Cypress Magazine 2017

THIS ONES FOR YOU

TO THE BUSY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, THE DAREDEVIL ENTREPRENEURS,

THE SELFLESS PHILANTHROPISTS, THE SWEATY ATHLETES, THE DRIVEN BUSINESS LEADERS, & THE PAINT-SMEARED ARTISTS... YOUR GUSTO ELEVATES OUR COMMUNITY.

CONT ENTS

RECIPES BY MELANIE MOLLER

JACK DECOOMAN PITCHES FOR TEAM CANADA!

Me l s

Kitchen

EASY, TASTY RECIPES FOR THE BUSY UNIVERSITY STUDENT

Melanie Moller, a 2010 Mulgrave graduate and now pastry chef, shares a few tasty recipes for our busy, on-the-go university students. Mel enjoys the creative process and flavours of cooking, and these recipes are easy, inexpensive, and have the ability to make you look like a chef extraordinaire!

Quinoa Southwest Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

During exams or when I was writing term papers, I’d always make a big batch of some sort of healthy and filling ‘onepot-wonder’. I love quinoa salads because they’re quick and easy to cook, they are stellar and almost better as leftovers (try sprinkling a cup on your favourite greens, or bind with an egg, a couple spoons of flour, and a teaspoon of baking powder for unique grain cakes), and they are full of good stuff to keep you going until the librarian kicks you out. There’s also something so very comforting about sweet potato in the fall and winter - it makes hunkering down for marathon study sessions a bit more manageable.

Add cooked chicken to make this a protein power-house dinner or avocado to take it to a new vegetarian level. I love this salad with a lot of cilantro, but for those of you who aren’t a fan, sub it out for chopped parsley or chives or omit the herbs entirely.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white quinoa

• 1 tsp. chicken or vegetable bouillon paste (or one bouillon cube)

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 1 shallot, finely-chopped (or 2tbsp. of finely chopped red onion)

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp. ground cumin

• 1 tsp. chili powder

• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and in 1cm cubes

• 1/2 red pepper, chopped to same size as sweet potato

• 1 stalk celery, chopped

• 1/4 cup frozen corn, thawed

• Salt

• Pepper

• Optional: 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Toss sweet potato cubes in 2 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast until soft, 15-20 minutes. Cool.

Rinse and drain quinoa. Cook until al dente with 2 cups water, pinch of salt, and bouillon paste/cube. Drain any excess liquid and allow to cool.

While quinoa is cooking, make salad dressing. Combine garlic, shallot, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify. Allow to infuse in the fridge.

Combine cooled quinoa, red pepper, celery, corn, sweet potato, and cilantro. Toss with dressing, adding gradually to taste. Keeps for three days.

Dessert Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

I remember having troubling finishing a loaf of bread on my own as a student. Freeze your old bread and bread ends and save them for bread pudding. Inexpensive, simple to make, and perfect with a cup of tea on those chilly autumn school nights. Try soaking the raisins in rum overnight before baking, or trade them out for fresh blueberries and add a little lemon zest to the recipe instead of cinnamon and nutmeg. Or add a handful of chocolate chips and walnuts to the recipe and sprinkle some toasted coconut over the glaze for a great post-workout snack. The sky’s the limit to your pastry wizardry.

Ingredients

• Stale bread/bread ends, approximately 7 slices

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 4 eggs

• 2/3 cup brown sugar

• 1.5 cups plus 3 tbsp. milk

• 1 cup cream

• 1/4 tsp. instant coffee

• 1 tbsp. cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• Glaze: 1/2 cup warm melted butter + 1 cup icing sugar. Vanilla and salt to taste.

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Break up stale bread into 1” chunks or smaller in a 9x9” pan lined with parchment. Sprinkle raisins evenly over bread. Whisk eggs, brown sugar, instant coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in cream and 1.5 cups milk. Pour mixture over bread and allow to soak into bread, approximately 10 minutes. Bake, turning the pan halfway, until custard is set into bread, 45-60 minutes (knife inserted will come out clean). Allow to cool completely. While cooling, make glaze by sifting icing sugar over melted butter. Add vanilla and salt to taste. Drizzle onto cooled pudding. Serve at room temperature, keeps for 3 days.

TartRatatouille Goat Cheese Tart

Have you always dreamed of sneaking vegetables deliciously into your junk food and coffee-heavy student diet? All the while coming off as a culinary god/goddess? Lucky for you, this recipe is visually appealing, super tasty, and packed full of late summer/early autumn veggies. Add a little extra goat cheese to the onions with the balsamic for a more creamy and decadent filling or slice and roast some olives to sprinkle on top for more salty Mediterranean crunch.

Ingredients

• 2 onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp. vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

• 1 box frozen puff pastry

• 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 1/2 cm disks

• 1 small zucchini, sliced to 1/2 cm disks

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

• 1 Japanese eggplant (or just the thin part of a regular eggplant), 1/2 cm disks

• 3 tbsp. plain goat cheese

• 2 tsp. dried basil

• 1 tsp. dried oregano

• Salt and pepper

Caramelise the onions, starting them in vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When they begin to turn translucent, season well with salt and turn heat to low. Cook until golden brown, stirring often, about 1 hour. Add a couple tablespoons of water if the onions begin to stick at any time. Meanwhile, slice the vegetables for the top of the tart and arrange puff pastry on a lightly-oiled baking sheet (if the puff pastry is frozen in a thick stack, slice lengthways along the layers to split). You want an approximately 12x8” rectangle no thicker than 1.5cm. Score a border with a knife about 1cm in from all the edges and prick the centre several times with a fork. This helps the crusts rise around the filling and creates an even bake in the centre. When the onions have darkened and the pan is still hot, mix in balsamic vinegar and allow to cool slightly. Spread the onions on the puff pastry inside the border. Arrange vegetables inside the border, overlapping about halfway along each one. Crumble goat cheese over tart. Sprinkle herbs evenly and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 mins until veggies are soft and pastry is golden brown. Cool for 10 mins before serving. Keeps for two days.

Each year, many of our alumni return home from university, travelling, and living abroad to celebrate the holiday season with their family and friends. It has become tradition over the past five years for Mulgrave to host an Alumni Basketball Game & Winter Social to allow our alumni community to reunite and share all the inspiring experiences and adventures they’ve had over the last year.

Last December on the court, the Alumni Boys team won the trophy over Mulgrave’s Senior Boys team, while

the Senior Girls dominated our alumni team in a fierce battle. After the games, Greg Read, Class of 2016, won the Mulgrave swag and Cactus Club gift card draw.

With over 100 alumni in attendance, the 2016 Winter Social was a magical evening filled with basketball, photo boothing, eating, drinking, and reminiscing. We are always inspired by the effortless way our community re-connects with the school and one another and the way and they share their warmth, experience, and passions with their peers.

ALUMNI BASKETBALL

“It’s such an inclusive community. You can come back and see faces you haven’t for three years and you can just jump right back into it. I think that’s like no place anywhere else in the world.”

- Amar Karmali

2017

2007REUNION

The Class of 2007 reunited at Mulgrave School on Thursday, October 5th to celebrate all they have learned and experienced in their 10 years since graduation.

Many of these alum have lived abroad, completed post-secondary degrees, and are now pursuing careers of their own. Of the small group who attended, we were impressed to see how passionate each of these individuals were about the various career paths they have taken since Mulgrave; there were athletes, entrepreneurs, doctors, electricians, artists, sales representatives, and health care professionals. We are extremely grateful to Zoe (Griffiths) Bradley (who

was pregnant and only 10 days away from her due date!) for spearheading the planning and bringing this group together.

We enjoyed hearing all the stories, fond memories, and the mischief they got up to during their time at Mulgrave, and it was heart-warming to hear their laughter filling the halls of Mulgrave once again.

Ten years later, this cohort is just as colourful and full of life as ever! We had so much fun reminiscing and celebrating with the Class of 2007, and we wish them tremendous happiness and success in their future endeavours.

REUNION

Class of 2007

ANGELA SAUNDERS

With a degree in Biochemistry and Commerce from Queen’s, Angela now works for a tech company that makes hardware and software for designing custom prosthetics & orthotics. Didyouknow?Angelaspentafullyear travellingthroughCentralandSouthAmerica!

DANIEL WEBBE

While studying business at the University of South Carolina, Dan also played collegiate-level golf. He is now a Development Manager in Vancouver. Didyouknow?DanopenedCrossFit Capilano!

ZOE GRIFFITHS

Zoe is recently married and was all smiles being nine-months pregnant at the reunion. After studying at BCIT, Zoe has worked at PWC for the past three years. Congratulations,Zoe,onthebirthof yourbeautifulbabygirl!

PATRICK O’NEILL

Always a talented artist, Patrick earned his BFA in Visual Arts studying at Capilano University and UBC. He now works for the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Arts Umbrella as an educator.

BRANDON AYERS

After graduating from Mulgrave, Brandon studied at BCIT. He is now a Red Seal Electrician and works for an electrical contractor building high-end, custom homes.

SARAH (SZARKOWICZ) KOPAK

Sarah has been busy over the past ten years studying to become a doctor at the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland. She is now living in Vancouver with her husband and aspiring for residency.

MATT JUNKEER

After earning a Political Science degree from Western, Matt now owns a small café in Gastown called The Birds & The Beets. If you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to visit the next time you’re in the neighbourhood!

SUPRINA GILL

Since graduating from Mulgrave and studying Health Science and Rehabilitation Science at Capilano University and SFU, Suprina is now a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at St. Paul’s Hospital and Holy Family Hospital.

MARC ALTEMAN

After graduating from Mulgrave, Marc studied Commerce at UBC. Living in Vancouver with his fiancé, Marc owns his own mortgage brokerage, Alteman Financial, Inc.

MARLENA Ms. Morgan

As my sister so eloquently describes on the following page, Ms. Morgan was a force to be reckoned with. Her intrinsic strength was admired and appreciated by all. Ms. Morgan had perfected the delicate balance of providing support with fierce honesty and encouragement. She somehow always knew what her students needed – a nudge for motivation, a piece of candy, or time with a stuffy. She wasn’t afraid to challenge her students to live up to the potential that she knew they had. She pushed us to be the best version of ourselves, teaching us to be fearless by example. Thank you, Ms. Morgan. TAYLOR

SHEPARD, 2008

People say you are supposed to give flowers at moments like these.

I will not give you flowers.

I will not give you mulberry, for wisdom, which you denied so often but always epitomized.

I will not give you bittersweet, for truth, of which you were so fond.

I will not give you larch, for audacity and boldness, and all the things the patriarchy tells us not to be.

I will not give you lavender, for admiration, which so many of us feel so deeply.

I will not give you galirum, for patience, which you exercised without fail

for every single student, every single time.

I will not give you violets, for modesty, which you simultaneously encompassed and defied. I will not give you hydrangea, the floriographist’s version of “screw you”, though I know if you could choose you would gleefully pick a bouquet.

I will not give you flowers.

I will give you a garden.

I will give you a garden of learners, of writers, of debaters, of thinkers, of doctors, of lawyers, of teachers, of students

And some of us bring violets, and some of us bring larch, and yes, some of us salute you with hydrangea.

I will give you a garden.

I will give you the garden you planted.

The Chair, the Candy Bowl, and the Stuffed Animal These objects were always present when I was a student. Like Marlena herself, they would be there every time you walked into the classroom no matter if it was for class, at lunch, or after school. They represented comfort, understanding, and gave us the chance to have our voices heard. Walking into her classroom was like stepping into another world. Once you came through the door, it felt as if all the weight was magically lifted off your shoulders. In this room, you could laugh, rant, cry, sleep, be inspired, and work hard. Through all our meltdowns, successes, and failures, Ms. Morgan would always be there. She’d offer no-nonsense advice while being patient and understanding as we struggled through papers, personal troubles, or whatever was getting us down.

She knew how important it was for our voices to be heard and for us to hear hers, too. When she sat in The Chair, we knew to sit down, shut up, and listen. I cherish the memories of her sitting with one leg over the other, laying into us about whatever we’d done to irritate her or discussing that day’s readings. I believe being able to sit in The Chair was her way of giving us a chance to feel special while letting us know that there would always be someone there who had our back. That it was okay to need somewhere to take a step back, breathe, and regroup. I look back at the difficulties I experienced and how they were made easier because she was the one who pushed me, making me realise I can achieve whatever I put my mind to.

She may have looked intimidating, which she was, but Marlena had a heart of gold and a sweet tooth. Her Candy Bowl was nearly always full and a favourite among students and staff alike. During the IB years, it was a ritual each class to go to the bowl and help yourself before starting the day’s work. Ms. Morgan appreciated a good piece of candy and understood that to us, it wasn’t just about the candy, but rather what it providedconversation, routine, and perhaps the one lighthearted moment we would have that day.

Lastly, her Stuffed Animals, which for me were terrifying and rewarding as they forced me to speak out in front of my peers. Ms. Morgan loved her stuffed animals,

so it seems only fitting that she would use one for a ‘speaking stick’, providing comfort and distraction when all the attention was on you. Marlena was never one to force you to do something, unless there was no choice. However, ideas like this further demonstrated her fierce determination to get the best out of her students. She knew we could be our best selves and reach our highest potential and got us there with her tough love and her beloved stuffy.

This was the Marlena we all knew, loved, and respected. This is the woman who, in the middle of year-end exam and essay prep, helped edit a university paper, knowing full well she’d be up all night finishing her own work.

I never got to say thank you in person or have a drink with her. Instead, I take comfort knowing she’s out there somewhere, having a laugh, giving a slam poetry reading, or having a fierce debate about literature. This is the woman I am most grateful to have known, and who I believe has helped shape me into the person I am today. These memories are even more precious now, and I know I will cherish and hold them close, always.

HANA TURNER, 2011

Ms. Morgan To me, you are...

BODACIOUS.

ALEXANDRA CRONE

Insanely awesome and always there for you.

AMANDA WOIDA

INSPIRING.

VISCERAL.

RAFAEL GONZALEZ

Perceptive and encouraging of shy talent.

CLAIRE TOMSETT

A BEAUTIFUL LIFESAVER.

DANIELLE WIERENGA

AMAZTASTIC.

Full of passion and unending patience.

WILD.

EMMA RAHEMTULLA

Called it like it was & truly cared about & understood her students.

HANA TURNER

COMPLETELY NUTS.

HILARY ANGUS

OUTSPOKEN.

SWEET.

BADASS.

A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.

KATE SHEPARD

Exuberant, brilliant hysteria.

LAUREN FORSTER

THE BEST.

MATTHEW CULLEN

MEGHAN ROBINSON

RIBBIT.

RANNA MEHR

Gave a flying figle. ROSE

BREATHE. SHANIL

VIVACIOUS.

THE KIND OF TEACHER I HOPE TO BE.

SWEET.

ANGELA JOANNOU

BRENNA DOWLING

MEIJIA XIONG

EMMA BERTON

NICOLE LINAKSITA

JACKSON PIKE

CHARLOTTE JULIAN

GALLO

VERGEE

TAYLOR SHEPARD

I was never actually one of her students, but I’d always drop by with my Eng HL friends, who actually had business with her, just to steal candies from her jars. She said only her students were allowed to take the candies, but never stopped me once.

I never thought there’d actually be a day that Ms. Morgan would personally be giving me a handful of her candies. It was when she found me in front of the washroom mirror on the verge of ugly crying, knowing that I had screwed up my IOC real bad. She gave me a few hard candies, and I was still ugly

crying while choking on the candies. She turned around and took out a frog ring from nowhere - it was magic. And, again, she had to say that usually the frog rings are only for her own students and I’m the exception, so don’t go around boasting about it. Oddly enough, I can’t remember what she was telling me, probably things along the lines of “buckle up” or “failing an IOC isn’t the end of the world,” but it feels too ordinary to come out of her mouth.

The candies are long gone, but I still have the frog ring in my pencil case.

KELLI QI, 2016

I remember going to the Mulgrave grad banquet. I hadn’t graduated from Mulgrave — I left in Grade 10, after a lot of back and forth. I struggled with learning disabilities going through elementary and high school, and the idea of enduring the International Baccalaureate program, particularly maths, terrified me.

But Mulgrave had been my home. And Marlena had been not only a teacher, but a friend and a mentor. She fostered my love for the English language through Advanced Creative English (ACE), which I still to this day consider to be the single most profound, entertaining, and challenging course I have ever engaged in. You know how you have those certain people that you feel completely at ease with? Marlena’s ACE class felt like that. I had a profound sense of welcomeness and distantness at the banquet, like a little bird that had been separated from its flock, only to return years later. The same bird, the same flock, but a different time and a different place.

And there was, of course, Marlena.

At some point during the banquet, they announced that there would be a parent/child dance. Not being a graduate of Mulgrave meant that my parents couldn’t come. So I approached Marlena, with tongue firmly in cheek, and asked “Will you be my mom?” half-expecting her to laugh it off. I remember Madame Soper and the few other teachers sitting around that table cracking up. I could only describe it as absurd, hysterical, spontaneous; all of these qualities that I loved, that others feared, and that Marlena embraced.

And so, Marlena gracefully accepted - and we danced. All of a sudden, the awkwardness that I had felt up to this point, withered away. And I was home. To this day, I joke with my family, my friends, about that night. Now that I look back at it though, that moment will stay with me for the rest of my life.

SPENCER NASH, 2011)

SUMMER

SUMMER

Alumni

Spotted

BACK AT SCHOOL

Alumni at University

Each year, Mulgrave staff and students visit universities all over North America to stay current on what makes each school unique and why it might it be the right fit. We hugely benefit from the insights of our alumni who attend these universities, as they often take time out of their busy schedules to conduct tours, have dinner dates, and share stories with our visitors. This fall, not only did our Grade 6s make their annual trip to McGill University, our University Counselling Department also had the privilege of touring 15 universities in the United States and were able to connect with a number of alumni along the way. University and Career Counsellor, Leah Verdone, shares her appreciation.

I am grateful for many things, and this seems like the perfect time to share a couple of memories. In late September, I travelled east with the counselling team to attend a conference, tour more than a dozen universities, and along the way, meet alumni.

While spending time relaxing on Wesleyan’s main field, Sophie shared insights about her classes in nearly every faculty

(thanks to the open curriculum), which were highlighted by her course in current legal cases concerning science and tech. She also told us about the irresistibly welcoming culture that galvanised her decision and was emphatic in her confidence that it was the right school. This reminded me just how invaluable it is to find your place, find your community, and find your voice as we all pursue our path beyond the gates.

On many campuses, we became ‘lost’ as a means of discovering the real campus culture, discovering the hidden cafes and the best study nooks at MIT, Tufts, Harvard, BU, Princeton, and more. The colourful, informal alumni tours found us, at times, speechless, at times surprised, and once even standing in the hall at the heart of Brown’s campus where an alum’s father recited Rumi and Hafiz during Norooz celebrations. Throughout the visits, the enthusiasm to get involved, whether through studying abroad, playing sports, engaging in the arts, or doggedly seeking work that makes a difference was illuminated by Ghazal’s role in Brown’s Career Hub and Peer Mentoring. In addition, she serves as a research assistant in neo-natal and neurobiological studies and research, which she feels was secured through relentless determination honed at Mulgrave and a lifelong love of all things medical. Often, I feel lucky to have discovered my calling; I believe there is something powerful in knowing your purpose.

In the fall heat wave, Mr. Lawson and I drove and drove and drove to Cornell (well, he drove and I enjoyed the fall scenery), until we finally reached that quiet hamlet tucked into the

hinterland of New York. Despite the heat, I will never forget Jessie running down the steps unabashedly to meet us with her characteristically kind and bubbly personality and her stories of all-night work in architecture. (She assured us no one works like architecture students.)

During our final days, we were overwhelmed and entertained by the cast of characters at UPenn (Boyd, Isa, Matt, and Max), as well as by the brilliant faculty and personable guides. As we listened to stories about the rivalry between Business and Engineering, the dos and don’ts of Greek life, club tryouts (which seem guaranteed to fail initially), and opportunities such as Isa’s radio show and Matt’s decision to pursue an accelerated master’s degree next year (good luck!), the obvious desire to help each new Mulgravian settle in, get connected, and not feel lost in it all was almost tangible and deeply endearing. What bubbled to the surface around that table at the little White Dog was how powerful community truly is and how it can make a difference in our lives, even though we sometimes take it for granted. Yet it is so easy to share what we have, to ask better questions, to offer help, to open our doors, to be grateful.

LEAH VERDONE, UNIVERSITY COUNSELLOR

GHAZAL Sitting down with

In the spring, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Ghazal Aghagoli, a 2015 alumni, who entered her third year as a premed student at Brown University in the fall and is majoring in neuroscience. Ghazal’s infectious energy is palpable through her words as she talks about the importance of failure, her secrets to success, overcoming adversity, and how the leadership opportunities she took advantage of at Mulgrave prepared her for university. Whether you’re a university student or a Senior School student at Mulgrave, her experience is bound to inspire and excite you about the opportunities at university.

How do you spend your summers?

In the summer, I took the EMT course am now an Emergency Medical Technician, and can work on a the ambulance. In the fall semester, I’ll be working with Brown EMS. I also worked with one of the hospitals doing clinical research last semester. I’ve been working in that lab for a year and this summer (2017), they offered me a paid position as a third-year clinical research assistant, which I’m very excited about! I’m actually in second year and have only had one year of clinical research experience, but they’re giving me a third year clinical research position because I’ve been just so excited... and doing a good job, I guess!

You’ve achieved some incredible things your first two years at Brown University. Can you tell us about some of these accomplishments?

Sure! Like I said, I’ll be doing Brown EMS next semester, so I’m really excited about that. I also did my independent research for a year after my summer position, and I have two publications in review right now. One is about undocumented immigrant health care and their access to it in the United States, and it’s currently under review in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). I also have my high school research, which I did at Brown for my Extended Essay, and that’s also under review.

I do community engagement and service - I’m a member of Best Buddies where I work with kids with autism. I was also given a paid position on campus at Brown as (the youngest) peer career advisor, where I give advice on editing resumes, interviewing, and helping seniors find jobs. It’s a really exciting job; I love it.

Why was Brown the right fit for you?

I visited Brown twice: once before I applied and once after I got in, and that really helped me. Even though you do your research about the school, visiting it is a different story because there’s a sense of community at each school and each one has its own personality; these are things you can’t read on a website. I visited the school and realised Brown’s strengths match my interests. They have a really good Neuroscience programme and pre-med programme, and there’s so much pre-med advising and support. If Brown were a person, it would be me! The personality matches who I am, and that’s something I discovered by visiting the school. It was the perfect fit!

How did you come up with the idea of attending an Ivy League institution like Brown?

I came up with the idea when I was in Grade 3. I was this little kid studying in Iran and I told my parents, “I want to go to an Ivy institution!” Then, we moved to Canada and I got that much closer to my dream. When I was interviewing with Ms. Richmond to come to Mulgrave, she asked me, “Ghazal, why do you want to come to

Mulgrave?” And I told her, “I’ve always wanted to go to an Ivy League school and now, it’s like I’ve reached this river, and I need to go across it but I don’t know how to cross it. Depending on what school I go to, they will provide me with different resources, and I really think Mulgrave provides all the different resources, opportunities, and experiences that will help me. I like to think of it as building a bridge over this river to get to my dream.” So Mulgrave provided the resources and provided the concrete, but at the end of the day, I had to work very hard and build that bridge myself. But without the resources, I wouldn’t be able to do it, so Mulgrave really helped me get there.

When did you decide you wanted to study Neuroscience?

I was very interested in science when I came to Mulgrave. I was a member of the Mulgrave Science Club and one of its leaders. I participated in three science fairs, and Mr. Moore really helped me. He always supported and inspired me.

The moment I realised Neuroscience was something I was considering pursuing was when were doing the pig dissections in Grade 12, and I said to Mr. O, “Please let me dissect the brain!” I remember I struggled to get the brain out; it was so difficult! I had to cut the optic nerve to get the whole brain out of the skull, and at the end, I held this tiny little brain in my hand and it didn’t have a single scratch on it. I was so proud! As I held the brain, I thought, ‘This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done; I’m holding a pig’s life, a pig’s memories, everything the pig has ever seen in my hands’. It was a very inspiring moment for me.

How did Mulgrave prepare you for your first year at university?

Mulgrave provided a great environment. I was a little shy when I first came to Mulgrave, and I became comfortable over time at participating in class discussions and fostering thoughts and opinions. In all my classes, we would have our own discussions, and I became so comfortable participating that at Brown I wasn’t nervous to share my opinion.

Do you have any advice for students entering high school at Mulgrave?

I have three pieces of advice and I’m going to tell it through a story of my own.

When you apply for research positions at the end of your freshman year, you want to apply 3-4 months before. I applied to all these amazing research positions and went through the whole process, and by May 29th, I was rejected from every single one I applied to. It was a devastating moment for me to be rejected for everything, but I didn’t give up. I decided I would apply for the EMT course, but I was determined that I would also do research. I emailed 48 professors with research papers and CVs and wrote a very personal message to each of them about how interested I was in their research. 48 professors! That’s a lot of work. I wanted to start June 15th, so I only had 20 days, and everyone told me “That’s impossible; these professors don’t have time”. Out of those 48, a lot of them didn’t respond, a lot of them said they didn’t have a position but maybe in September, and a couple of them said, “Why don’t you come talk with me”. (That’s always good news!) I went to talk to one of the professors, and he said, “You’re the youngest student I’ve ever taken, but I’ll take you. Come work in my lab, even though all my students are PhDs”. He’s the Director of the Center for Children at Risk and does amazing research. This lab looks at neurodevelopment and epigenetics, and they gave me the opportunity to do my own independent study based on what I found interesting. I’m now actually finalising my data analysis and was offered a position over the summer that’s clinical research where I get to go to the hospital. I would not have been able to get that if I hadn’t emailed those 48 professors and received rejections. Had I given up then, I would not be where I am today and would not have these accomplishments. Based on that, my three pieces of advice are:

1. Failure is going to happen. At Mulgrave, all the students are amazing and work hard, and some may have never had failure in their lives, but it’s going to happen when you go to university because you’re going to be in a community of people who are very intelligent and hardworking. You will have failures, and that’s nothing to be afraid of, that’s something you learn from - and it makes you work harder.

Everyone at Mulgrave is very friendly; you can go talk to anyone. The teachers were always available for help, the university counsellors were always available, even the Head of School, Mr. John Wray, was very open and available to talk to anyone, so I just became comfortable with talking to faculty and teachers. It helped me build meaningful relationships with people at Brown, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I weren’t comfortable and if Mulgrave hadn’t fostered that for me.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.

3. Work hard and persevere. You’ll get there, I promise!

ALUM

Jack DeCooman

PITCHES FOR TEAM CANADA

What was it like playing at the U18 Baseball World Cup?

It was an amazing experience getting to play for Canada and playing in front of all the fans. Considering I’ve been on this team for the past two years, playing with these guys is something that I’m never going to forget. This is a really good group of guys that I’m going to miss.

How many people came out to watch? Did you find the energy of the stadium intimidating or motivating?

We had, in our opening night game, I think close to four or five thousand people, and then throughout our games we probably averaged about two or three thousand people. There was a lot of energy from the crowd, and it really motivated me and the team as well. When we played Italy, it was our third game and we had to win if we wanted to go on to the next round, but we were losing. Then, we started scoring a couple runs and the crowd started getting into it, and that really helped us get going. We ended up pulling off a big win!

In those intense moments, what did you have to do to stay focussed and maintain calm under the pressure?

We had a really good group of leaders on our team through coaching and players, so in between innings, we would talk together and we’d calm each other down and allow ourselves to play baseball. When things start speeding up and you start thinking too fast, that’s when you end up making more mistakes, so if you’re able to stay calm and slow everything down, you’re able to play better in the circumstances.

What was your favourite part of the whole experience?

I think it was playing against the US. Even though I didn’t get to pitch against them, it was so much fun playing them, and since I’m from the US, it was an amazing experience.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Washington?

Growing up in Connecticut, I would visit Penn State a lot, which is where both my parents went to school. It was a big football school, so I’ve always been drawn to football. Washington’s football team is very good, and it’s also a really good academic school, so mixing a strong academic

schedule with baseball is going to really help me and set me up for the future.

How do you plan to balance your studies with your training schedule?

I have two to three classes per day, and then weight training on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and then practice six days per week from 1:00-6:00pm. We have scheduled study time and we have tutors that help us out if we struggle. But also, because of how much Mulgrave helped me in learning strong study skills, I think that’s going to really set me up well. I’ll know how to manage my time better than a lot of the other students, and I’ll be able to get my work done with a lot less effort.

How did Mulgrave support you in your aspirations to becoming a professional baseball player?

Mulgrave did a lot. I missed a lot of school, and being away for so long the teachers were really able to help me out with front-loading my work so when I was away I wouldn’t be missing as much. Then when I got back, I would meet up with them and I would get my work done. It ended up working out well, and I was happy with my grades.

Do you have an ultimate career goal or a team you have always wanted to play for?

Hopefully I can make it to the big leagues, but playing divisional baseball is going to be an amazing experience, and that’s just a stepping stone to get me into professional baseball.

Favourite player?

David Price on the Boston Red Sox

Do you have any advice for Mulgrave students who are pursuing a sport outside of school?

The biggest thing is, you just have to work hard. You have to know that you may not always have success, but if you continue to work hard and challenge yourself, things end up working out. It’s going to be tough with the academic rigor that you have at Mulgrave, but if you’re able to balance your school and your sports here, then going on to college will be easy.

After setting a goal for himself back in 2014 to one day play on the Canadian Junior National baseball team at the World Championships, Jack DeCooman’s hard work paid off! In the summer, Jack had the opportunity to pitch for Team Canada at the U18 Baseball World Cup held in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Jack earned a win and a save, helping Canada finish fourth against the best junior players in the world. We sat down with Jack to find out more about his experience.

Alum of the Year Award

In the short lifespan of the alumni association, our graduates have shown they are capable of incredible things. The Alum of the Year award celebrates the contributions made by an alum within his or her particular field of interest, whether academic, athletic, artistic or service-based, and highlights the continuous pursuit of excellence in education and life.

THE CANDIDATES

Candidates of this award embody Mulgrave School’s mission statement and values; not only do they find inspiration to pursue excellence in their own life, they are also continuously inspiring others to do the same. They are the epitome of a ‘life-long learner’, demonstrating curiosity, creativity and innovative thinking in all that they do.

THE NOMINATION PROCESS ELIGIBILITY

The candidate must be a Mulgrave graduate. (Though in future years, this may change to anyone who has attended Mulgrave for two or more years.) Current members of the Alumni Advisory Board cannot be nominated.

CRITERIA

The Alum of the Year Award recognises a Mulgrave alumni who has demonstrated excellence, leadership, and innovation in their field. The nominee will possess some (if not all) of the following qualities:

• They are lifelong learners.

• They have overcome adversity and demonstrated persistence to achieve their goals.

• They use innovation and creativity to achieve their goals.

• Their efforts and contributions have had a positive

impact on society.

• They are respected in their chosen field.

PROCESS Nomination

• The nomination form will be open to the Mulgrave Community each year in December.

• A candidate can be nominated by any member of the Mulgrave community (including alumni, present and past teachers, parents, or students).

• Candidates can be self-nominated.

• Nominations must be submitted by February 1st.

Voting

• Once nominations are in, the Alumni Advisory Board will share the candidates with the Mulgrave community.

• Voting will open and members of the Mulgrave community will have the opportunity to vote.

• Voting will close April 1st.

• Taking into consideration all votes, the Alumni Advisory Board will announce the Alum of the Year.

Recognition

The Alum of the Year will be recognised in the following ways:

• An advertisement in the Globe & Mail highlighting their success and contributions.

• Announcements over Mulgrave’s social media channels, weekly newsletter, the Alumni Cypress Magazine.

• A plaque given at the Grade 12’s Convocation Ceremony that will be kept in the Archive Room at Mulgrave School.

We hope you take the time to nominate an alum at: mulgrave.com/community/alumni/alum-of-the-year

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SERIES 2017

Our Alumni Spotlight Series showcases Mulgrave alumni in their pursuit of excellence in education and life beyond Mulgrave. These features provide insight into the wide variety of disciplines and passions in which our alumni have found success. With a focus on the diversity of the post-secondary experience, our Alumni Spotlight Series is reflective of the Mulgrave experience and allows us to explore and celebrate each grad’s unique passions and abilities. From lawyers, to dancers, to Rhode Scholars and more, these features demonstrate the incredible success you can find by following your passion.

In addition to our Alumni Spotlights, included in this section is a special feature with an alumni family that has been an integral part of the Mulgrave community since 2002 - the Shepards. Their passion and dedication for the school is truly admirable as they are all still very much involved with the school. We hope you enjoy these alumni features!

Mulgrave School Class of 2010

Interviewed by Michelle Noble | March 2017

Alex Bleim, a 2010 grad, has taken her passion for the arts and is turning it into a career. After receiving a BFA in Performance Dance with honours from Ryerson University, living abroad in the UK, and travelling to cities all over the world, Alex has returned to her home base in Vancouver to start her career. Her business? Alex has started a company that offers unique and personalised dance lessons for couples. If you’ve ever felt like you have two left feet or have had anxiety about dancing in public, she’s found a solution!

Always a high achiever, Alex has won choreography awards at competitions such as the Shine Dance Festival and Rhythm Dance Festival and has also attended intensives around the world, including The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Joffrey NYC Jazz, World Dance Movement Italy, and more. We were also lucky to have Alex at Mulgrave over the summer teaching summer camps. We hope you enjoy this Spotlight on Alex.

At what age did you begin to dance?

My mom enrolled me in my very first ballet class when I was 3 years old. I fell in love with dance instantly. Although I tried other co-curricular activities (gymnastics, skating, swimming, etc.), dance was always my favourite activity, and it has become a constant throughout my life.

Did you always know it was an option to pursue dance as a career?

No! As much as I loved dance, I always thought I would pursue a ‘stable’ career choice after graduation. It wasn’t until Grade 10 (when it was time to start thinking about universities) that I realised how important dance was to me. I started considering dance as a career and realised there were many different ways to keep dance in my life. I figured that if I failed, I could always switch career paths, but at least I wouldn’t have regrets

about not giving it a chance. I was very lucky and thankful to have supportive parents when I told them I wanted to take a risk and follow my passion. Now, I am a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher at many studios across the Lower Mainland.

Did Mulgrave support or help to further develop your dance ambitions?

I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support Mulgrave had for my dance training. From Grade 7 to 12, I negotiated with the principals of the Middle and Senior School to allow me to participate in my dance academy’s half-day programme. This meant that I left at lunchtime and missed my afternoon classes two-to-three times a week. At that time, the schedule was not designed for students to participate in day programmes. I was missing core classes on a weekly basis. I

Joanna Moss Photography

was incredibly lucky to have supportive teachers who helped me during their lunch periods, offered me extensions when necessary, and allowed me to take a spare during PE a few times a month. Doing this not only taught me the magical skill of time-management, it taught me the power of asking for help when I needed it.

After Mulgrave, you went to Ryerson University for four years to earn a BFA in Performance Dance, and upon graduation, you received the Nadia Potts Heart and Soul Award. What made you an attractive candidate for this scholarship?

The dance programme at Ryerson is very small; they accept roughly 40 people each year. I flew out to Toronto in the spring of Grade 12 to audition and found out there were over 350 people auditioning. Former Principal Ballerina of the National Ballet of Canada, Nadia Potts, was the director of the programme and ran the audition herself. She made it pretty clear throughout the audition that she was not interested in me, and I left knowing I’d had a bad audition. In the end, I was wait-listed for the programme. Although I was disappointed, I had already been accepted into dance programmes at SFU and University of Calgary, so I knew I had other options. However, a week later (on convocation day, actually) I received a call that I had been accepted into the programme - I was thrilled! When I started at Ryerson, I was at the bottom of the class. I was reminded that I was not given a dancer’s body; I did not have natural turn out or beautiful feet. It was a grueling programme both physically and mentally. By fourth year, there were only 25 of us left. Throughout it all, I knew how incredibly privileged I was that I was able to study something I loved. I was able to dance 15-20 hours per week, working with

talented teachers, choreographers and my amazing peers. When Nadia presented me with the award, she said it was my passion, determination, and love of dance that made me stand out. I had grown and changed so much in four years. I was humbled and honoured to receive the award. It felt like we had come full circle.

That’s an incredible accomplishment! So, what brought you to London, England after graduating from Ryerson University?

I knew from a young age that I always wanted to live abroad for a year. I had been fortunate enough to travel with Mulgrave, dance, and my family, and had experienced firsthand how inspiring travelling can be. London made the most sense to me as they had three streams of dance that I could audition for: commercial dance, musical theatre, and contemporary dance. I dabbled in all three and had an amazing year abroad.

Living in London provided the opportunity for even more travel. Where was your favourite destination?

That is such a tough question! While in London, I didn’t want to go anywhere in Europe I had already been. I visited Dublin, Galway, Edinburgh, Oslo, Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin, and Budapest. Every place was magical in its own way, but if I had to choose one, Prague stands out. My mom came to London in the summer, and we took a short trip to Prague while she was visiting. It’s such a beautiful city full of history - I highly recommend it!

Is the culture around dance different in the UK than in Canada?

ABOVE: Alex and Nadia Potts.

ABOVE: Clients performing their first dance, choreographed by Alex.

Yes. I found that a lot more people go to the theatre on a regular basis, and the UK government is very supportive towards the arts community. As a result, there are more work opportunities for actors, dancers, and other performers than there are in Canada. However, it’s highly competitive as a lot more people choose the performing arts as a career. It creates a diverse and exciting environment.

Being a freelance dancer, what has been one of your favourite dance gigs?

As a dancer, I’ve been fortunate enough to like every job I’ve been hired for. One of my favourite jobs was working on the movie, Tomorrowland. I was hired as a ballet dancer, and it was my first time on set. I had my own hair and makeup artist, a costume designer, and even my own mini trailer! It was so interesting to see behind-the-scenes of a movie production. Although our scene was cut to three seconds, and you can’t even see me, it was an incredible experience and sparked my interest in the film industry.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Recently, I shot a web commercial for Caroline Aurthur Couture, a wedding dress designer in London. It was the biggest job I booked while I was in the UK. Not only was I asked to co-choreograph the routine, I was also cast as the bride! We shot it in a beautiful barley field in the country, and I got to run around in a wedding dress for two days. Everyone on the team was so friendly and easy to work with, and we were all so proud of the end result! It’s a job I will always remember. If you’d like to see it, you can visit: carolinearthur. com/barley-sprites-inspiring-individuality/

How did you decide what your next step would be after London? Where did you get your inspiration for your business?

Vancouver is my home and I always knew I would return after London. I am still figuring out what my next steps are going to be. I love choreographing for the screen and would like to pursue the film industry here in Vancouver. While I explore that, I will continue to teach. Teaching dance is second-nature to me now and a huge part of my life. I love working with young people and watching them flourish and grow. More recently, I discovered my love for working with adults, too! In London, I worked for an awesome company choreographing

first dances for couples getting married. Working so intimately with couples for something as special as a wedding dance was extremely rewarding. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to start my own wedding choreography endeavor here in Vancouver.

Congratulations! It is so impressive that you have found a way to fuse your passion for teaching and dance. Can you tell us a little bit about how your business works?

I offer unique and personalised dance lessons for couples. My biggest clientele at the moment is engaged couples wanting dance lessons for their wedding or a choreographed routine for their first dance. However, I also offer father-daughter/ mother-son lessons, flash mob routines, corporate team building dance lessons, and general dance lessons for couples just wanting to brush up on their dance skills! My business is mobile, so I can come to your home, office, or gym for lessons. Alternatively, I can find a suitable studio near the client’s home or work and rent a space for us instead. Clients can book single lessons, or packages of 2, 4 or 6 lessons. For more information, you can visit my website: alexbleim.com/wedding-choreography Or, find me on Facebook and Instragram under Alex Bleim Dance.

What was the craziest dance you choreographed for a wedding?

I choreographed a first dance to Aqua’s, Barbie Girl. It was definitely a strange song choice, however, the couple explained they met at a friend’s karaoke party and sang Barbie Girl together, so it held some sentimental value. In the end, the dance was crazy, fun, and it totally suited their personalities!

Any other exciting projects you worked on this year?

I actually taught a week of summer camp at Mulgrave in July! I ran two camps - one for Grade 1-3 students called, Get Your Groove On!, and one for Grade 4-6 students called, Let’s Dance! These camps were perfect for students wanting to try dance without committing to one style. We explored a range of dance styles such as: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Stage.

JOEY THOMPSON

Mulgrave School Class of 2013

Interviewed by Michelle Noble | October 2017

After graduating in 2013 from Mulgrave School, Joey Thompson pursued Business at Western University with a focus on Management and Organisational Studies. Always up for an adventure, Joey took his studies abroad to Spain, where he spent four months working towards his degree, learning Spanish, making friends from all over the world, travelling, all while embracing Spanish culture. Now working for the Vancouver Canucks as an Inside Sales Representative, Joey had reached out to Mulgrave’s Alumni Association to invite all alumni to a Canucks vs. Dallas Stars game in October.

We hope you enjoy this Alumni Spotlight as Joey talks about the perks of working for the Canucks, what it’s like to study abroad, and the advice he would give to his Grade 12 self.

I WOULD TELL MY GRADE 12 SELF TO NOT BE AFRAID OF TAKING RISKS.

After Mulgrave, you went to Western to study Management and Organisational Studies. Why did you choose Western, and how did you know it would be a good fit for you?

I had decided that I wanted to study business in university, so I started looking at my options. There are so many great business programmes in Canada that it was really hard to narrow it down. I was accepted into both Western and UBC, so I had a tough decision to make as they are both great schools and are both known to have outstanding business programmes. In the end, I decided that I wanted to live in a different city. I’d lived in Vancouver my whole life and I felt that it would be a great experience to live in Ontario for four years. I had done my research on London (Ontario) and found out that it’s known as the perfect student city. Looking back, I feel that I definitely made the right call. I couldn’t imagine doing my undergraduate degree anywhere else.

While pursuing your Bachelor’s Degree, you took the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona for four months. What did you learn studying in Barcelona that you may not have otherwise learned?

Studying in Barcelona was such a great experience. I would say the most amazing aspect of it was being part of the Spanish culture and meeting people from all over the world. Spain is different from Canada in so many ways, and the only way to really understand it is by living there. I was able to take an intermediate Spanish course along with three other business courses, which were very different from my courses at Western. I also made a lot of friends from all over the world that I still keep in touch with. It was interesting being so close with people that come from such different backgrounds.

Would you recommend studying abroad to a Mulgrave student if they had the opportunity?

One hundred percent! Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and most universities in Canada offer it to their students. I went to Barcelona alone, not knowing anyone else from my school who was going. I was a little nervous and really didn’t know what to expect, but I found that it was easy to meet people and make friends because everyone is in the same situation. I lived in a residence with over 500 international students who were all on exchange and who all spoke English. I felt like I was in first-year university again, only this time in

a foreign country. One of the best parts of my time abroad was the opportunity to travel. We had time off from school from Friday to Sunday so my friends and I decided to plan some trips. I got to spend weekends in Mallorca, Madrid, Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, and Budapest. These were some of the best times of my four months abroad. I would tell any student that studying abroad is a must-do. It presents an opportunity to experience a culture so different from Canada and has the potential to change your perspective in so many ways…all while you’re having the time of your life.

It seems your experience and career path has so far been geared towards connecting with people, whether through captaining sports teams, selling services, creating partnerships for Black Kettle Brewing, and now as an Inside Sales Representative for the Canucks. Did you always know you wanted to work in sales and with people?

I’ve always loved working with people, especially in business. Having strong people skills is a crucial asset to have in business and in life, and I think that working in sales is a great way to learn and perfect these skills. I didn’t see myself working in sales while I was in university, probably because I didn’t fully understand the concept of sales. What I know now is that sales is everything; we are constantly selling every day, whether we realise it or not. I hope that working in sales now will help me prepare for wherever my career takes me.

What is your current role with the Vancouver Canucks?

I am an Inside Sales Representative with the Vancouver Canucks. The Sales Department was created a couple years ago as season ticket memberships started to decline. The department is small, and our job is to sell to people and companies that have an interest in attending Canucks games. Most people don’t really know what a season ticket membership entails or what the options are. My regular day involves a lot of calls and meetings where I provide people with all of the necessary information to make a decision on a Canucks membership.

That sounds fun! Do you have a favourite player?

• Favourite player: Nathan Mackinnon

• Favourite Canuck: Bo Horvat

What are some of the perks working with the Canucks?

I’ve been so passionate about hockey my whole life that I simply consider the environment of the organisation a perk. Everything that happens throughout the day involves hockey, which makes me feel comfortable and at home. The organisation also puts a lot of emphasis on culture and team building. We have days from time-to-time where the company takes us to places such as Seattle, Bowen Island, etc. Working for the Canucks has been such a fun and interesting experience.

You’re continuing your education this fall to earn a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Can you tell us about this programme and why you chose it?

This programme is at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. After I completed my undergraduate degree, I was looking into a number of master’s programmes within Canada. I was considering an MBA, and then found the Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme at Queen’s. After looking into it, I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. The programme is one year and offers a few different pathways. I have chosen the Innovation pathway, which means that the first semester will involve classes relating to both Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the remaining time will be dedicated to completing an Innovation project. As I want to continue working with the Canucks, I will be completing this programme online from Vancouver. I’ve always had entrepreneurship in the back of my mind as something I may want to pursue, so I’m excited to learn more about it and will

hopefully be able to utilise it in the future.

Do you have an ultimate career goal?

I thought that by the time I finished my undergraduate degree I’d know exactly what I wanted to do. The truth is, I still don’t know, which I’m fine with. I’m very open-minded and always try to keep doors open. I studied so many different areas of business in the last four years, many of which interested me. My goal right now is to use what I’ve learned and take action. I’ve always enjoyed trying new things and experimenting, and I see a lot more of that to come in the near future.

If you could tell your Grade 12 self one thing, what would it be? I would tell my Grade 12 self to not be afraid of taking risks. When I was accepted to Western, I had the tough decision of continuing to play competitive hockey or giving it up to focus on school. I ended up trying out for the varsity team in my first year and not making the team. After that, I figured my time was up with competitive hockey and I stopped playing. I had an amazing four years focusing on school and my social life, but a part of me still wishes I worked towards making that team in my second and third year. In hindsight, I probably could have managed both hockey and school. Four years goes by faster than anyone could imagine, so my advice would be to take advantage of your opportunities. Whether it’s a sport, a club, an exchange programme, or anything else, you have so many chances to branch out and try new things.

JoeyThompson,2013

ABOVE: Joey with his parents on his graduation day at Western University.

NABILA PIRANI A

45 member of Mulgrave’s very first graduating class, the school’s first Head Girl, and now the Alumni Advisory Board’s first co-Chair, Nabila Pirani has never shied away from paving the way through unchartered territory with leadership and grit. After studying in the United States, earning her Master’s from Columbia University, traveling to India, and pursuing a career in law, Nabila has returned to Vancouver and is now spearheading initiatives to build the Mulgrave alumni community. In this Spotlight, Nabila touches on the path (or lack there-of) she took post-Mulgrave, her tips for students looking to study law, and which Mulgrave teachers influenced her career choice. We hope you enjoy this Alumni Spotlight with Nabila Pirani.

Mulgrave School Class of 2004

Interviewed by Michelle Noble | August 2017

WITH OVER 600 ALUMNI, WE’RE AT SUCH AN IMPORTANT STAGE OF ALUMNI COMMUNITY-BUILDING.

As co-chair of the newly-formed Alumni Advisory Board, you have the responsibility of working with a team to engage and connect the Mulgrave alumni community. What motivated you to want to take on a position like this?

When I moved back to Vancouver, I had already been an alumni liaison for a few years. I knew, however, that I wanted to reconnect with the school in a more substantial way and that I was ready to give back to a community that had given me so much. And so, when the opportunity to be Co-Chair of the newly-formed Alumni Advisory Board presented itself, I jumped.

With over 600 alumni and hundreds of alumni families and teachers, we’re at such an important stage of alumni community-building, and I’m so excited about the opportunities we have – as an Advisory Board – to lay the foundations for a strong and well-connected alumni community. I think the retention of institutional history (warts and all!) is crucial for any community, and I’m looking forward to sharing my perspective as a member of the first graduating class with those who graduated after me and to learning about their experiences. My hope is that, through reflection and dialogue, we can create an alumni community that is inclusive and welcoming of all the varied experiences that Mulgrave alumni have had over the past thirteen years.

Graduating from Mulgrave in 2004, did you know you wanted to study law?

Not at all! Growing up, I was the kid who wanted to be something different every six months. When I was three or four, I told my parents I wanted to be a fisher(wo)man – I then ended up being a vegetarian for about fifteen years, so that didn’t really work out. In high school, I wanted to be everything from an engineer to a cancer researcher to a diplomat. When I graduated from Mulgrave, I knew that I wanted to study political science and maybe be a member of our foreign service - but not much apart from that. Truth be told, career-wise, I was pretty lost. It wasn’t until graduate school and my brief flirtation with academia/public policy that I realised it was through law that my various interests actually came together.

How did you choose your career path?

As one of the many lawyers who studied political science at university before attending law school, some might say that I had a pretty clear path to law. I certainly chose to attend the Faculty of Arts at UBC-Vancouver and chose Political Science as one of my majors, but I graduated from UBC in 2009 and, at that point, law school wasn’t even on my radar.

I don’t necessarily see my career as being defined by a

particular path. Having a path presupposes a teleological purpose to our careers – that there’s a destination that we’re walking towards – and that any step that is off that path is merely an aberration or a detour. To me, this sort of thinking diminishes the many valuable experiences that we have that don’t neatly fit into this idea of a career path. For example, in such a teleological understanding of our careers, at best, my Master’s degree from Columbia and my public policy research fellowship at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (two very valuable experiences without which I wouldn’t be the person I am today) are mere blips on my path from political science major to lawyer.

Maybe this is a result of the various experiences I have had, but I like to think about my career as a series of steps –rather than as a path. To me, there probably is no path and, if one exists, it is always changing. To me, it’s about the next step that you take. And maybe the current step doesn’t flow perfectly from the previous one, but, in my mind, thinking of my career as a series of steps allows me to put all my energies into the current one, and to focus on it rather than being fixated on a destination that may or may not exist.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in

pursuing a career in law?

The biggest piece of advice that I can give to students interested in pursuing a career in law is: talk to lawyers. That might sound obvious, but I think it’s so important to understand what a career in law is actually like before jumping in. Legal careers vary based on jurisdiction, area of practice, year of call, and whether one practices in a firm or for government, among other factors, and so it’s important to speak with as many lawyers as you can.

(Of course, if any current students or alumni are interested in learning more about a career in law, I’m more than happy to chat.)

You spent a summer in India while working towards your Master’s in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies at Columbia University. What brought you to India?

Urdu is one of my favourite languages and, by the time I got to Columbia, I had already studied it for a few years at UBC and was looking forward to taking further classes during graduate school. During my first year at Columbia, I heard about the American Institute of Indian Studies’ Urdu language programme in Lucknow, India, and couldn’t resist the opportunity to study the language further in one of the most important cities for Urdu language and literature. I applied for the programme and, shortly after finishing my first year of graduate school, moved to India for a few months.

Did you find it was a difficult adjustment moving from New York? What did you learn from the experience?

I had been to India previously, spoke a few Indian languages fluently, and had studied the region for a number of years; and so, when I got onto that plane to India, I naively thought I wouldn’t find it difficult at all. In fact, the opposite was true, and I had serious culture shock.

Living in New York, I had this wonderful sense of anonymity wherever I went. I am obviously South Asian and female, some people were able to place my accent as being “Canadian”, but that was often it. In Lucknow, I often found that, as soon as I said my name, people would place me and my identity into various boxes and, regularly, boxes that I didn’t necessarily identify with. And so, I constantly struggled with being expected to act pursuant to boxes that I had never really

ABOVE: Nabila in India - Delhi.

thought about. Growing up in North America, my South Asian heritage has always been – and continues to be – very important to me, and I went to India thinking that I was quite South Asian. I returned to North America realising just how very Canadian I actually am.

On the more practical side, I learned that eating too many mangoes during mango season is a thing, and that drinking water off the side of the road in a city flooded by monsoons is a really bad idea.

Where are you currently working and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m an associate lawyer in the banking and debt financing group at Lawson Lundell LLP, here in Vancouver. We represent both borrowers and lenders in a variety of corporate and commercial transactions. There really is no typical day in my world, which is something I really enjoy about the practice of law. On any given day, I’ll do everything from drafting and reviewing documents, to liaising with clients and opposing counsel about ongoing transactions, to researching current law.

What were some of your passions while you were a student at Mulgrave?

Mulgrave was such a small school when I started in Grade 4 that most of us did everything – from participating in all the sports teams to being a part of the annual school play! In

Middle School, many of us ran cross country, swam, and played on the basketball and volleyball teams.

Thankfully, by the time we got to high school, we got to ‘specialise’. I had grown up playing tennis, so I played on the badminton team throughout high school. I also sang in the choir and did musical theatre. One of my most memorable experiences is playing Mother Abbess and being stage manager in our production of the Sound of Music in Grade 11. I was also involved in various leadership capacities, first as a member of Student Council and then as Head Student of the first graduating class.

Did any teachers have a profound influence on you?

Definitely. There are a number of Mulgrave teachers who had a huge impact on me. Ms. Morgan and Mr. Vodrey to name just two. Mr. Hardy, though, is one of the biggest reasons I ended up making the switch from wanting to pursue a career in the sciences to studying political science. Had it not been for his making us read Machiavelli’s The Prince in Grade 10 or 11 and streaming the UN Security Council debates in March 2003, I likely would have never ended up wanting to study poli-sci. Not only did Mr. Hardy make the study of social sciences interesting, he made it important and forced us to think critically and imaginatively about the world around us. Most importantly, he gave us space to find our own voices.

Nabila Pirani, 2017

ABOVE: Nabila at the call to the bar.

JAMIE LABRON WOLFF

Mulgrave School Class of 2008

Interviewed by Michelle Noble | November 2017

Described by Mr. Lee Hardy as, “Someone who always received joy from helping others”, Jamie fell into a career path perfectly suited for her altruistic spirit - an occupational therapist. An adventurer, a career woman, and now a new mother to a beautiful baby girl, Jamie’s combination of tenacity and compassion allows her to thrive in all aspects of her life and truly make a difference in the lives of others.

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to steal a few minutes of this new mom’s time and interview Jamie during the beginning months of her maternity leave. In this Alumni Spotlight, Jamie shares her experience of earning her Master’s degree, becoming an Occupational Therapist at Surrey Memorial Hospital, and explains what a day in the life of an OT looks like.

For those who are unfamiliar, can you explain what an Occupational Therapist is? What specifically do you do?

As an Occupational Therapist (OT), I work with people who have an illness, disability, or other health-related issues that interfere with their ability to do the day-to-day things that are important to them. I work together with my patients to assess their abilities and help determine ways to enable them to continue to do what they need and want to do. Examples of activities people may be having difficulties with can include self-care, such as: getting dressed, eating, or moving around the house; being productive, including going to work or school; and participating in community and leisure activities such as sports, gardening, or social activities.

With my education, I can work with many different populations and in many different practice areas. I know OTs who work in home care, hospitals, schools, private practices, health boards, community mental health centres, clinics, halfway houses, vocational programmes, programme development, rehabilitation companies, and correctional institutions (just to name a few). I’ve had a chance to try working in many of those different places as a student and am currently working in acute care at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

In my job at Surrey Memorial, I am the OT for two different wards - a general medical ward specialising in dementia and related neurocognitive diagnoses, and a palliative care ward. Most of what I do is working with people to help determine what they need in order to be able to manage and thrive at home once they are ready to be discharged from the hospital. It involves assessing their abilities, strengths and resources, and degree of disease progression, as well as working together with the patient, their family, and the hospital team to develop a discharge plan. Sometimes this involves specialised equipment such as a wheelchair, hospital bed, or a stove guard that automatically turns off a stove burner if it’s been left on too long. Other times it involves rebuilding skills to be able to go to the bathroom independently or techniques to be able to remember to take medications on time.

There is an amazing amount of variety in what I get to do because everyone has a different way that they normally do things at home, and the tasks that are important to people and their families vary every time. Some of the most rewarding things that I’ve done recently include: creating a specialised wheelchair system for a lady who was in palliative care, so she could leave the hospital comfortably in order to go wedding dress shopping with her daughter, and helping a gentleman who was worried they would have to put his wife with

ABOVE: Jamie on her thesis defence day, with co-author Claire Parker.

dementia in a nursing home, come up with a plan to continue to support her at home safely and enable her to continue gardening and going for walks, which is what she loved to do.

This job sounds both incredibly rewarding and very challenging. Mr. Hardy described you as, “Someone who always received joy from helping others”. Did you always know you wanted to be an OT?

When I was at Mulgrave, I knew that I enjoyed working with people and was vaguely interested in either being a teacher, nurse, or doctor. I didn’t even know what OT was until I was in my second year of undergrad at university. When I learned what it was, I realised this career was a perfect mix of helping others, job variety, flexibility to continue my career while working on other life goals (such as starting a family), and organised creativity (which I really developed through stage managing productions at Mulgrave). I became determined that this was going to be a great fit for me and pulled up my socks (and my grades) to work towards getting into the Master of

It does sound like the perfect fit for you! Your work experience prior to working in acute care at Surrey Memorial Hospital was primarily with children and young adults. How did you find the transition into the field of geriatrics?

In the beginning, I was just happy to finally have a job and planned to transition into pediatrics as soon as possible. However, I very quickly realised how amazing it can be to work with seniors. Everyone who I work with has a lifetime of experience, stories, hobbies, and habits, which, once you get to know them a bit better, are an amazing resource when developing a rehab programme. I had to adjust my mindset slightly, and I found the opportunity to be every bit as creative as when I worked with children, perhaps even more so, in figuring out how to make someone’s therapy relevant and meaningful to them. Additionally, by working with people while they are in the hospital, you have the privilege of being able to support not only the patient, but the families as well during a

Occupational Therapy programme at UBC.

time of crisis. I find that using this family-centred approach to care actually can be very similar to working in pediatrics, in that while the patient is the centre of your care, you have to consider the people around them too, such as their spouse, children, and caregivers.

While working toward your master’s at UBC, why did you choose to do your thesis topic on Exoskeleton Technology?

Exoskeleton technology is an emerging field with limitless potential, and through my thesis, I was able to work together with engineers and designers to add a health care and potential user perspective to their exoskeleton design. I surveyed these populations, and through the analysis of the data, was able to help the designers by indicating which potential features would be most important to users so they could prioritise their integration. OTs work a lot with clients to figure out which equipment will work best for them, and it also gave me the ability to learn more about the process of how these products are designed.

What advice would you give to students looking to study to become an OT?

My main piece of advice is to learn as much as you can about what OT is and get as much experience as possible working with people with disabilities or mental illness. I had work experience as a personal support worker, lifeguarding with Easter Seals camps, and volunteering at BC Women’s Hospital and GF Strong. My volunteer and work experience was invaluable and helped me with both getting into and getting through the programme.

What are the biggest challenges of being an OT?

Generally, working in healthcare, it is very challenging to work with people who cannot access the resources they need due to barriers such as finances, transportation, service availability, or wait lists. Knowing that there are services that could help people live longer, fuller, and more independent lives in the community, but that they cannot access them is very challenging. Conversely, working with people who you know may be able to get better if they participated in therapy but choose not to is also very challenging.

Having accomplished so much at such a young age, what would you say you’re most proud of achieving in your career so far?

Graduating with my master’s degree! The OT programme itself was very difficult, and being able to get through it, including publishing my thesis, was a huge accomplishment for me.

Most influential teacher at Mulgrave?

Ms. Morgan was extremely influential for me, as I know she was for many other of my classmates. In Grade 9, she was my English teacher, and I was very upfront about the fact that I hated writing and was not very good at it. Needless to say, she did not let me get away with that and really encouraged using my creativity to find an approach to writing that worked for me. I was able to use many of the tools she gave me to complete all of the writing components of my degrees, in addition to the many hours I spend charting my patients’ progress at work.

Caring for patients with dementia can, I’m sure, be challenging at times. What techniques or tools do you use to stay positive and focussed?

It certainly can be, and often the most difficult element is getting people to trust you enough to let you work with them. I find that taking the time to get to know my patients and what matters to them at the beginning of every patient encounter is crucial to a more positive working relationship and staying more positive myself. Additionally, I really try to enjoy the moments of success that you do have, no matter how small, and encourage the patients and families that I work with to do the same.

ABOVE: A demonstration of exoskeleton technology, which is what Jamie’s thesis was on.

CHLOE SCOTT

Mulgrave School Class of 2009

Interviewed by Michelle Noble | October 2017

Chloe had been patiently waiting all spring long when the letter she’d been hoping for arrived - she had been chosen to be a part of the International Highland Dance Team 2017! This huge accomplishment meant she would be travelling to Russia in August to dance at the annual Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival in Moscow’s Red Square. Chloe’s passion for dance found its way back into her life after graduating from Mulgrave, and she has learned to eloquently balance this passion with her academic career. In this Alumni Spotlight, Chloe shares her experience and relays what it was like working at Mulgrave and building an Alumni Relations programme for the school.

You have recently returned from performing at one of the most vibrant and memorable festivals in the world with the International Scottish Highland Dance Team. Can you tell us a little bit about this festival and what it was like performing in the Kremlin?

The Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival (Kremlin Military Tattoo) is held annually in Moscow’s Red Square. This year, the festival celebrated its 10th year, and included over 2000 cast members from around the world. Performance groups included military bands from eight different countries, including Egypt, Italy, Belarus, Yerevan Drums (all-female drum line) from Armenia, Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland, Taoist Monks, and the European Union Celtic Pipes and Drums.

The show ran for 10 nights, and I had butterflies in my stomach every night as we skipped onto the square towards St. Basil’s Cathedral, accompanied by the European Union Celtic Pipes and Drums mass band. We also had the opportunity to perform on three national television spots, march in a parade, and have a private tour and photoshoot at the Grand Kremlin Palace.

That sounds like an incredible experience! The team you danced with in Russia was put together specially for the show.

What was the audition process like and how were you selected to perform?

The call out for auditions came in October 2016, and I worked with my teacher to ensure I was as prepared as possible. With it being an international call, we were required to submit audition tapes online, showcasing dances the Dance Director had set. I filmed and submitted my audition tape in January, crossing my fingers that the work I had put into the process would pay off. In March, I received an email that read “You’ve been chosen to be a part of the International Highland Dance Team 2017! Congratulations!” I was ecstatic to have been selected to join the team, comprised of 48 dancers from Canada, USA, the UK, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Russia. We travelled as invited guests of the Russian government to Moscow in August to rehearse as a team for the first time, just four days before opening night.

Once selected, what did you have to do to prepare for the show?

Shortly after submitting my audition tape, I had an old injury flare up, and I wasn’t certain I’d be able to dance. I spent a lot of time in physio and yoga and worked hard to maintain a high level of fitness without risking further injury or inducing pain.

ABOVE: Chloe with the International Scottish Highland Dance Team in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The care I took paid off when I arrived in Moscow and began six-hour long rehearsals, as I felt strong and ready to give it my all.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment in your dancing career?

While my main focus is my professional career, Highland Dance is a fun and unique hobby that has led to many opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of over the past nine years. Dancing on the International Scottish Highland Dance Team is my biggest accomplishment as a dancer, while a close second would be dancing on the Vancouver School of Highland Dance Choreography team and tying for 2nd place at the Canadian Championship Series in Winnipeg in 2016.

Has your dancing career enabled you to travel?

Highland Dancing has enabled me to travel both nationally and internationally. Moscow and Halifax, where I danced on the Irish and Highland Dance Team in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, are highlights. As a competitor, I have regularly travelled to cities across BC, Alberta, and Western Washington.

What is the difference between Scottish Highland Dancing and Irish Dancing?

This is a question both Irish Dancers and Highland Dancers

get asked a lot! Both are complex step dances. In Highland Dance, we use arm positions similar to that which you would see in ballet, whereas Irish dancers keep their arms stiff to their sides. Highland Dance is traditionally accompanied by bagpipes, and is rooted in military history. Many people differentiate Highland Dance as ‘the one where you dance over swords’!

Though you danced a lot as a child, you shifted your focus from dance to your academic studies during your senior years at Mulgrave. What re-ignited that spark once you were in university?

My sisters and I danced competitively while in elementary school. When I came to Mulgrave in Middle School, I continued to dance recreationally, but my parents really encouraged me to explore all the new opportunities available to students at Mulgrave. I am grateful that they did, as I have such fond memories of performing in school musicals, participating in service learning and outdoor education trips, and developing leadership skills as a Service Action Council member and Prefect.

At Simon Fraser University, I was seeking a way to balance my studies, make new friends, and keep active. During my first semester, Highland Dance was being offered through the student rec centre. I loved being back in class so much that I made the decision to return to competition. I have since had

ABOVE: Backpacking in Pemberton Valley with Brandon Pao, Ashley Peet and Nima Jelveh (Class of 2009).

the privilege of training with a wonderful team of dancers at the Vancouver School of Highland Dance (VSHD). I’ve found good company in my fellow dancers; there are many dancers who have continued dancing through their twenties and thirties for reasons similar to mine.

After studying at SFU in Communications and English Literature, you took on the position of Alumni Relations Coordinator and spearheaded the establishment of Mulgrave’s first Alumni Relations programme. Why was this something you were interested in pursuing?

Mulgrave School holds a very special place in my heart, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Mulgrave and be part of the creation of a programme I see immense value in. I had spoken with graduates of other private and IB schools,

where Alumni Relations programmes thrive based on a long school history. Being a young school, I saw (and continue to see) an Alumni Relations programme as beneficial to both alumni and the school as our school community continues to grow and evolve. By providing a platform to create and sustain relationships beyond graduation, I think there is amazing potential in the networking and mentorship opportunities that can be established through an Alumni community.

What was your favourite part of your role at Mulgrave?

Coincidentally, my favourite part of my role at Mulgrave was working with alumni on the Spotlight Series. I enjoyed connecting, and in some cases, reconnecting, with former students and learning about their university experiences, chosen career paths, and adventures. I believe that through recognition of alumni, current students might be inspired to try something new, apply to a certain university or programme, or learn about a career they are interested in pursuing! I see the Alumni Spotlights as an opportunity to bridge the current Mulgrave community with the alumni community.

What do you do in your current role for the Sea to Sky School District?

Currently, I work at the Sea to Sky School District, which stretches from Furry Creek to D’Arcy, BC. I serve as both the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools and the Communications Officer. My roles are challenging and dynamic, and, similar to my role at Mulgrave, they provide me the opportunity to foster positive connections among internal and external stakeholders. One of the highlights of my role is producing a bi-monthly column in the Whistler Question newspaper. Topics on which I have written include BC’s new curriculum, specialised programming, including an Environmental Stewardship course, and initiatives put forth by the school district’s Aboriginal Leadership student group.

Favourite Mulgrave moment?

ZoomFest was something I looked forward to every yeararguably more than any holiday break! Completing the Juan de Fuca trail as part of the Duke of Edinburgh programme is also a cherished memory and an experience that I attribute my love of backpacking.

Chloe Scott, 2017

ABOVE: Chloe competing at the Championship Series in Winnipeg in 2016.

THE SHEPARDS

Mulgrave School Alumni Family

Interviewed by Michelle Noble | December 2017

Mulgrave is the school it is today because of the dedication of our founding families’ drive for excellence, coupled with the vision and passion that our current families possess. Our success can be attributed to the combined efforts of the entire Mulgrave community, past and present, and perhaps nobody believes this more than the Shepards - Curt, Helaine, Taylor, and Kate.

The Shepards came to Mulgrave in 2002, and found an instant family. While their two daughters, Taylor and Kate, got involved in a myriad of activities like field hockey, dance, science competitions, and theatre productions, Curt and Helaine dove head first into the community where they spent their time spearheading Galas, attending assemblies, and organising grad events, BBQs, fundraisers, and MVP events - just to name a few!

Today, six years after Kate’s graduation from Mulgrave, the Shepards are still heavily involved in the community. While Helaine sits on the Board of Directors providing insight and leadership to guide the school toward future success, Kate remains as a Class Representative for the Class of 2012, Taylor sits on the Alumni Advisory Board working to connect alumni families with our Alumni Association, and Curt can still be found at nearly every big event and assembly the school hosts. The love the Shepards have for Mulgrave is truly touching, and we’re lucky to have a family like theirs ‘Sheparding’ us into the future while still keeping us so connected to the past.

ABOVE: The Shepards with Cypress Mountain in the background.

We’re so excited to have the chance to spotlight your family. Can you tell us about your first visit to Mulgrave?

Helaine & Curt: WOW! There’s a day we’ll never forget. We actually made lifelong family friends on our initial Mulgrave tour; they had two boys, we had two girls - the questions were broad and varied. Our two families were happily shown around the school by an extremely friendly, informative, and capable young student tour guide. She clearly spoke from the heart and was genuinely beaming with pride to show us her school. Kate enthusiastically peppered our well-spoken guide with questions while Taylor was totally enamoured with the snake in the science department. An overwhelming observation throughout the entire tour was the eye contact and personal greeting made by every student, staff member, and parent we met. The warm welcome and individual acknowledgement was sincere and very much appreciated. It was amazing how much we gleaned just by watching our guide interact with fellow students and teachers. It was a friendly, inclusive, and caring environment; the sense of community was unfolding before us. The formal presentation of the tour was delivered by the founding Head, Linda Hamer. Her address was inspirational and compelling as she shared her vision of education. There was a resounding buy-in from the theatre full of attendees.

What year did you first arrive at Mulgrave? What was the school like in those days?

Helaine & Curt: We joined the school in 2002. To this day, we are forever grateful for the vision and generosity of our founding members - a formidable, passionate group that made the Cypress

Lane campus a reality. While the building was now complete, the ever growing WISH LIST kicked in with equipment and supply needs. With each Gala, the community rallied together, fulfilling the WISH LIST, stocking shelves, and providing materials highlighted by each department. Members truly played an integral role in building Mulgrave from the ground up. The Spring Gala was a massive fun/fund raiser. While everyone worked together to achieve a common goal, a further resounding benefit emerged as camaraderie and lifelong friendships evolved. Friendship was, and continues to be, the heart of the Mulgrave experience.

It was no small feat to move from a portable to a world-class school in such a short time. This accomplishment was made possible by the efforts, expertise, drive, and foresight of our founding community. They set the template for future families, teachers, and administration to continue this exciting and everdeveloping journey. Today, under the remarkable leadership of our Head of School, John Wray, our highly skilled and dedicated teachers, and the strength and passion of our current community members, we enjoy an outstanding level of education that is both ambitious and always forward looking.

Being such a small school, the community played an integral role in building Mulgrave’s foundation. In what ways did the community come together to support the school?

Helaine & Curt: Great question! The school community was, and continues to be, the heart and soul of Mulgrave. Parents, students, staff, and administration all worked together toward a common goal - the school welcomed and promoted the volunteer efforts

ABOVE: Kate & Taylor at the alumni Pathways event in 2014.

ABOVE: Helaine, Zak, Curt, & Ms. Mitchell at the 2016 alumni Winter Social event.

of the entire community. Volunteering at an event, organising an event, or attending an event was a triple win as you were able to both help and support the school while making connections and developing partnerships with the larger community, not just your specific grade. Mulgrave was one BIG family. An unintended benefit was the bond the students formed with each other while patiently waiting after school as their parents prepared for events, both big and small. Teamwork and friendship was woven into the fabric of Mulgrave.

Taylor, you now sit on the Mulgrave Alumni Advisory Board as the Alumni Association Strategist with an aim to reconnect and engage non-graduating alumni and alumni families with the school. Why was this an important role for you to take on?

Taylor: The people are what make Mulgrave an exceptional school. Obviously, the facilities and resources are phenomenal but what is a ‘stand out’ in my mind, are the individuals and families that make up this amazing community. I feel it is incredibly important to keep all those who have been involved with Mulgrave engaged - regardless of geographic location or years spent at the school, they are all part of the building blocks that created this community. I attended Mulgrave for my Middle School years, and am grateful for the important role it has played in my daily life. I have always considered Mulgrave to be both a school and a community. I know others feel the same way, and so it was important for me to provide avenues for people to stay involved with Mulgrave after leaving.

Kate, do you feel Mulgrave prepared you for your university and career experience in the United States?

Kate: Absolutely! Of course, I was both excited and slightly anxious

for the next chapter, but once I arrived at Skidmore College, I felt equipped with all the tools and skills that Mulgrave taught me. I appreciated the variety of teaching styles and assignments over the years as they prepared me for the range of opportunities outside of Mulgrave. I am grateful for the direct instruction and years of practice honing my collaborative skills, dating back to group presentations (ie. Junior School Friday assemblies), to opportunities for public speaking (ie. Middle School Night of the Notables), to creative and comprehensive writing styles (ie. Senior School Extended Essay), just to name a few. All the time, effort, and hard work prepared me for both college and for my current career at Neoscape, a creative agency in Boston. The skills I learned at Mulgrave are life skills that I utilise in both my daily work and life in general.

What is your favourite Mulgrave memory?

Taylor: I have many fabulous memories of Mulgrave but one that stands out in my mind is Hair for Hope Locks for Love. Everyone congregated in the main lobby and filled the balcony above as friends, teachers, fellow students, and parents bravely shaved their heads (I cut my hair) to raise money for cancer research at BC Children’s Hospital. This event remains vividly imprinted in my mind as the level of synergy and excitement was beyond electric! Music was blaring, people were cheering, and the play-by-play commentary was feeding the crowd as people were shedding their locks; the enthusiasm was similar to watching a sporting event. This was a perfect example of a community coming together for a common cause - whether you were a participant, a spectator, or a generous supporter, everyone played a role. When we delivered the cheque and toured BC Children’s Hospital, I will never forget the profound sense of pride we felt for being a part of Mulgrave –

ABOVE: Kate between her two Mulgrave friends, Michaela & Angie, in Grade 3.

ABOVE: Helaine (right) with fellow Mulgrave parents, Robin & Viv, at the Welcome Back BBQ in 2003.

ABOVE: Kate, 10 years later at graduation with the same friends, Angie, & Michaela.

a community that valued helping others.

Kate: Wow, there are too many memories over my 10 years to pick just ONE! A recurring theme involved the three major aspects of what makes up Mulgrave — the exciting opportunities offered at the school, the unwavering support from the teachers, and, of course, the amazing lifelong friendships.

The remarkable experience to explore new cultures and assist others, such as the service trip to Swaziland, the fall outdoor camping trips that provided an environment to foster lasting bonds between students, and the engaging and educational Spirit Week activities, such as the vow of silence, are memories that will be forever etched in my mind.

The teachers brought life to the courses and support to the students. From a young age, I remember the teachers emphasising the importance of being a lifelong learner. Their support and encouragement brought joy to the classroom, giving breadth and depth to a variety of topics while sparking an internal curiosity for learning.

And of course, the friends I made along the way brought my favourite memories to life. I am deeply thankful to have met such a phenomenal group of friends. I know that these friends are for life, regardless of where we are situated around the globe - we have a special bond forever.

What was the most inspirational aspect of the Mulgrave community?

Kate: The support and encouragement from the teachers was (and still is) remarkable. They always made time for you and were

genuinely interested in your overall well-being. In my case, the constant juggle of the IB Diploma Programme and a full-time professional dance programme was quite the balancing act, made possible by my teacher’s support. I cannot thank them enough for working with me to pursue my passion for both dance and education; this experience prepared me for completing a double major in Business and Dance. Their work ethic has had a profound impact on me.

Helaine, why was it important for you to stay involved with the school even after the girls left Mulgrave?

Helaine: That’s an easy answer - I am extremely passionate about education, and Mulgrave’s mission and vision continue to align with my personal values. I am deeply proud of the school and its achievements and want to support it any way possible. I appreciate that Mulgrave members ‘walk-the-talk’, roll up their sleeves, and work side-by-side to achieve a shared goal. The Mulgrave spirit embodies commitment, tenacity, compassion, and humility. I love that Mulgrave is never complacent - it is always forward-looking. It has been my distinct honour and privilege to serve with many Mulgrave community members in various ways.

What sets Mulgrave apart?

Helaine & Curt: One defining difference that sets Mulgrave apart is the overwhelming commitment from all members involved. It is the community that built our school and it is the community that continues to build our school today. Mulgrave is an incredibly well-oiled machine. When joining Mulgrave School, it offers both an incredible education and a remarkable community, which consists of students, parents, teachers, alumni, and administration all working together.

ABOVE: Taylor with fellow 2008 classmates, Kian & Steve, at the alumni Pathways event.

ABOVE: Ms. Anson’s Film Class in 2012.

An equally defining difference would be the teachers - they are truly outstanding. They are highly skilled, dedicated, and committed to the overall success of every student, with many available early in the morning, after school, and reachable by email in the evening. They are supportive, caring, and inspirational leaders. Our family considers many Mulgrave staff members friends for life.

What is your favourite Mulgrave tradition?

Taylor: This is going to sound silly, but I really loved that we were greeted every morning as we walked, or in my case, ran into school. Granted, I was normally late (I’m not a morning person) and supported and dragged by one of my oldest friends as we stuffed everything from textbooks, badminton rackets, and field hockey sticks into my bag. Their smiling faces were a great way to start the day. I think having someone look you in the eye and greet you at the door by name, sent a powerful message to each individual student that they were a valued member of the Mulgrave community. That simple action set the tone for the day.

Helaine & Curt: There are so many wonderful traditions that Mulgrave celebrates, it is impossible to select just one. We absolutely adore the full school assemblies, such as Opening Day where the Grade 12 students are piped into the gym, walking hand-in-hand with the new Kindergarten students. Symbolically, it is a powerful message of friendship, support, and continuity. Every Remembrance Day, we are moved by the meaningful stories shared and beautiful performances given by our students and community partners. The overwhelming tone in the gym is one of respect, honour, and compassion, which transfers into a teachable moment for everyone. And, of course, the Grace Assembly where the students acknowledge the selfless parent volunteers is another one of my favourite traditions.

Another stand out tradition would be the incredible Friday morning Junior School Assemblies - a weekly event attended by our students, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbours, teachers, and administration. It is a very treasured time where our community celebrates and supports our students across the Junior School grades.

As a school that started off in a portable, Mulgrave has experienced considerable growth in all aspects, including its education, facilities, teaching, leadership, and size. What do you think has been the key to the school’s success?

Helaine & Curt: Staying true to its core values has been key to Mulgrave’s success. The continued commitment from the school’s founding members is a true testament to their unwavering support and continued belief in our mission and vision. Today, the support of our core values is evident in the hard work, leadership, and dedication of our current members. It’s similar to running a relay - everyone carries the baton, and even when it is passed on, they remain an integral part of the team. The overall endorsement to provide the best quality education possible has been met with resounding support from past, present, and future families.

What are the takeaways from your Mulgrave experience?

Everyone:

1. It will be a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it in the end.

2. Use the Mulgrave community – teachers, administration, friends, and family – as a support system.

3. Get involved.

4. Enjoy the ride!

The Shepards, 2017

ABOVE: Traditional first day of School Pic with Tay & Hugh (Grade 7) and Kate (Grade 3).

ABOVE: Mulgrave awards ceremony with Christie, Chris, Meg, Taylor, & Hugh .

Alumni Advisory Board

Mulgrave’s Alumni Advisory Board was created to help meaningfully engage and support our alumni students and families. Each board member is committed to further growing and sustaining our community of thoughtful, ambitious citizens. We welcome your ideas and involvement as our Alumni Association grows, and we invite you to connect us with via our social channels or alumni@mulgrave.com.

ANISHA NAVARATNAM ‘14 Communications Coordinator

CHLOE SCOTT ‘09 Alumni Recognition Coordinator

ELIZABETH CALDERON Mulgrave School Representative

FAZILA LAKHANI ‘08 Mentorship Liaison

FLORENCE BELANGER- JONES ‘13 Class Rep Coordinator

HELAINE SHEPARD Alumni Parent Representative

JOHN WRAY Head of School

KIAN ABGHARI Communications Coordinator

LUKE LAWSON Faculty Representative REBECCA CYNADER Events Coordinator & Secretary

TAYLOR SHEPARD Alumni Association Strategist

MICHELLE NOBLE Co-Chair (School Liaison)

NABILA PIRANI ‘04 Co-Chair (Alumni Liaison)