FINAL WORD From Abby Dyer ’21 (Strathcona), Co-Head of School

Final Word FROM OUR CO-HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome back to the-one-and-only Shawnigan Chapel. It’s been a while since we’ve all been in here together, so let’s take it all in. Breathe in that Chapel smell, look around, take in all the pews. Where did you sit in your first year? Think about the pew in front of you, when you used to run your fingers along the wood during one of the Head’s marathon speeches. Readjust the hymn books like you used to do when you were on sacristan duty during your junior year. Look up at the beams along the ceiling and the wood on the walls. Remember the colours of the Chapel on a sunny Saturday morning, how the light used to cascade in and make everything seem so alive. Remember the fresh flower arrangements at the front of the Chapel every single Saturday. Remember the sounds of the organ playing as we proceeded into the Chapel walking side by side with our House. Remember the incredible musical presentations that we all have heard, and the shivers caused by our classmates’ sheer talent. Remember the tears that have been shed in this Chapel and remember the laughter. Remember that feeling, of the heart of the School. Remember, because this is it: the last time that we will be sitting in this one-of-a-kind place as students, the place where we all begin and end our Shawnigan education. There are just so many things to say – things that could be said, things that won’t be said out loud, and things that are only meant to be felt and not spoken. When I start to think about leaving Shawnigan, images start playing themselves across my vision like a slideshow on steroids. Shawnigan has been so many things for us. It was the place where we grew up (some more than others!). No matter when we arrived here, we left having learned something. Shawnigan was a place where we discovered our passions – maybe it was an art or a science, a sport, or a talent. Shawnigan taught us to open doors for each other. Shawnigan taught us to take pride in our Houses, in our work, and, most importantly, in ourselves. Shawnigan ties us all together. No matter where in the world you might be, when you’re there, or why you’re there, we are always going to be the Shawnigan Class of 2021. The part about graduating that I just can’t seem to get out of my head is that after we leave here today, some of us might never see each other again. Boarding school is an incredible opportunity to meet new people from all around the world, but this makes it all the more difficult to leave behind. That is the saddest part for me, the part where we actually have to leave this place and go into the real world. A world where we won’t have the strength of the Shawnigan community behind us. But I know we can do it. We’ve been preparing for the day that we leave ever since we arrived here; it won’t be easy, but we’ll do it. But I’ll tell you this: I have had an incredible time here these past four years. It’s not been perfect, but it’s been darn fun. So, I just wanted to say thank you. I would not have had the same experience at this school if it hadn’t been for each and every one of the people in this class. It was because of you that we were able to still have an amazing Grade 12 year. To the staff, thank you for all that you have done for us. You never ever stopped believing in us. And finally, what a year it has been, and congratulations to each and every one of you for making it through. It has been my absolute pleasure to be your Co-Head of School this year.