all your heart. You never hear of people who regret the pursuit of their true love. But, there are many stories of those wishing they had. I wish all the best to the current grade 12s, and I hope to see you all in the audience at my Metropolitan Opera debut!

life, is all about commitment and discipline in working towards your goals. I’m excited to continue my development as a professional over the coming years, and will continue to draw upon the lessons I am learning now. Many of my positive work habits date back to my days at Aberdeen Hall and the environment it created for students to succeed at whatever they put their mind to. There was no limit to opportunities at Aberdeen, and I continue to look back fondly on the years I spent developing, not only academically as a student, but the strength of character required to move positively through life. I am proud to be an alumnus of Aberdeen Hall and continue to practice the values of leadership and commitment to excellence instilled upon me during my time there.

Cole Wilson AHPS Alumnus ‘18

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

All the challenges that I have experienced, have led to my own growth.

Kae Uchiyama AHPS Alumna ‘17 In my final year at Aberdeen Hall, I travelled to Cambodia to volunteer at a school where my job was to help support the teachers and to interact with the students. The experience was profound; it had a significant impact on my values and literally changed me. After this awakening, I became interested in studying global issues rather than business which was my original plan. After graduating from Aberdeen Hall in 2017, I returned to Japan and enrolled at Aoyoma Gakun University (AGU) where I am now in the 4th year of the program. I will graduate in 2022 with a degree in Global Studies and Collaboration. My courses have focused on diverse social and political topics and I’m learning the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues.

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With the knowledge gained through studies in my first year of university, I returned to volunteer in Cambodia but with a different perspective of the serious problems that the local people face. I also took the opportunity during a school break to volunteer at an orphanage in the Philippines. It was awesome spending time with the kids, and the experience is a treasured memory. In my second year at AGU I went to Thailand on a 6 month exchange program and studied at Thammasat University in Bangkok. I chose Thailand as I was interested in researching gender issues, a topic that is not widely addressed in Japan. Living in Thailand was fascinating, and I was able to have experienced many things that I could not in Japan such as beautiful temples, traditional Thai massage...and elephants! I made friends from all over the world and it was a rewarding experience that I will never forget (and the food was amazing!). I returned home to Japan for my 3rd year at AGU with plans

to spend my second semester at the University of Hawaii in the International Studies program. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic I had to give up this plan as it became increasingly unrealistic to travel and study abroad (I did however, work parttime as a barista at a Hawaiian themed coffee shop in Tokyo!). The school year ended without being able to attend face to face classes at university and we’ve been advised that classes in the 2021-2022 academic year will be virtual as well. I’ve recently begun job hunting as in Japan, employers hire university students a year prior to their graduation. I hope to work in the media industry where television and social media reaches a large audience. I want to produce documentaries that will raise awareness of social and sustainable development issues, to move people’s hearts and to inspire them to take on challenges……. because all the challenges that I have experienced, have led to my own growth.

The ABERDEEN HALL “Lifer” Award

These Grade 12 students have been with us since the very beginning. Each year, we recognize those students who have been at Aberdeen Hall from Kindergarten all the way through Grade 12.

Our 2020/2021 Lifers are Leo Cai Brandon Talarico Survinder Momi Anna Cao

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

I love seeing the community continue to grow.

Leo Cai Tell us one of your favourite memories from your time at Aberdeen Hall? I would say one of the best memories I have from being at Aberdeen Hall is the grade 6 Victoria trip. It was so much fun exploring all of Victoria and staying at the Uvic dorms. Sleeping at the Vancouver Aquarium was by far my favourite part of the whole trip, being in the aquarium when it was completely empty was an amazing experience and waking up next to the dolphins was surreal. How have you seen the school grow and change since you’ve been here? I have been at Aberdeen Hall since it was housed in a small building in Rutland. Since moving to the new campus it’s been really fun to witness each new building and facility being built. It’s amazing how far the school has come and I love seeing the community continue to grow.

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Leo Then Leo Now

Who has been your favourite teacher and why? I can’t say that I have one favourite teacher, each of my teachers has had a great influence on me and on my experience of Aberdeen Hall as a whole. It would be impossible to pick just one because all of them have been amazing.

Brandon Then

What advice would you give to younger grades?

Brandon Talarico

The most impactful piece of advice I can give also happens to be the simplest. I credit most of my success, academically, athletically, and socially to simply saying “yes” more often. It’s surprising how quickly the years go by so I highly recommend just saying yes to doing more things. Trying new things and throwing yourself in the deep end is how you make great memories which is, in my opinion, the most important thing for any student to do. This coincides with being more present and in the moment. I’m a huge advocate for living in the moment. It isn’t easy to do all the time and I by no means am great at it. I promise that there will be moments that you’ll want to stay in forever and managing to be present throughout them will make them so much better. All of this becomes so much easier if you’re comfortable with yourself. Expressing yourself and showing your true colours is a great place to start.

Tell us one of your favourite memories from your time here? It’s pretty hard to believe that my time at Aberdeen is almost over. When thinking back on the time I have spent here most of my favorite memories come from being with the friends I love. A few of my most notable memories come from the many sports trips I’ve been so lucky to be on. One of my favourites would have to be my most recent basketball trip. It was a perfect end to last year’s season as I contributed to achieving the school’s highest number of points scored in a game. It’s also really special to me since it was my last high school sports trip. When reminiscing on old trips I always feel proud and grateful that I got to make memories like those with my friends. Brandon Now

Honourable Mentions Almost “Lifers” 16

How have you grown and changed since you’ve been here? In past years I have been very reserved, I never had any interest in expressing my emotions or leaving my comfort zone. In my grade 12 year my timid nature suddenly flipped. Anyone with a personal connection to me would agree that the biggest change in my character has been my confidence. This school year I’ve never felt more like myself. I think my sudden change in character was due to a combination of last year’s quarantine and simply because this is my last year of high school. One of the biggest things that having more confidence has shown me is that there is great power in being authentic. If you are willing to show who you are, the people around you feel more inclined to open up themselves. My authenticity is the reason why my relationships with my friends have strengthened so greatly. I’m thankful that I have the friends that I have since life would be pretty boring without them. Despite everything changing so quickly, one thing that will never change is who I am.

There is great power in being authentic. If you are willing to show who you are, the people around you feel more inclined to open up themselves.

Dante Bertolutti

Sydney Kolodziej

Matthew Darmohray

Quinn Paterson

Gillian Green

Molly Small

Jacob Jobst GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Survinder Now

Survinder Momi You’ve been at Aberdeen Hall since Kindergarten! Tell us one of your favourite memories from your time here? There are countless wonderful memories from the years I’ve been here at Aberdeen Hall, however one memory I would like to highlight is our Horizon’s trips. Each year, I have made numerous memories at these trips and got to take part in so many fun activities. They are a great way to spend time and bond with your friends and classmates, as well as make new friends too. How have you seen the school grow and change since you’ve been here? Aberdeen Hall has changed and grown into such a diverse community with larger class sizes filled with new students from around the world. It is so inspiring to see new faces from different communities and backgrounds come together and get to know each other.

Who has been your favourite teacher and why? The staff and teachers at Aberdeen Hall are all so kind and welcoming, and they all contribute to the positive environment here at the school. There is one teacher, however, who I would love to give a shout-out to, and that is Ms. Cross. Ms. Cross has always been such an understanding and kind-hearted teacher who fills her classes with both fun-loving humour, as well as quality learning time. I have always enjoyed being in her class over the years and will never forget her window notes and POGILS. I have learned so much from the strong, independent woman she is and will miss her dearly after graduation. What are your plans for the future? Recently I have been accepted to UBC Okanagan where I will take my bachelor of science degree. I plan on taking a pre-med major in hopes of pursuing a profession in healthcare. My passion for biology and life sciences, as well as my empathetic nature are what have guided me toward this field. I hope that one day my career is one that allows me to have a significant positive influence on others’ lives. Survinder Then

Anna Cao Anna Then

How have you seen the school grow and change since you’ve been at the school? When I started going to Aberdeen Hall, the class sizes were significantly smaller and the Junior School building was brand new. As our school population has grown, our physical campus has grown with us and new buildings and other facilities have been added to compliment the enriched academic programming. Our class sizes have increased, meaning that the student population is much more diverse and representative. Who has been your favourite teacher and why?

You’ve been at Aberdeen Hall since Kindergarten! Tell us one of your favourite memories from your time here? In grade five, we had a Greek mythology unit which I enjoyed very much. At the end of the unit we got to write our own Greek myths. I also loved the trips we went on for swim team competitions.

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Although all the teachers at Aberdeen Hall have been wonderful and supportive, the teacher who has had a lasting impact on me is Mr. Stinson. I first had him in Grade 6 for guitar, and I always looked forward to his class, where I discovered my passion for the instrument.

Anna Now

What are your plans for the future? Engineering at UBC Vancouver!

#Adulting By Erin Jones, Director of Publications and Social Media According to the internet, “adulting” is the assumption of tasks, responsibilities and behaviours traditionally associated with normal grown-up life. As noted on Time.com (Steinmetz, 2016), adulting is “a jokey way of describing one’s engagement in adult behaviors—whether that is doing your own taxes, buying your first lawn mower, staying in on a Friday, being someone’s boss or getting ‘excited’ about home appliances - and it can help young people acknowledge and come to grips with the transition into adulthood.” There’s a lot to consider when managing your adult life, and making the responsible decision isn’t always fun. Do you need to go to brunch and buy a Yeti tumbler, or do you need to pay your rent and cell phone bill?

On that note, while the experience of adulthood contains its share of menial tasks it’s also so much richer and more complex than that.

HOUSE AND HOME ADULTING TIPS

Adulthood is about gaining a sense of belonging, finding your community, and carving out a little piece of the world for yourself. Much like raising a child, the transition into adulthood can take a village. We asked some of our community members with specialties in the areas you might have questions about, for advice that could help you along the way.

Kari Gares Mom of Zach Gares (AHPS 2019) and Josh Gares (AHPS 2017) Mortgage Broker | 250-558-3091 kari@karigares.com

Adulthood is about gaining a sense of belonging, finding your community, and carving out a little piece of the world for yourself.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

What exactly is a mortgage broker and how can they help me? A mortgage broker is a professional who has been licensed through their provincial body. Here in BC, that regulator is called BCFSA or BC Financial Services Authority. Our role is to facilitate the transaction between borrower and lender. To simplify things, we are licensed mortgage specialists who help potential home buyers in securing funds so that they may buy, refinance, or build a home that suits their individual or family needs. Our level of knowledge is dictated by the level of experience we have gained by being in the industry along with our desire to increase our knowledge through advanced learning principles. This requires a commitment to ongoing education. For any broker to deliver quality service and advice, we must be prepared to learn through experience, mentorship and yes, higher learning that comes from advanced courses, conferences, trade shows and schooling.

Is there a fee for your service? In most cases, there is no fee for our service as the lender(s) pay a commission or referral for each mortgage we place with their institution. There are circumstances whereby lenders are unable to pay for this service which then requires us to charge a fee. These fees may not be the same for each file. These fees are determined by the level of work that must go into a file. Residential lending is typically easier and faster than commercial lending, but we will, from time to time, come across a file that takes time, a lot of creativity (learning to think outside the box which is where one’s critical learning skills take shape) and patience to place a mortgage appropriately. These files may require a slightly higher fee.

How large should my down payment be? A down payment can be a little as 5% of the purchase price, which is typical for many first-time home buyers. It takes immense dedication to save for a home – especially when the cost of living is on the rise. With that said, I have seen many would-be first-time buyers successfully save far more than the 5% minimum. In some cases, to help with affordability or to qualify, buyers may be required to put more than the minimum down. In these situations, it is usually due to the buyer wanting to purchase a slightly more expensive home than what their debt servicing ratios allow. So, to bring these qualifications in line, they are required to increase their down payment

What’s your #1 piece of advice for young people looking to break into the real estate market? For each potential homeowner, the advice I may give will reflect their situation but if I were to break it down into simplest forms and offer advice I would start here:

1. Understand your credit. How it works and why it is important. A

strong credit history with minimal debt will improve your affordability. Credit is KING! We see many young adults venturing out in the world with little understanding on how credit works and why it is important. These mistakes may make it harder to buy a house. It may push out your timeline – forcing you to buy in an even more expensive market or force you to miss out on an opportunity that may not happen again.

2. DO NOT buy beyond your means! Even though we have a set of

guidelines that says you can buy up to “X” amount, I often encourage many to take baby steps. There is always a transition that comes with home buying. Additional expenses that you may not be prepared for: property taxes, utilities, maintenance costs etc. It also will help if life throws you a curve ball and let me tell you it always does. You want to be prepared for the what ifs in life. Life is never static. It is fluid which means it is always changing. Giving yourself room for those changes will ensure success.

3. Real Estate can be a long-term investment, but it comes with costs,

In all cases, these fees are negotiated in advance of the process so that our clients are aware and comfortable with the process.

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so be certain you are ready for it.

First, look at your finances. How much can you afford? What expenses are involved in the real estate process? How large a down payment can you put down?

Buying Your First Home: Here’s What You Need to Know.

Jennifer Par Mom of Nikolas (Grade 1) and Marcus (Grade 4) Real Estate Professional Royal LePage Kelowna jenniferpar@royallepage.ca 250-801-9331

With proper planning the purchase of your first home can be an exhilarating and exciting experience. In the beginning it’s necessary to gain an understanding of the process and expenses involved. A real estate representative and a mortgage/finance expert are essential tools that will be able to guide you through the process. There are also many websites like The Real Estate Council of BC and Realtor.ca where you can obtain additional information. I would start your search by asking a few of these questions.

1. How much can you afford? 2. What are your needs? 3. Where do you want to live? 4. What do you need to do when you find the right house for you? 20

In today’s market having a mortgage pre approval before you start house hunting is of great importance. A mortgage broker or bank can assist with a mortgage application, discuss expenses and go over the different types of mortgages available. As a guide your monthly expenses plus housing costs generally should not exceed 42% of your gross monthly income. You will also likely need 5-10% of the purchase price saved up as a down payment. The most expensive closing costs will be Property Transfer Tax (PTT) and GST if you are purchasing a new home/condo. As a first time home buyer however, you are able to apply for exemptions which may reduce or eliminate the PTT on your first purchase and you can apply for a rebate of the GST on a new condo. Other expenses may include legal fees, home inspection, mortgage, home / fire insurance, property tax and appraisal fees. Now that you know how much you can afford the fun begins. The house hunt. You need to decide what is most important to you. Location, number of bedrooms, amenities (like a pool or gym) in a building and parking availability. Creating a list of “must have” and a list of “would like to have” will help narrow down your search. Once you have your list it’s time to start searching. If you’re working with a real estate agent she or he can send you listings that match your search criteria, or you can search websites like realtor. ca. Just keep in mind your price range. A lot of listings have virtual walkthroughs so you can get a very good idea of what the home looks like before heading out to view in person. You found it!!! Your real estate agent will help you write up an offer to purchase and go over the different subjects you should include in your offer. Once the offer is accepted (conditional acceptance) you will have approximately two weeks to do your due diligence on the property to ensure it is what you are looking for. Some of these conditions may include having the property/home inspected, approval for home insurance, reading and reviewing strata minutes, reviewing the title and obtaining financing approval. If everything is good then you remove your subjects, pay a deposit and the deal is now unconditional. Now you’re in the home stretch. Prior to completion you will need to meet with your lawyer or notary to sign all the documents and provide funds to close. On Possession Day (Key Day) you will meet with your Real Estate agent at your new home and can start moving in. Congratulations!

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Tips for Navigating your Finances After Graduation

Brent Peacock

Brian McGuire

Partner, The Peacock Sheridan Group

Partner,

Dad of Ava (AHPS 2020)

The Peacock Sheridan Group

and Tess (Grade 11)

brian@peacocksheridan.com

brent@peacocksheridan.com

When you graduate from high school, you have a plethora of options available to you. While help from your parents may still be on the table for a few more years, the earlier that you start to establish healthy financial habits, the better. Here are some simple concepts to implement that set the stage for your financial future:

Set a budget and spend less than you earn. Budgeting and spending habits are first on this list for a reason. Making sure that more money is coming in than going out will enable you to achieve your financial goals. By creating a budget this you will be able to see the actual numbers to make sure that you are not running a negative each month. For the average person there are five primary buckets to which a portion of every dollar you earn should be allocated to. Housing, Transportation, Vacation, Retirement Savings, and Fun. You do not want to find yourself in a spot where you are taking from your financial future to fund a holiday or buy a new car. The retirement savings piece is the most important to keep up with. When you stop working, it will be the area that funds the rest of your buckets. By setting your allocations early, tying them to a goal, and sticking to them it allows you to monitor progress and make sure that you are on track.

Take advantage of free money! If you find yourself working somewhere that has a group RRSP matching program, participate! RRSPs (Registered retirement savings plans) are accounts used for savings in retirement. Some employers offer matching programs. For every dollar that you put into the plan (typically up to 3%) the employers will match that dollar. It is a guaranteed 100% rate of return. Returns like that aren’t common, so take advantage of them when you can.

Understand the importance of credit. Credit is a useful tool, but only if you handle it responsibly. Your credit score is probably more important than you realize. It can affect your ability to get loans, the interest rates that you pay, your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even get a cell phone contract. Once you know how your credit score can affect you, it is a good idea to begin establishing your credit history. The easiest way to do this is to establish a regular payment pattern over a long period of time. This can be for a fixed loan or with a credit card. The important thing is to start small and stay within your means.

Budget

Have fun! You are entering one of the most memorable periods of your life. Have fun. The good news is that you don’t need a ton of money to have fun, especially when most of your friends are probably broke too.

Housing Transportation Vacation Retirement

There are countless free and inexpensive activities centered on and around college campuses. Find them. Your whole lives are ahead of you and your 20’s will fly by, so soak it up while you can! Starting out with solid financial habits will set up a good foundation. Instead of spending years recovering from mistakes, you will be ahead because of your wise choices.

Fun

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Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams Grad 2021 Our Grade 12 students have taken on this year with spirit and resolve. Their determination and resilience have given us great hope for the future and they have proven that they have what it takes to be successful, no matter what.

Molly Small University of British Columbia Commerce Next year I am planning to pursue my Bachelor of Commerce at UBC in Vancouver. I am interested in management and entrepreneurship and hope to do something in these fields as I begin my career. I also hope to incorporate interior design in my career as it is something I am passionate about. I am very excited to start my postsecondary journey within the business and commerce community. As I finish high school, I reflect on the memories that I have made with my friends over the years. One of my favourite memories is the Grad Scavenger Hunt when I got to dress up and run around downtown with my closest friends. Some advice I have for future grads is to let go of the small things like drama with peers or a bad mark on a quiz. I’ve come to realize that these little issues don’t affect my happiness or success in the long run. Enjoy your last year, cherish the time with old and new friends, and finish your high school academics off strong.

“Enjoy your last year, cherish the time with old and new friends, and finish your high school academics off strong.” 22

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Lucas Jackson University of British Columbia Applied Sciences

With the help of my teachers and parents I have applied to, and been accepted, to the engineering programs at multiple universities.

With COVID-19 impacting everything from school sports to university visits, it has been a unique challenge to look forward and plan for the future. Nonetheless, with the help of my teachers and parents I have applied to and been accepted to the engineering programs at multiple universities. I have not yet decided which specialization to take, so I applied to all the different options possible within the field of engineering. I can then specialize in year two. In the meantime I will continue to make the most of my final months at Aberdeen Hall and look forward to new opportunities and experiences at university.

Sydney Kolodziej University of British Columbia Sciences I have been given the amazing opportunity to attend the University of British Columbia Okanagan next year on a soccer scholarship. I will be playing for the UBCO Heat Women’s Soccer Team as a midfielder while I pursue my Bachelor of Science. An important piece of advice for future grads is to never take the small moments for granted and to approach their final year at Aberdeen Hall with positivity and excitement. One of my favourite quotes, written by the Irish poet, Oscar Wilde, is “With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?” His quote beautifully portrays how the most simple things in life can bring light to the mind, and help us meet the challenges that may come our way. Finally, I would like to give a shout out to my amazing teacher, Mr. Brooks for always believing in me and inspiring me to be the best version of myself. I will continue to apply his abundance of advice and guidance to the next chapter of my life.

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Ryan Riopel University of British Columbia Biochemistry

Riya Naidu

My favourite quote is: “May we exist like a lotus, at home in the muddy water. Thus we bow to life as it is.” by Ezra Bayda. This quote captures what I aspire to be - someone who can learn to thrive despite being in difficult situations.

University of British Columbia

Moving from South Africa proved to be a daunting challenge at first, but the teachers and students here at Aberdeen Hall have brightened my life. Meeting the people here, and building deep connections with my friends has been the best part of my experience at Aberdeen Hall. My relationships have truly been a source of inspiration and energy in my high school years.

Applied Sciences I will be attending UBC in Vancouver next year. I am eager to pursue a degree in Engineering and hope to stream into the Biomedical field after my first year of studies. My hope as of right now is to either become a Biomedical Engineer or apply to Medical School, but I am open to a change in paths. My dream is to eventually build a career for myself in which I can work with people and help them. At some point, I plan to publish a book and pursue my dream of writing.

Next year, I plan on attending the University of British Columbia, where I will be working towards a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, and ultimately towards a PhD in a related field. Afterwards, I plan on pursuing a career in laboratory research, either as a university professor or a research scientist at a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company. My time at Aberdeen Hall was instrumental in shaping my plans for the future, fostering my love for science and academia through amazing courses, facilities, and teachers.

“May we exist like a lotus, at home in the muddy water. Thus we bow to life as it is.”

It is completely unstanderstable, and normal, to be unsure of the future. It is in the human condition to fear the unknown. However, I have learnt that the unknown brings with it happy surprises and new adventures. So, be open to change, to failure. You have the time to learn and to grow. You won’t always be flourishing, but there are always silver linings and people to cherish around you. Changes are there to help you grow. You will find your way eventually, so enjoy the journey and be kind to yourself.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Yvette Huang It is in the human condition to fear the unknown. however, I have learnt that the unknown brings with it happy surprises and new adventures.

The University College of London Master of Pharmacy I am moving to England this fall where I get to complete my integrated master’s degree in Pharmacy. After graduating from university, I will take the pre-registration assessment and register as a pharmacist in the UK. I hope to work in hospital pharmacy and study traditional Chinese medicine. I believe that by studying both Chinese and Western medicine, I can further my education in the pharmaceutical industry as well as develop a global mindset. To the future grade 12 students, my advice is to start thinking about what and where you would like to study; you will find it beneficial to start planning for your future early on. For international students, I also highly recommend having your English language proficiency test done and completing your volunteer hours required for graduation prior to your final year of high school. Knowing what you want to accomplish is going to help you succeed in the pursuit of your education and your future.

Lucas Woychuk Acadia University Music I plan on attending Acadia University, located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. There I plan to study music, and hopefully end my post secondary education with a Bachelor of Music. My plans after school are to write and compose music, either as a stand-alone artist or in a band, I guess we’ll see! If I had one piece of advice for next year’s grads, it would be to just enjoy the ride. Everything will work out in the end, and sometimes all you need to do is take a step back and breathe.

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Your Summer Reading List Recommended by Mrs. Turnpenny - Junior School Principal

Inspire! What Great Leaders Do By Lance Secretan Inspire! offers business leaders a clear vision of what a positive, productive, inspiring organization looks like in these challenging and chaotic times, and how to get there.

Recommended by Ms. Bryden - Middle School Principal

Educated By Tara Westover In her 2018 memoir, Tara Westover recounts overcoming her survivalist Mormon family and emphasizes the importance of education to enlarging her world. Her first day of university was her first day in school—ever—and she would eventually win an esteemed fellowship from Cambridge and graduate with a PhD in intellectual history and political thought.

Recommended by Mr. Ozechowsky, High School Principal

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences have Extraordinary Impact

W FOR NE GREAT ATES! GRADU

Summer is the perfect time to relax, recharge your batteries and maybe pick up a good book or two. It might also be a good time to take stock of where you are in terms of your personal and professional development. We’ve put together a thought-provoking list of personal and professional development books (and a couple ‘just for run’ reads as well) for you to enjoy this summer.

The Algebra of Happiness: Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning By Scott Galloway Brash, funny, and surprisingly moving, The Algebra of Happiness represents a refreshing perspective on our need for both professional success and personal fulfillment, and makes the perfect gift for any new graduate, or for anyone who feels adrift.

Finding Ultra By Rich Roll The incredible true story of the author’s remarkable transformation, at the age of 40, from out-of-shape average Joe into one of the world’s best endurance athletes. Among Roll’s many jaw-dropping athletic feats: he completed the unprecedented “Epic 5”--five back-to-back Ironman-distance triathlons on five different Hawaiian islands in under a week--an achievement many said was impossible. This is the story of that remarkable transformation, a complete physical and spiritual rejuvenation that proves that anyone can “find ultra” if they know how.

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World

By Chip Heath and Dan Heath

By Adam Grant

Many of the defining moments in our lives are the result of accident or luck—but why would we leave our most meaningful, memorable moments to chance when we can create them? The Power of Moments shows us how to be the author of richer experiences.

Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

Meeting Melinda a Mentorship Tale By Kylee Wilson, Admissions and Development Coordinator Choosing a professional mentor is like meeting the answer to the question “Who do I want to be when I grow up?” Mine walked into the room on the first day of my first real job – I just didn’t know it yet. In my new role as a sales coordinator, I was assigned to assist a group of senior managers. I liked my new role immediately, and I knew I’d learn a lot there; but it was my connection with one of the managers specifically that made me want to show up at work every day. Melinda was the most seasoned player on my new team and was rich with the kind of knowledge that only comes with experience. I was impressed by her resume but more than that, I admired who she was. She was smart while still being relatable. She was empathetic, but firm. She was creative, strategic, and genuine, and I could see that these were the traits that helped her succeed. She had very high expectations and asked a lot of me, that first year especially, but with every new project we partnered on, I gained her trust. It was this mutual trust that allowed us to have honest conversations. I felt supported when Melinda asked what my own goals for the job were, and how she could help. Sometimes, the conversations were more difficult, like when I’d made a mistake and some constructive feedback was in order. I asked a lot of questions too – not just about the job, but about her. Is this the job she wanted? What were the lessons that were important to her along the way? How did she get here? As I gained confidence in my new role, Melinda started increasing my responsibilities and I leaned into that challenge. When a promotion within our department opened up, I hesitantly broached the subject with Melinda and was shocked that she unequivocally encouraged me to apply. Didn’t she need me to be her assistant? Would moving on be disloyal? Melinda laughed and then told me, with a lot of pride, that she had trained all of her coordinators before me to become managers and move on. “It’s the circle of life!” she exclaimed, and I began to write my cover letter. I got the promotion, and Melinda, once my direct report, became a co-worker. As I worked to find my footing in my new job, I knew I could always

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count on a conversation with Melinda if I needed someone to bounce ideas off of. And when it was time for me to move on (I had decided to move abroad for a year), it was with her that I first shared the news. Since then, through email, phone calls and social media, Melinda and I have stayed connected. In fact, there are still many times I’ve relied on her guidance and solid advice, even though we haven’t worked for the same organization for almost 15 years. When I needed to pitch a creative client solution, I ran it by Melinda first. When I wanted to ask for a raise, I checked in with Melinda about the best way to approach my boss. And certainly, when I needed a brilliant reference to help secure my next dream job, I offered Melinda’s name.

Working with a mentor is more than being taken under someone’s wing, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

Working with a mentor is more than being taken under someone’s wing, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. As the mentee, our relationship empowered me to seek personal development. I gained access to networking opportunities that broadened my professional circle. I also learned a great deal about goal setting - many strategies I still use daily! For mentors, the relationship offers career rejuvenation, which can keep experienced colleagues engaged in the workplace. Work ethic and ambition will always be important factors in success, but partnering with a mentor can truly transform the career path ahead of you. Kylee Wilson Admissions and Development Coordinator

Forever is Composed of Nows By Grant Ozechowsky, High School Principal Forever - is composed of nows.

At least that’s

what Emily Dickinson once wrote. I’ve been reflecting a lot on what this means lately, especially with the swirling news cycle that has so often been top of mind this year. It is hard not to feel a sense of loss with what life used to look like, to regret the things we’ve been unable to do. We all take solace in the knowledge that the world is changing, and that “normalcy” is just around the corner. At times, I catch myself casting my eye to the future so much that I might miss out on what’s going well at this moment. I can lose sight of “the now.” Lately, I’m striving to recognize that there are terrific things happening all around me all the time. In particular I am fortunate to be surrounded by our students, our teachers, to be part of this school, and this community.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

We are running full time classes, in a face-to-face environment, and we’ve been able to do this for the entire year. This in itself is worth celebrating. But our students are doing more than just attending class, they’re collaborating, they’re questioning, they’re leading, and they’re laughing. School sometimes looks a little different, we’re a little more physically distanced, and masks are commonplace. However, the essence of our school remains. Aberdeen Hall is a really joyful place, and what we have in this moment is pretty wonderful.

I can’t say enough about our students. Despite the circumstances and obstacles that this year has presented, they’ve consistently demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, and spectacular resilience. Our students have always made us proud. This year our students have proved once again why we can all be optimistic about the future. We can also be really excited about “the now.” Because after all, nows are what forever is composed of

We can also be really excited about “the now.” Because after all, nows are what forever is composed of.

Grant Ozechowsky High School Principal

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Congratulations Class of

2021

Naomi Altwasser Emily Bell Dante Bertolutti Leo Cai Anna Cao Zachary Craigen Alexander Cronquist Matthew Darmohray Derek Gilowski Gillian Green Emily Howard Megan Huang Yvette Huang Lucas Jackson Lewis Jenkins Jacob Jobst Evan Kohnke Sydney Kolodziej

Our LARGEST Grad Class EVER. Anastasiia Korshunova Jacob Kruschke Kadin Lough-Morelli Taylor Martin Cally Melnyk Survinder Momi Riya Naidu Imma Nicholls Ismail Omar Bosco Pan Quinn Paterson Isabella Perini Nathan Pickard Finnegan Pihl Sasha Pihl Ryan Riopel Angus Rothery Navneet Sandhu

Tristan Sandhu Elizabeth Schmidt Dilan Sidhu Molly Small Brandon Talarico Henry Tang Blake Taylor Nicole Trofimoff-Belmont Eric Turchyn Lauren Viau Rishali Vincent Lucas Woychuk Shane Xu Colby Yurkiw Zoey Zhao Mary Zhu

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2021

New look, same great you. We’re making some changes. You may have noticed that we recently refreshed our logo to a slightly more streamlined, modern version of our Aberdeen Hall crest. We introduced this change for a number of reasons: • We want to ensure that the overall look and feel of our branding is reflective of our progressive programming and community. • We’ve evolved as a school over the last 17 years, and the change in our logo represents this evolution. • We loved our old logo but this slightly simplified version is easier to resize and share in all the various digital and print formats required in today’s world. We are excited to continue to partner with you on this journey. You have helped shape us, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to continue to fulfill our mission:

“To empower students to lead meaningful lives as compassionate, contributing citizens, and inspire their success in learning and life.”

Attention Alumni! Scan to update your contact information. PATHWAYS

Follow Your Path, Not the Crowd

aberdeenhall.com

TEACHING EXCELLENCE. INSPIRING FUTURES. SHAPING CHARACTER.