OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY

WE ARE YOUR ALUMNI

BY MARK LE DAIN ’08, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Times like we’ve experienced in recent months can often be a catalyst for the acceleration of positive change – for example, since I’ve been quarantined at home with my wife, my workouts are a lot less of me walking around and pointing encouragingly at friends in the gym, and much more simply working out!

In this spirit, our community has accelerated multiple alumni initiatives in the past few months. The STS community business directory is coming together rapidly in an effort to support STS families who own and operate businesses. We have also seen a push from these businesses to support alumni and students through hiring, donations, and more. The STS community members who built these businesses saw a problem or need that needed to be solved – that’s why they started their businesses in the first place, and their support for the community during this time has been no different. Also, with ‘Spartan Talks’, we have several alumni speaking virtually to students, fellow alumni, parents and employees to share insights, thoughts, and some laughs during the pandemic.

On top of the community initiatives above, we have many alumni that have been fighting COVID-19 on the front lines and we have shared their stories, and look forward to sharing many more as they continue to come in. This will all pass, as everything does, but the character our alumni have shown and the positive choices they make will be remembered, as has been the case throughout our history.

The end of this unique school year, where the entire community has stepped up to navigate these times, also marks the end of my term as President. It has been an absolute honour to serve as President and whenever I give back to this community I always feel as if I get more in return (I also enjoyed shouting at everyone at events). I welcome Jason Fong ’03, who assumes the role of Alumni Association President with the same enthusiasm he brings to everything. Thank you for the time, memories, and support and I look forward to continuing to serve the School wherever I can. Jason Fong ’03 attended STS from Grades 4 to 12 and graduated in 2003. During his time at the School, he was actively involved in Athletics as a member of track & field, crosscountry, volleyball, badminton and basketball teams. Some of his fondest memories are of road trips with fellow teammates. At one time, he attended the try-outs for the STS rugby team but soon realized that having bigger guys lift him up by his shorts to catch a ‘jump-ball’ at three times his regular altitude was not his cup of tea!

Jason and his wife Vivien are STS parents to two sons, Eden ’30 and Christian ’32. He’s enjoyed volunteering with the Alumni Association for several years as a guest speaker, Speech Day volunteer and as Chair of the Mentoring and Networking Committee prior to taking on the President role.