The Impact of Advocacy

By Mac Walsh

Mulgrave Class of 2019

As someone who is autistic and queer, I grew up in a world not meant for me. I frequently found myself having to advocate for myself both in school and out.

Throughout my time at Mulgrave, I witnessed both the good and the bad and within that, saw a lot of growth. There were shifts both in policy, as well as day to day experiences. Policies included things such as dress code changes and pronouns in emails. Day to day, changes in language use and attitudes were noticeable. I witnessed a lot of derogatory language among students, which did change after being addressed by either myself or by staff. To me, the level of acceptance I felt in the school shifted dramatically. Amongst the student body, I could see shifts in inclusivity both in attitude and through language.

I also saw a shift in the types of guests invited to the school to speak, as well as in school activities. For instance, one of my favourite memories was going to see Fun Home at the Arts Club on Granville Island.

I had numerous opportunities to strengthen my advocacy skills, such as through the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club, as well as opportunities to speak directly to staff about my experiences. Outside of school, I also developed these skills through various activities, for example by being part of a youth advocacy board.

I have shared my story online many times, and this year, I was even chosen as the Easter Seals Alberta 2023-2024 Ambassador. Through this role, I will represent people with disabilities in Alberta and share my experiences with Easter Seals programming and at Camp Horizon with sponsors and others. I think this is a cool connection given Mulgrave’s relationship with Easter Seals BC through the SOLE Centre.

John Wray Head of School - 13 Years

John has served as our school’s leader and guiding light for many years, in fact, starting with this year’s graduating class when they were in Kindergarten. Over that incredible span of time, he has steered our community with dedication, heart, strategic forethought, and always a smile. The number of performances and exhibitions, athletic competitions, alumni events, parent socials, and more that John has attended over the years is likely in the thousands as he never would miss an opportunity to support our students as they accomplished and celebrated their personal bests.

In addition to being remembered for his everpresent nature, John is leaving many tangible and intangible legacies. From spearheading campus expansions and embracing innovative ideas to wholeheartedly supporting the growth of our hallmark Mandarin language programmes and strengthening our approach to diversity and inclusion in countless ways, the benefits of John’s leadership will continue to surface in our young Mulgravians as they go out in the world to make exponential positive change.