Grove News | Lakefield College School |2024/25

Visit www.lcs.on.ca/events for details

Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre Grand Opening, LCS Campus www.lcs.on.ca/events

Be sure to regularly visit our events page online to view all upcoming alumni receptions and other events.

Board Chair

Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 ’27

Joel Allen ’01

Bianca Bell ’06

Tim Bell ’00

Nicole Bendaly ’93

Marilynn Booth P ’98

Carlo Bos ’94, P '27 '27

Rose Bouchard ’18

Tim Cooper ’98

Alison Corner ’07

Allyson Delevadova

Chonée Dennis P ’14 ’16 ’19

Peter Dunn ’62, P ’92

Hannah El-Baradie '25

Anna Elia

Amanda Ethier ’98

Jennifer Fraser P '03 '08

Ian Fung ’00

Sue Guest P ’85 ’89, GP ’21

Terry Guest P ’85 ’89, GP ’21

Wendy Hepburn ’00

James Hicks ’84, P ’17 ’20

Kalen Ingram ’99

Brett Jackman ’03

Warren Jones ’88

Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19

Jai Kim P '21 '23 '29

Johanna Kruger ’97

Max Lafortune '08

Nick Lewis ’77

Ross Little ’81, P ’13 ’17

Patrick Marshall ’90

James Matthews ’58, P ’99

Sarah McCain Coulson ’05

Karen McKnight P ’13 ’16

David Miller ’77, P ’15

Antoine Mindjimba P ’16 ’19

Kelly Nottage ’00

Lisa Orr P ’24 ’26

Andrew Parke ’03

Alex Parker ’96

Jonathan Popper ’87

Emmy Pullen ’11

Sean Quinn ’82, P ’26

Heather Ross

Cait Sainsbury ’96

Jeronimo Santoyo '25

Danielle Saputo P ’20 ’22 ’24

Rola Shaheen P ’17 ’21 ’24

Murray Sinclair ’79, P ’11

Scott Smith ’87, P ’23 ’25

John Stelzer ’00

Tom Stevenson ’78

Maurice Switzer ’63

Losel Tethong ’89

Stuart Thompson ’91

Chris Valentine ’86

Cara Westcott P ’14 ’16

Hilary Windrem ’07

Daniel Woolf

Susan Wright

Trustees will be inducted December 2025 for the 2025/26 year.

LCS Foundation 2024/25

Board Chair

Andrew Durnford ’85

Honorary Chair

John K. Hepburn ’68

Chair Emeritus

Paul Desmarais Jr. '73, P '00 '03 '03 '11, GP '28

Emilio Azcarraga Jean ’87

Marilynn Booth P ’98

Bruce Boren ’87, P ’21 ’23

Michael Cooper P ’07 ’08 ’10 ’12

Sandra Delisle P ’23 ’24 ’25

Paul Desmarais III ’00, P ’28

Bryce (B.C.) Douglas ’88

Joel Finlayson ’89, P ’24

Jock Fleming ’74, P ’03 ’06

Catherine Gell P ’24

Catherine Hansen P ’23 ’24 ’24

Tim Heeney ’83

Roy Hewson ’79

Zack Kembar ’87, P ’24

Johanna Kruger ’97

Kevin Malone '77, P '22

Sarah McCain Coulson ’05

Guy McLean

Bill Morris ’70, P ’99 ’02 ’05

Marc Parent P ’15 ’18 ’20

Rosemary Phelan P ’08

Felicia Ross P ’17 ’27

Rupel Ruparelia ’89, P ’22 ’23

John Ryder ’77, P ’08 ’13

Murray Sinclair ’79, P ’11

Tom Stevenson ’78

David Sword ’88

Alexandra von Rehlingen P ’21

Richard Wernharm P ’06

Katja Wieland-Kaefer P ’21 ’22 ’24 ’27

Directors in Bold

P Parent of Alumni (GP Grandparent) Honorary Alumni

FRONT COVER: In May 2025, Lakefield College School had the privilege to host world renowned Canadian musician Neil Young’s benefit concert in support of the restoration of the historical farmhouse located on Lakefield’s Northcote Campus. Read more about this event on p.30. ABOVE: Regatta Day 2025.

Northcote Campus, Lakefield College School. Students posing with local alpaca during Fall Fair.

SAVE THE DATE

Everyone is welcome to join us for an exciting weekend at The Grove in May!

Mark your calendars for a celebration like no other.

We are thrilled to invite the LCS community to the Grand Opening of the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre during Regatta Day and Home to The Grove Reunion Weekend on May 23, 2026. Read more about this transformation on pg. 34.

Join your classmates for your reunion at The Grove, May 22-24, 2026. We’ll be celebrating milestone reunions for classes ending in ’6 and ’1. Keep an eye out for information in the mail and for future updates at www.lcs.on.ca/HTTG.

We look forward to seeing you! Watch for details at lcs.on.ca/events

From the Head of School and Foundation

A Message from the LCS Board Chair

From Summer Institutes to Everyday Learning: Lakefield’s AI Journey

Outdoor Education: The Lakefield Way

Closing 2025 and School Highlights

Long May You Run: Neil Young’s Gift to Northcote Farm

2 6 8 34 14 10 30

Designing for the Future: Building Spaces that Bring the Community Together

Hitting the High Notes: Alumni in Music

• Valdemar (Valdy) Horsdal '63

• Amelia (Irish Millie) Shadgett '24

• "Baron" Marcus MacDonald '86

• Adriana (Annie) Da '20

LCS Alumni Class News

From Hong Kong to Lakefield: A Journey of Growth, Challenges, and Giving Back

Alumni by the Numbers

Together for Lakefield: Tables, Flags and Chairs Initiative

In Our Memories

A Legacy Honoured: Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Community

Editor: Christine Vogel Editorial Committee: David Darby P '27 '29, Janice Greenshields ’03, Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19, Tim Rutherford P ’19 ’22 ’23 ’26, Shane Smyth ’96, Dean Van Doleweerd. Photographer: Simon Spivey. Designer: Nicole Wolff. Please address correspondence to the Marketing Communications Office: communications@lcs.on.ca.

From THE

HEAD OF SCHOOL AND FOUNDATION

A BEAUTIFUL BLEND:

New Programs, New Buildings, Old Values

As I welcome you to our 147th school year at Lakefield College School, I can’t help but think of the apparent contrasts that some may see between the old and the new. This is not a contradiction. It is evidence of our strength.

On one hand, as you enter our grounds, you encounter two new buildings—Hepburn Hall, a stunning new dining hall with a high, crowning gable, gorgeous beams similar to our chapel, and timber frame construction that anchors the heart of our campus, and the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre, a brand new academic extension dedicated to student well-being with leadingedge dance and fitness facilities as well as a forwardthinking Ingenuity Lab (p.34). These transformative spaces reflect the extraordinary generosity and vision of those within our community whose belief in our mission—and in the promise of this next generation— made them possible.

Meanwhile, many of our day and boarding students are sharing time in newly renovated residences, the majority now equipped with day rooms, communal kitchens and expanded common spaces. As a community that invests in relationships, these fresh new living spaces are designed to encourage students to share time together and get to know one another, creating true, lifelong friendships.

This commitment to our future can be seen everywhere on our campus. This is not something that is hidden, but should be something we tell people they can see and should look for. These are new looks, new spaces. You may not see it at first, but as you explore further around campus and inside our walls, you will find other examples of how we are bringing new ideas to our programs and routines. For the past two years, for example, houses have enjoyed pizza dinners at our farm at Northcote, picking vegetables, preparing the meal, and enjoying time together. This year, our Assistant Head of Sustainability Janice Greenshields ’03 launched The

Anne-Marie Kee P '17 '19 with Darragh Elliott '57 and Jane White '25 at Home to The Grove in May 2025.

Future of Food, a new Green Industries course exploring both innovative and traditional ways of feeding communities. Students designed and ran a Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) program, harvesting and packing weekly produce bags for members while learning about farm economics and customer relations. They also created a newsletter featuring Northcote Farm updates, learning highlights, and seasonal recipes. Our Northcote campus is truly transformational for our students who will graduate with real-world experience in regenerative farming and sustainability education, and life skills including collaboration and an appreciation for good old fashioned hard-work.

We are also leading the way among schools in harnessing the use of AI in our classrooms and teaching methodologies. This summer, we hosted more than 100 educators from more than 20 CAIS schools across the country for our second annual AI Summer Institute. The institute has become what one of our Program Area Leaders, Heather Adams, calls a “community of practice”, where teachers share real-life classroom examples of instructional design using AI, what works and what doesn’t, and gain experience with the most recent AI tools and approaches.

After a successful launch of our formalized approach to AI last year, students this year will begin to benefit from a new sequential framework that builds skills for the

"In my opening remarks to students, I encouraged them to notice this stained-glass window in our chapel, a memorial to former headmaster G. Winder Smith. It always reminds me of Lakefield’s quirky and beautiful blend of the past, present and future. In one colourful window of Jesus teaching, notice the modern elements Jesus is wearing our school colours and Winder Smith’s sailboat, our lake, trilliums and ferns native to our woods are included.

I believe this window likens Winder Smith’s devotion as a teacher to Christ’s love of teaching and the commitment of all religions to living a life dedicated to treating others as you would have them treat you. This window echoes Lakefield's origins as an Anglican school. It evidences the familiar of today as partner to the traditions of the past; in other words, like many aspects of Lakefield, it is a beautiful blend."

effective use of AI through all grade levels, learning how to craft more effective queries, how to evaluate AI output and how to use it while maintaining their own voice and intellectual integrity (p.8).

This is all very new, and so in many ways—in our buildings, designed spaces, teaching methodologies and technologies—we are an old school dedicated to living in the present and preparing for the future.

But, on the other hand, after 146 years, we are also obviously a very old school, among the oldest in Canada, in fact. We have traditions and values that go back almost a century-and-a-half.

So as I like to remind our students, often, both things are true. Many facets of Lakefield live side by side. As a globally competitive school, we must be committed to improvement, we must change, because we constantly face new challenges as we prepare our students for the evolving world of work, technology, social and environmental issues, and life at large.

But there are aspects of being an old school that we will never change. Two things remain at the top of that list: our motto—Mens Sana in Corpore Sano (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body)—and our original emphasis on human connectedness with each other and with nature. Inspiring teens to be leaders who care, connect and contribute remains at the heart of our purpose.

ABOVE (Top-Bottom): Singing is always a key feature of Chapel at LCS; School community events, such as House Pizza Dinners at Northcote, foster shared experiences among boarding and day students

Perhaps the most persistent and visible manifestation of our purpose is Chapel. Chapel has always been a central part of our program that goes back to the Anglican origins of our school, evolving to play a central role in ensuring that our students experience a deep inner life built around learning, self-reflection and authentic relationships with their peers and the adults around them. Today, we gather three times per week, and our time in the Chapel program is reflective of all beliefs. Our Grade 12 students in our Community Care Connect leadership class help to set the agenda, so our topics are current, well researched, and often focus on student

priorities. We honour special events, such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and special Canadians, such as Terry Fox. Sometimes students research and report on world issues or events in the news, and every chapel includes celebrating successes; our arts and athletics announcements are sure to spark cheers.

Starting later in the fall, we begin our senior-student Chapel Talks, a popular tradition that continues to this day (with the addition of photos and videos, not just music). But my favourite part of chapel these days, and another of our valued traditions, is singing. Singing has always been a key feature of chapel, and the songs we sing could form a history of the school—from old hymns like Jerusalem, to rock and pop from all eras and countries. So far this fall, students have filled this space in Chapel with Country Road, Stick Season (with the adjustment of “alcohol” to “applesauce”!) and Neil Young’s Heart of Gold. I wish I could bring you in to feel the power of all of our voices creating something beautiful—it’s a joyful demonstration of the power of community, and a special experience for adults and teens to have together.

In our chapel are the signs of our legacy. We see the colours of past regiments, the memorials to those who served and lost their lives overseas and the plaques commemorating our past luminaries. We have history, and not only is it inspiring, it is an opportunity for learning. As you sit in the midst of these tributes, one can’t help but want to ask questions, reflect on challenges past and present, and be inspired to do more for the generations to come.

Where chapel signifies our dedication to spiritual life, Lakefield’s globally recognized excellence in outdoor education highlights the way we integrate the spiritual with physical wellbeing and nature awareness. It’s another of our oldest traditions, with the lake and forest at our doorstep and it’s a signature aspect of the way we educate, emphasizing experiential learning and our philosophy of being outdoors every day. This is a philosophy that we invest in, just as we invest in relationships. We employ 11 full time outdoor education teachers and specialists, and this year we have added an outdoor leadership class and optional weekend experiences (p.10).

We know that giving students the opportunity to try outdoor challenges at a level they are comfortable with—whether it’s learning to skate or try Nordic skiing or whether it’s doing high-ropes challenge courses or whitewater rescues—these are the experiences that

develop confidence, resilience and, perhaps most importantly, they build trust and deepen friendships. Shared experiences deepen human connections, and that’s what we’re all about.

Another aspect of life at Lakefield that goes back to our earliest times and values is our boarding experience. To expand on it, we’ve constructed house programs that make shared experiences and community consciousness a priority. I’ve mentioned the renovations that give both boarding and day students more opportunity for bonding. But I really want to highlight the amazing team of Heads of House and Associate Faculty who create many programs including games and sports, mentorships, study groups and more. Our team ensures a well-rounded house experience, building shared connections among day and boarding students, and making it not just productive but also fun.

One aspect of boarding life that is new is our deepened and intentional commitment to our local community. Each house participates in dedicated time with a community organization, function or event, pursuant to our school’s core value of service—and often to another core value of environmental responsibility. Our purpose is to underline for students their connection and responsibility to the local communities around them. But this year, we will formalize our partnerships with organizations so that our partners can depend on our support and our students can look forward to annual learning and events. I’m proud of the collective and individual efforts across our community to support meaningful work on and beyond our campus, and of the long term relationships each of our houses are building with individual charitable organizations. It is inspiring and exciting to see this take shape.

Our model for these partnerships was inspired by the ongoing work of our Northcote Farm initiatives, where food planted and harvested by our students and Farm Team is shared weekly with local food and meal program partners, donating over 6,000 lbs of fresh produce every year. It’s a shining example of win-win relationships where we can help our community while learning and benefiting from the experience.

There’s one more way in which we’re going to use an old-school tool to support traditional values that will serve our students in the demanding new world into which they will ultimately graduate. Starting in September, each student is required to keep a handwritten personal journal to record their thoughts, goals, successes, disappointments and curiosities. We are asking our students to explore how best they can create a practice in journaling to track their

Lakefield journey. Going back to a pen and paper exercise like this may seem quaint, but there’s a purpose behind this intention. Having students put pen to paper is a reinforcement of the inherent value of being human and unique. It is a regular moment to celebrate being a creative individual at a time when this very thing is facing challenges. There is a growing body of research to support our goal of personal creative expression and reflection, including sketches and side notes. A hand-written journal reinforces each student's significance, uniqueness, and the importance of each student's individual journey.

We are helping to make our students effective journalkeepers by issuing prompts each meeting, such as “I used to be (blank) but now I am (blank).” Our ultimate vision is that by the end of Grade 12, students will have at least 40 of these entries to trace their own history of how their view of their personal world has evolved.

Each student will make the journaling practice their own—some using it to capture personal insights, others to reflect on growth or moments that have shaped them. What matters most is that the process helps them pause, think deeply, and recognize how they’re changing and learning along the way. Our staff are leaders in creating a beautiful blend of experiences unique to each student.

So when you look around Lakefield College School, I know you will be impressed by all that is new and forward-looking. But my sincere hope is that you will also see that anything new is built on the foundation of our traditions and values and all that came before us. These things form the soul of our school.

Lakefield's Heads of House (pictured above) and Associate Faculty, lead a breadth of programs for our day and boarding students, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

A MESSAGE

from the Lakefield College School Board Chair

Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 ’27

REFLECTIONS ON

Governance, Gratitude, and a Classmate

This year marks several meaningful transitions within Lakefield’s governance community. We are saying thank you to four exceptional individuals: Brett Jackman ’03 (Trustee since 2010), Cara Westcott P ’14 ’16 (Trustee since 2013), Chonée Dennis P ’14 ’16 ’19 (Trustee since 2016), and Maurice Switzer ’63 (Trustee since 2021), who are concluding their service on the School Board after years of dedicated leadership. Each brought their own distinct voice, expertise, and deep commitment to the work of stewarding Lakefield’s future. From strategic planning to committee work, their impact has been felt across nearly every facet of board service. We are deeply grateful for the time and energy they have invested in our school.

I also had the privilege of introducing a new designation this year: Honorary Trustee. The establishment of this designation was a personal goal of mine as it both honours longstanding Trustees and allows them to stay connected to the school after their formal terms have ended. I am delighted to be welcoming our first three. This role

recognizes individuals whose sustained engagement and generosity has had a transformational impact on Lakefield. Our inaugural Honorary Trustees—Donald Ross ’48, P ’79 ’80, GP ’17 ’27; Tom Ryder ’53, P ’77 ’01, GP ’08 ’13 ’15 ’25; and Nancy Smith HA ’20, P '87 '90 '96—embody that spirit, having committed a lifetime of service and support to Lakefield College School. We were able to honour Donald and Tom in person in September, and we will honour Nancy in person when next we can get her to campus.

Donald and Tom were also honoured earlier this year as recipients of the Angus MacNaughton '48 Award for Philanthropy, and all three continue to serve as trusted advisors and champions of the school.

Two Boards, One Purpose

Many schools have boards. But our model is quite different: two distinct yet deeply collaborative governing bodies—the School Board and the Foundation Board—working together toward

Joint School and Foundation Trustees Meeting on September 27, 2025 at the celebration of the opening of Lakefield's new Barker House (p.62)

one mission. It works well because of a history of collaboration between these two governing bodies and the dedicated volunteers that work within each Board.

Our School Board (15) and our School Trustees (61) from across the country and around the world provide strategic counsel, oversees key decisions, and serve as a vital connection to our broader alumni and parent community. Some are past or current parents; others are alumni or friends of the school. All are committed volunteers.

Our Foundation Board (7) and our Foundation Trustees (33), also highly global, play an equally critical role, linked to Lakefield’s culture. These individuals are among our most engaged supporters and philanthropic leaders. They offer advice, insight, and connections, and their impact is visible in the school’s transformational fundraising success over its history.

Together, these two boards create a kind of ecosystem; one that supports the Head of School and Foundation and the senior leadership team in charting the path forward, balancing bold strategic vision with grounded stewardship.

What I’ve Learned in This Role

I’m now in my seventh year as Chair of the School Board, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing this model in action through periods of growth, challenge, and renewal. What strikes me most about our governance structure is that it provides a passionate group of people with the means and the opportunity to work together to support this great school.

I’ve also been amazed by the depth and breadth of our volunteers across all segments of the school community. This is truly an affirmation of the deep loyalty of our community members that makes The Grove so special. There is something quite unusual about our little community on Lake Katchawanooka that creates this kind of passion. We are 146 years in, long may it continue.

I’ve also watched how the Foundation Trustees have helped fuel strategic priorities with generosity and ideas. The spring retreats hosted annually by Trustees around the world have become more than meetings; they are catalytic, bringing together like-minded champions who care deeply about the school’s future.

A Word About Andrew

I wanted to make a few comments about Andrew Durnford ‘85. Andrew is stepping down as the Chair of the LCS Foundation Board after 4 active years and is

completing over 20 years of productive service to governance at The Grove. Fortunately, he isn’t going anywhere, but as he steps down from one post, it gives us an opportunity to honour him.

At the recent Joint Trustee meeting, I had the opportunity to say a few words about Andrew. I said he was principled, deeply engaged and always acted with a lot of humour and grace. These are surely the qualities that we will remember from Andrew’s great leadership of the Foundation.

And he did a lot. He worked to modernize and update reporting for the Foundation, while leading it through a period of robust activity. During this time, the school made several real estate acquisitions, either directly or indirectly, always involving the Foundation (p.62). The Foundation itself grew (with a bit of help from the markets too!). He also championed the transformation of Winder Smith Hall into a vibrant student center rallying the Class of ’85 to new heights of reunion giving; he co-launched the Guest Expedition Ontario to honour the Guest legacy and build another great School program. This is but a short list of all the things he did during his recent time as Chair.

Through all this, Andrew led with clarity, generosity, and heart. He’s never been afraid to challenge assumptions or to ask the tough questions, and he always brought humour and humility to the table. If you’ve served with him, you know exactly what I mean and will never hear the words “Execute with Excellence” without thinking about Andrew!

Working alongside Andrew, first as classmates, then as fellow governors, and now as fellow Board Chairs has truly been one of the great privileges of my professional/not-for-profit life.

Looking Ahead

The school is in very good hands with the leadership of Anne-Marie and her team supported by the strength of our governance community. There’s continuity, renewal, and an ongoing commitment to improvement. And most importantly, there’s love—for Lakefield, for its mission, and for the people it brings together.

To the many volunteers, past, present, and future, who serve our school with grace and wisdom: thank you for believing in our little school, and for helping it grow and thrive.

FROM SUMMER INSTITUTES TO EVERYDAY LEARNING: LAKEFIELD’S AI JOURNEY

This summer, more than 100 educators from over 20 schools across Canada gathered at Lakefield College School for our second annual AI Summer Institute. What began last year as a modest gathering of educators has become a genuine community of practice, with attendance doubling and three focused days where teachers grappled with the biggest questions in education and collaborated on instructional design in the face of AI. Fittingly, the days began away from screens: canoeing on Lake Katchawanooka, trail hikes and morning runs, and a visit to Northcote Farm to share how Lakefield balances advancing technology with hands on learning centred in nature connectedness. The conference was steeped in nature and human connection, from late-night campfires to sunset conversations and waterfront swims.

We feel strongly that this setting is as important as the content. When you are spending days thinking about

screens and digital tools, beautiful spaces for conversation become essential. One participant noted, “When focusing so much on screens, it was so nice to be in a beautiful environment... The fire yesterday was so nice and so was the farm tour.” AI learning is fundamentally human work, and good questions emerge more naturally when you feel connected to the community.

We built the Institute around what we actually wanted from AI professional development: not a parade of shiny new tools, but time to think deeply with colleagues facing the same complexities. Integrating AI in education requires collaborative solutions and sharing best practices.

Our work was anchored by Eric Hudson, whose thoughtful approach to AI in education has influenced schools worldwide. Eric inspired us, grounded us in tools that would move our work forward, and helped us

LCS hosted educators from across Canada to tackle some of the biggest questions relating to AI in education at the second annual AI Summer Institute: The Skills That Matter.

facilitate job-alike sessions. Teachers shared real classroom examples through Micro-Talks, and our AI Playground gave everyone a chance to experiment with new tools, scaffolded to each person’s comfort level. Job-alike sessions allowed elementary teachers to compare notes with each other, while high-school departments strategized together.

Most importantly, we protected extensive collaboration time. Teams adapted what they learned and tested these ideas against their school’s reality, leaving with specific implementation plans for September. One participant said, “We came here with a few vague ideas and are going away with a well-developed plan that we can implement.”

Another appreciated the balance: “Eric provided such clear ways to move forward without being prescriptive.”

Three Principles Guiding Our Approach

Three principles guided our work and continue to shape how we approach AI with students at Lakefield:

Keep learning human:

AI amplifies human thinking. It doesn’t replace it. We model curiosity and critical thinking so students learn to ask better questions, verify information, and communicate in their authentic voices. The relationships and discussions that define good teaching remain at the center.

Be clear about boundaries:

Our Two-Lane approach to assessment design eliminates confusion. Lane 1 assignments are designed to prevent access to AI so students can develop ideas independently and demonstrate individual understanding. Lane 2 assignments permit AI for specific purposes like brainstorming or outlining, while stipulating clear documentation requirements. Students know exactly what is expected and why.

Lead with ethics:

We vet tools carefully, teach privacy first practices, and require school approved platforms only. Conversations about bias, accuracy, and intellectual honesty happen openly. When students use AI, they submit process reflections that make their work transparent.

Impact on Our Students

Three developments from the Institute will directly impact students this year:

AI literacy progression (Grades 9 to 12):

We are implementing a sequential framework that builds AI skills across grade levels. Students will learn to craft effective prompts, evaluate AI output critically, and maintain their distinctive voice.

Authentic, choice-based assessments:

Teachers refined projects where students write novels, create plays, or design immersive worlds connected to their literary studies. Feedback from experienced colleagues helped sharpen our rubrics and clarify AI guidelines while keeping genuine thinking at the centre.

Two Lane implementation across courses:

Many schools returned after piloting our framework last year. Their reflections helped us refine our practice. Course outlines and assignments now explicitly identify Lane 1 (AI free) or Lane 2 (AI permitted), removing guesswork for everyone.

We are grateful to the educators who joined us and affirmed the value of meeting across CAIS schools to tackle this challenge together. We are excited to put the learning from the conference into practice. Above all, we remain committed to the connections that ground our work, whether to this place and the beauty of our outdoor campus or to the people who form lasting relationships at LCS. This work shows up in classrooms, not headlines, and we are excited for the momentum the Summer Institute created.

HEATHER ADAMS

(L-R): Heather Adams, Libby Dalrymple P ’26, Wendy Darby P ’27 ’29, Sean Hammond and Beth Nichols represent a group of teachers taking part in one of Lakefield's AI micro talks; part of our school's ongoing professional sharing practice.

Outdoor Education: THE LAKEFIELD WAY

For over 146 years, Lakefield College School has embraced learning that begins with the land. Today, we continue that tradition by redefining what Outdoor Education looks like in a Canadian boarding school.

For many, Outdoor Education (OE) might evoke images of occasional canoe trips or rustic camping excursions.

At Lakefield College School, it’s something far more integrated and enduring; a signature part of how we educate and care for students every day. From fieldbased science and Northcote Farm programming to wellbeing, sustainability, and real-world leadership, Outdoor Education at Lakefield is a living expression of

who we are as a school: where learning, leadership, and connection to the land come together in powerful, lasting ways.

“Outdoor Ed at Lakefield isn’t about escaping the classroom,” says Andrew Johnston '95, P '22 '26, Director of Outdoor Education and Experiential Programs. “It is the classroom; just with bigger walls and more sky. We’re teaching students to lead, to collaborate, and to find comfort in challenge.”

What Makes Lakefield’s OE Program Truly

Unique?

Lakefield’s commitment to Outdoor Education is reflected in an extraordinary team of educators. With 11 fulltime outdoor education teachers and specialists, Lakefield is one of the few schools in Canada where Outdoor Education is led entirely by permanent staff. Together, they bring decades of combined experience and a wide range of professional certifications—from whitewater and flatwater paddling, and lifeguarding, to climbing, wilderness first aid, and Leave No Trace camping expertise.

Unlike programs that rely on external guides for occasional trips, Lakefield students learn from the same trusted instructors year-round. That continuity means outdoor learning becomes a familiar rhythm of school life, not a one-time event. Through every Canadian season, students learn alongside the same dedicated teachers—canoeing, orienteering, and hiking in the fall; skiing, snowshoeing, and building quinzees in the winter; and paddling white-water and embarking on canoe trips in the spring. Each experience builds confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to the outdoors.

“Because our instructors are here full-time, they get to know each student really well,” Johnston explains. “That continuity means we can challenge students in

ways that are safe, personal, and purposeful; we see their growth week by week, on every trip, and not just in OE class.”

Our program is designed with an integrated, year-round and interdisciplinary approach that spans the breadth of an entire year. It's not about becoming proficient in just one activity; students "get it all"—all that our campus and geographic location have to offer. A key element is the scaffolding of experiences and learning, ensuring progressive skill development. In Grade 9, students focus on outdoor classroom-based learning, culminating in one significant spring trip. Grade 10 involves both a fall and a spring trip, while Grade 11 immerses students in fall, winter, and spring trips. By Grade 12, students step into leadership roles, helping to support younger grade trips. This scaffolded approach provides depth of learning, allowing students to truly understand, for example, winter survival, cooking, shelter building, and the science of snow, moving far beyond superficial exposure.

A significant benefit is our daily access to natural and "wild" spaces right on campus, eliminating travel time and allowing for more "doing". We're uniquely fortunate to have two natural and expansive campuses that are geographically close, allowing for a diversity of outdoor activities without long bus rides. In fact, sometimes we travel between them by canoe. This accessibility enables students to practice skills over an extended period. For instance, the buildup to our winter camp experience

OPPOSITE: LCS Outdoor Education instructors; BELOW (L-R): Our Green Industries course brings together forestry, floristry, and horticulture in an applied setting; OE students practice their skiing skills on our dedicated Nordic ski trails.

(L-R): Winter camping includes

for

includes practicing snow shelter construction, crosscountry skiing, and snowshoeing for a full month. Our Northcote Campus and farm transforms into a fourseason outdoor skill development location in winter, perfect for groomed ski trails and winter skills training.

Core Components of Student Development

Lakefield College School's Outdoor Education program is the school’s mission applied in an outdoor setting: to challenge and enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body, and spirit. Through sustained interaction, our teachers build familiarity and trust with students, allowing them to be appropriately challenged and pushed.

We emphasize high expectations coupled with high support, fostering confidence and resilience. Shared challenges and signature experiences, such as quinzees (snow shelters), whitewater rescues, and high ropes, deepen friendships, build resilience, and boost confidence.

These repeated and scaffolded experiences provide unique opportunities for students to reflect on and discover their individual leadership capacities—whether coordinating teams, managing culinary tasks, or other roles. By frontloading experiences in outdoor classes, students can achieve a "flow state" during trips, balancing comfort and challenge, which leads to deeper

enjoyment and achievement. Ultimately, these experiences cultivate a deep love and valuing of nature.

Furthermore, OE at LCS deeply connects to sustainability, stewardship, and responsibility to both land and community. Through experiences at both campuses—from the forests and fields of the main campus to the regenerative farm at Northcote—students experience first-hand how sustainability is both a practice and a mindset. We believe that treating the land and treating people well go hand-in-hand.

Environmental practices learned on trips have a direct application to daily life, even in urban settings. OE opens doors to a broader awareness of environmental issues, like air quality and waterways, encouraging students to think critically about their surroundings and make connections between different environments.

“Students begin to see sustainability as a way of thinking, not a subject,” says Johnston. “Whether they’re paddling, planting, or cooking together, they’re learning how small choices add up to collective responsibility.”

“Every trip has those moments where students realize they can do more than they thought. That’s where confidence comes from—not from perfection, but from persistence.”

ABOVE

building quinzhees

shelter; Whitewater canoeing helps develop teamwork and communication; Grade 9 students practice "leave no trace" overnight camping as part of their OE program.

The program also develops essential human interaction and teamwork skills that are crucial for success in university and future careers, teaching students how to work collaboratively and respectfully with others.

LCS as a National Leader in Outdoor Education

Lakefield is recognized for its outstanding Outdoor Education program, one that stands apart for its depth, consistency, and the people who make it possible. With 11 full-time specialists guiding every aspect of the program, our students experience a level of continuity and connection that’s rare in any high school. This year-round access gives students an uncommon depth of experience. Lakefield leads in the number of students participating in full-year outdoor programs, and intentionally exposes them to a wide range of disciplines across all seasons; helping them build on earlier experiences and gain confidence in every environment they encounter.

Outdoor Education is part of every student’s journey at Lakefield. All Grade 9 students participate, building essential outdoor skills and confidence that set the foundation for future adventures. In Grade 10, nearly 80% choose to continue through our extended programs, proof of how meaningful these experiences are. Many of these students go on to the Grade 11 Outdoor Education program, and others take our new

Grade 12 Outdoor Leadership Class, where they explore advanced expedition planning, mentorship, and leadership in the field.

Beyond these core curricular offerings, Lakefield provides weekend-based programming for all students. These options, such as fall hiking trips in the Bruce Peninsula and winter dog sledding, make OE accessible to students who might have other academic or extracurricular commitments like dance or music. This accessibility creates a contagious enthusiasm, with students often inviting friends to join them on these adventures.

“Our goal isn’t to create expert paddlers or climbers,” Johnston adds. “It’s to help students become more resilient, empathetic, and adaptable; skills that last a lifetime, wherever they go.”

Ultimately, Outdoor Education at LCS is an integral, daily, and transformative part of learning that helps students cultivate the curiosity, courage, and care to thrive in a changing world—lessons learned through nature, community, and carried for life.

ANNE-MARIE KEE P ’17 ’19, HEAD OF SCHOOL AND FOUNDATION

“Please understand that your belonging at Lakefield does not end today. In this school that is so storied, you are part of our story.”

SARAH RICHARDSON P ’24 KEYNOTE

“Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Be original. Be fearless. Be someone who leads with heart. Design a life that excites you. Create work that matters. Enjoy the adventure. Trust your inner compass. And remember—your passion can take you places no map ever could.”

2024/25 CO-HEAD STUDENTS HANNAH EL-BARADIE '25 AND JERONIMO SANTOYO '25

“We found people we didn’t know we needed, moments we didn’t know we’d miss, and sides of ourselves we hadn’t met yet.”

The Class of 2025 at Closing on Saturday, June 14, 2025

Closing 2025 Highlights

The Lakefield College School community was thrilled to celebrate our 146th Closing. We enjoyed a number of traditions, including our Friday night Awards Ceremony, all school photo, Closing Chapel, Celebration of Light, and the Grade 12 Graduation and Closing Ceremony with our full community.

On Saturday, June 14, under the big white tent on Lefevre Field, with the stunning view of Lake Katchewanooka in the background, the LCS community gathered to mark the end of the 2024/25 academic year with a memorable Closing ceremony. The event was a celebration of the exceptional achievements of students across all grades, filled with pride and reflection.

Head of School, Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19, reflected on the traditions and unique experiences that define life at The Grove, encouraging students to carry those memories into their futures. Keynote speaker, Sarah Richardson P ’24, delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing resilience, challenge, and passion, encouraging the Class of 2025 to make their own path as they leave LCS.

The ceremony was a fitting tribute to another year of outstanding achievements, and as the community bid farewell to this year’s graduates, there was a sense of anticipation for the bright futures ahead. The memories of this day, and of their time at LCS, will stay with these students as they move on to new adventures.

98 Scholars with Distinction Class of 2025

Students with averages of 85% or higher

700+

Offers of admission to post-secondary programs around the world were received by our 119 Lakefield College School graduates in 2025.

Post-Secondary Areas of Study Class of 2025

$3.13M Over in scholarship and other funding offers received by the Class of 2025 from top post-secondary programs around the world.

View more Closing highlights including videos at: www.lcs.on.ca/Closing2025

2024/25 Highlights

Myers Mbonda ’26 Represents LCS as a 2024 QLEAD Brand Ambassador

In September, Myers Mbonda ’26 was announced as the 2024 Brand Ambassador for the prestigious QLEAD Conference, hosted by Queen’s University. In this role, Myers will promote the conference, connect with student leaders across Canada, and help others explore diverse opportunities in business and leadership.

Titus Ngouepo '25 Honoured as Youth Volunteer of the Year

In September 2024, Titus Ngouepo ’25 was honoured by the City of Peterborough as the 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year, recognizing his outstanding dedication and positive impact in the community. We’re proud to celebrate his leadership and generosity both inside and outside the classroom.

Lakefield College School Unveils New Outdoor Basketball Court

In October 2024, our campus proudly introduced a versatile new outdoor basketball court, offering students fresh space for sports like basketball, badminton, and pickleball. The court’s inaugural game celebrated the graduating class and marks a key step in enhancing our recreational facilities.

A Historic Return: LCS Boys’ Football Team Scores First Win in Over 30 Years

In October 2024, our boys’ flag football team celebrated their first win in over 30 years during their debut CISAA tournament, finishing with a strong 1-1 record and kicking off an exciting new era for football at the school.

TEDxLakefield College School: Empowering Student Voices and Inspiring Change

On October 4, 2024, LCS hosted its first-ever student-led TEDx event, empowering young voices to share inspiring ideas on leadership, compassion, and positive change. The event marked the start of a new tradition celebrating student agency and community impact.

LCS Debate Club Shines at International Competition in Bermuda

Three of our talented Debate Club students— Sophie ’25, Raquel ’25, and Sydney ’27—travelled to Bermuda in October 2024 to participate in the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC). Hosted by Saltus Grammar School and The Bermuda High School (BHS), this prestigious event brought together young speakers from around the world to showcase their skills in categories such as Interpretive Reading, Persuasive Speaking, and more.

LCS Students Shine at the Ontario Student Leadership Conference

On November 8, 2024, Grade 11 students attended the Ontario Student Leadership Conference, gaining leadership skills and inspiration from keynote speakers. Jenna Quinn ’26 earned second place in the Ontario Youth Speaker Search, and the group returned energized to bring new ideas to LCS.

Celebrating Success at DECA Regionals

On November 9, 2024, 20 LCS students competed at the DECA Regional event, demonstrating strong business and presentation skills. Congratulations to Gabe ’25 and Ella ’27 for top-10 finishes, with Ella advancing to Provincials!

LCS fielded its first boys' football team in over 30 years , competing in the new CISAA Senior Boys Flag Football League.

Grade 10 LCS students hosted Lakefield College School's first-ever student-organized Santa Claus Parade on campus.

9

15

LCS musicians performed at the Canadian Independent School Music Festival.

The 1st Boys Hockey Team won the tournament title at the 2024 Armstrong Invitational.

LCS Grade 10 students participated in international exchanges around the world

LCS's inaugural swim team entered our first ever swim meet at the Markham Pan Am Center.

8

Snowboard Racers qualified for OFSAA and the SBX Invitational.

The LCS Nordic Ski Senior Girls, Junior Boys, and Senior Boys teams took 1st in the CISAA Championships.

134

800

Dumplings were made by over 60 students , along with staff and family members, as part of our annual Lunar New Year celebrations.

Grade 12 students braved -24°C temperatures to participate in winter camping at Algonquin Park , building and sleeping in quinzhees.

Aniece Wong '25, SIC of Jack Chapter, led a special fundraiser for the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). Emotional support potato keychains were sold after our dance showcase performances to help raise awareness for those affected by eating disorders.

Co-Curricular Awards presented in our Winter and Spring terms to celebrate student excellence and achievement

As part of our pilot program launch for Generations United , 40 senior guests visited campus to connect with students.

60+

Student House Leaders from Grades 9-11.

New challenges were introduced at Regatta Day 2025: the 10-person stand-up paddle board race and a thrilling fire challenge.

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: LCS held its first-ever student-led TEDx event; Our 2024 SICs of athletics unveiled the new basketball court; LCS students attended the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition; Grade 11 students went to the Ontario Student Leadership Conference; Titus Ngouepo '25 received the 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year award by the City of Peterborough.

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: The cast and crew of our sold-out fall musical, Mean Girls; Visiting exchange students Anna (Paris), Salma (Paris), and Ruby (Scotland); The LCS Rock Choir performed at the 2024 Winter Concert; Dancers gave a heartfelt performance for our Dance Showcase; Students attended the inaugural Ethics Bowl at Trent University.

LCS Students Deliver Sold-Out, Impactful Performances of Mean Girls

On November 29, 2024, over 60 LCS students captivated audiences with four sold-out performances of Mean Girls, combining humour, heartfelt messages, and impressive teamwork. The production also raised funds for the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, using theatre as a platform for positive change.

2024 Winter Concert Brings Joy

On December 12, 2024, over 65 student instrumentalists and vocalists shared their talents with our community at our annual Winter Concert. The program featured a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary music to celebrate the season.

LCS Exchange Program Flourishes in 2025

In early 2025, nine LCS Grade 10 students participated in international exchanges while welcoming eight new exchange students on campus. These cultural experiences enrich both visitors and hosts, deepening global connections and strengthening LCS’s vibrant community.

LCS Students Excel at Trent University’s Inaugural Ethics Bowl

On February 8, 2025, 25 LCS students, including members of the Debate Team and one of our TALK Club leaders, participated in the inaugural Ethics Bowl at Trent University, a unique public speaking competition that emphasizes collaborative discussion over traditional debate.

Limitless: A Dance Showcase to Remember

Our Dance Showcase, Limitless, lit up the Bryan Jones Theatre for a sold-out run in February 2025. It was an unforgettable event, full of stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and amazing LCS spirit. Our talented dancers took the stage for 33 incredible acts, from powerful solos to dynamic group performances.

OUR PEOPLE

LCs staff snapshot

CHRIS BURNS

MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER, ADVISOR

Life Before LCS

“My teaching journey began overseas with a role teaching English in Japan. Upon returning to Canada, I spent many rewarding years teaching math and physics and coaching a wide variety of sports within the local public school board before my path led me to The Grove.”

Bachelor of Science (Honours Physical Science), University of Guelph

Bachelor of Education (Outdoor and Experiential Education), Queens University

Unique achievements

“Early in my career, I dedicated two summers to leading wilderness expeditions. These self-planned journeys—a 45day canoe trip through the subarctic and a 54-day sea kayak along the Nova Scotia coast, were profoundly challenging. The lessons learned in those remote environments have shaped my approach to leadership and problem-solving ever since.”

Current Passion Project

“My current passion project is supporting the Northern Lakers Basketball program. This wonderful initiative connects our LCS students with youth from Curve Lake First Nation, building relationships and community through basketball skills and games. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive connections forged on the court.”

My LCS Difference

“For me, the LCS Difference is undoubtedly the community. There is a unique and powerful sense of connection and support here that truly is, as we say, “Like No Other.”

OUR PEOPLE

LCs staff snapshot

LAURA INKILA OUTDOOR EDUCATION TEACHER, ADVISOR

Life Before LCS

“Prior to coming to LCS I was completing my Masters at the University of Toronto. During that time I served on the Board of Directors as the Athlete Representative for Canada’s National Sports organization for Nordic skiing. I grew up as a competitive Nordic Ski Racer competing as a Varsity Athlete and on the Ontario Ski Team.”

Bachelors of Arts in Child Studies with a Minor in Psychology Masters of Arts in Child Studies and Education

Unique achievements

“Growing up, I competed in multiple sports, with triathlons becoming a special family tradition each summer. This past summer, I completed my first triathlon since elementary school. It was a rewarding experience as it took dedicated training and brought back many positive memories of doing triathlons with my family as a kid.”

Current passion project

“I have developed a green thumb and have been learning about gardening, agriculture and food preservation. I have expanded my home garden and understanding of how our food goes from seed to table. This has been both a personal and professional learning experience as I am teaching Grade 9 Green Industries this school year. ”

My LCS Difference

“Outdoors Every Day—Having grown up in Northwestern Ontario, I developed a lifelong affinity for the outdoors. At LCS, I’m fortunate to work in a role that aligns with both my values and passions. As an Outdoor Education Teacher I am able to share these passions and experiences with our students. I believe spending time outdoors is an essential part of youth development, and at LCS we do this exceptionally well.”

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: LCS students represented LCS at the HOSA Conference in Toronto; Exploring an organic cacao farm in Costa Rica as part of a Global Learning trip; AP Physics students participated at the Engineering Challenge in Peterborough; LCS students took part in a sold-out concert at the CIS Music Festival in Toronto.

2024/25 Highlights

AP Physics Students Tackle Engineering Challenge

Twenty AP Physics students showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills at the Engineering Challenge in Peterborough in March 2025, building bridges to test which could hold the heaviest load. Their teamwork and innovation made for an exciting competition!

Students Represent LCS at HOSA Conference

Four LCS students attended the annual HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) conference in Toronto on March 27-28, 2025. HOSA is an international organization focused on promoting healthcare careers and improving healthcare delivery. At the event, Ella Sehn '27 presented groundbreaking research on a new nasal spray delivery system for chronic sinusitis, while Fiona Zhou '26 shared her findings on the positive environmental impact of heat from California wildfires. Daisy Zhong '25 and Alvina Wong '25 competed as a team in the Forensic Science contest, advancing to the case study analysis after excelling in the knowledge test.

Students Reflect on Transformative Global Learning Trip to Costa Rica

Over the 2025 March break, 3 students traveled to Gandoca, Costa Rica, as part of our school’s Global Learning Program. The group engaged in activities focused on conservation, sustainability, and community building, including working on an organic cacao farm, assisting at a local school, and patrolling beaches for sea turtle nesting.

LCS Students Shine at the 2025 CIS Music Festival

In April 2025, 15 LCS students joined 1,400 peers at the CIS Music Festival, performing at Roy Thomson Hall. After three days of rehearsals, they performed at a sold-out concert as part of the Senior Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Strings. Three students earned leadership positions through successful auditions: Cindy Chen '25 (Principal Second Violin), Karen Wu '26 (Associate Concertmaster), and Nina Zhou '26 (Principal Cello).

2024/25

From Strings to Solos: The Sounds of Spring at LCS

On April 28, 2025, 70 LCS students performed 14 acts in our annual Spring Concert, celebrating music and teamwork. The event was streamed live and featured ensembles, solos, and student leaders who helped bring it together.

Celebrating Diplomacy, Culture, and Global Insight

On May 2, 2025, LCS was honoured to welcome His Excellency Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Ambassador of Spain to Canada, who gifted a portrait of King Felipe VI (Class of 1985) to the school. Dr. Manuel Muñiz, IE University Provost, gave an insightful talk on global relations and education.

Spring Play: She Kills Monsters

In May 2025, our Spring Play was a huge success, as 27 talented students poured their hearts into bringing the fantastical story to life. She Kills Monsters was a bold, high-energy, comedy packed play filled with sword fights, ogres and a dash of 90s nostalgia.

LCS Spring Playoffs Wrap-Up: Champions on Every Field!

We wrapped up the Spring athletics season in May 2025 with standout performances—CISAA gold in 1st Ultimate, OFSAA tennis silver and bronze, soccer CISAA silver, and strong finishes across rugby, golf, and badminton. Go, Grove!

Neil Young Benefit Concert at Northcote Campus

On May 23, 2025, we welcomed legendary Canadian icon Neil Young—joined by Daryl Hannah—for an unforgettable evening in support of the restoration of the historic farmhouse and cabins at Northcote. Over 1,900 gathered in Grove spirit to celebrate music, community, and a meaningful cause (read more on p.30 ).

LCs staff snapshot

HEATHER ADAMS

PROGRAM AREA LEADER: ENGLISH & MODERN LANGUAGES, ENGLISH TEACHER, ADVISOR

Life Before Lcs

“Before LCS, I began my career teaching AP English Literature at an international school in Thailand, then taught IB Language & Literature, AP English Language, and English from Grades 8–12. My teachables are English and Politics, though I’ve only taught one politics course: AP Comparative Government. I taught at Trinity College School and Lauremont School (IB) in Richmond Hill.”

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Queen’s University

Bachelor of Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Unique Achievements

“One of my proudest achievements is a lifelong, handson education in the world, built by living abroad for four years and traveling widely across Europe and Asia. In Switzerland, I refined my French (after an early exchange to France) and attempted to learn conversational German. Later, I lived in Bangkok and immersed myself in Thai culture while traveling around Asia. These experiences make working at LCS with students from around the world feel like home.”

My LCS Difference

“For our family, LCS is more than a workplace. The chance to build meaningful connections with colleagues and students and to watch our children grow within this community has been profoundly rewarding. LCS is, quite simply, home.”

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: The LCS 1st Ultimate team took CISAA Gold to cap off back-toback season win; A visit from His Excellency Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Ambassador of Spain; Our 2025 Spring Play, She Kills Monsters, was a roaring success; Neil Young performed a benefit concert in support of the restoration of the old farmhouse at Northcote (p.30).

2024/25 Highlights

Celebrating Regatta Day 2025

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, we hosted our beloved Regatta Day, bringing students, families, alumni, and staff together for a day of spirited fun on and off the water. From cheering on the races at the waterfront to catching up over a BBQ and Strawberry Tea, the LCS community brought unmatched energy to the day’s events (see pictures on pg.26-27 ).

Enjoying Sun, Fun, and School Spirit

On Wednesday, June 4, our students took a well-earned break from their final projects and end-of-year assignments to dive into one of the most anticipated days of the year—Gladiator Day! A long-standing LCS tradition, this annual event is all about energy, teamwork, laughter, and some seriously fun competition.

Peter Dalglish Art Award Recipient

Lasse Dressler '25 was nominated as this year’s Peter Dalglish Art Award recipient for 2024/25. The purpose of the Peter Dalglish Art Award is to inspire, encourage and recognize artistic talent at Lakefield College School by promoting promising young artists and their future contributions to art in Canada and beyond.

The Class of 2025 is Going Places

This year’s graduates demonstrated academic excellence, courage, curiosity, and leadership, hallmarks of an LCS education. Their results speak volumes:

• 700+ offers of admission to nearly 150 universities worldwide.

• Every major Canadian university represented, plus offers from top global institutions including Northwestern, UCLA, King’s College London, UCL, University of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, and University of Amsterdam.

• $3.13 million in merit-based scholarships, with 18 students earning more than $50,000 each.

Behind every number is a story of hard work, resilience, and discovery, supported by an education that fosters authentic learning, global perspectives, and leadership. We are so proud of our Class of 2025!

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: Lasse Dressler '25 received the 2024/25 Peter Dalglish Art Award; Competitors played a fierce game of Tug of War for our annual Gladiator Day; Gladiator Day waterfront jousting; Members of the Class of 2025 celebrated their post-secondary plans.

Save the Date:

THE BOUCHARD FAMILY THRIVING FOR LIFE CENTRE

Grand Opening

We are thrilled to invite the LCS community to the Grand Opening of the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre during Regatta Day and Home to The Grove Reunion Weekend on May 23, 2026.

We are deeply grateful to the Bouchard family for their remarkable leadership gift. Their vision and generosity are helping to shape a space where students can think boldly, take action, and lead with the heart. Read more about this transformation taking shape on campus on page 34.

Watch for more details at lcs.on.ca/events. See you there!

Advanced Placement (AP) Success at Lakefield

Lakefield’s Advanced Placement (AP) program continues to grow as one of the school’s most challenging and rewarding academic offerings. These university-level courses ask students to think deeply, work independently, and engage with material at a high level; all while remaining supported by the close-knit community of The Grove.

This past year, 124 students completed 273 AP exams across a wide range of subjects. An impressive 92.7% earned a score of 3 or higher, and 71 students were recognized with formal AP distinctions —up from 51 the year before. Among them:

• 14 AP Scholars

• 17 AP Scholars with Honor

• 20 AP Scholars with Distinction

• 11 AP Capstone Diplomas

• 8 Capstone Certificates

• 1 AP International Diploma

These results reflect not only the hard work of our students, but the strength and momentum of a program that continues to expand in both participation and achievement; preparing students with the confidence, resilience, and curiosity they’ll carry with them well beyond Lakefield.

From the farm at Northcote to paddling along the Ottawa River, and university-level lab experiments to exploring history through authentic artifacts, learning at Lakefield is always an experience.

From Top Left-Right: Soil testing experiments at Northcote; Camping in the Kawartha Highlands; OE students take on whitewater canoeing; AP Biology students explore DNA analysis; WWII artifacts bring history to life; Hair-raising experiments in Grade 9 science

LONG MAY YOU RUN:

Neil Young’s Gift to Northcote Farm

On a soft spring evening in May, more than 1,900 people gathered at Lakefield College School’s Northcote Campus to hear Neil Young perform a solo concert, his first in Ontario in years, and one offered entirely in support of an idea he loves, preserving Canadian heritage homes. Under a light rain and the glow of stage lights, alumni, parents, students, and friends of The Grove stood shoulder to shoulder with fans who had travelled from across Canada and the southern United States to see him perform.

By the time Young sang his final encore, "Long May You Run," the clouds had lifted. Beside the stage, his two dogs, Moon and Mo, lay content. When the last notes of music faded, the concert-goers began the quiet walk back along the lane, guided by the string of twinkle lights and the sound of frogs calling from the woods.

“It was a magical evening,” says AnneMarie Kee P ’17 ’19, Head of School and Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Neil and Daryl for their generosity, and to everyone who came together to celebrate what Northcote represents, our connection to the land, to one another, and to the future.”

The benefit concert has funded a restoration of the historic farmhouse at Northcote, a project Neil has affectionately referred to as the Canadian Heritage Home. For the school, the concert was more than a fundraiser; it was a moment that united generations in a shared love of music and an act of gratitude and renewal.

News of the event spread far beyond Lakefield, appearing in The Globe and Mail, Rolling Stone, The Peterborough Examiner, CBC’s Here and Now, and even on Neil’s own website. But for those who were there, the evening felt distinctly personal, a gift of music that became a gift of place.

Restoring a Heritage Home

Just beyond where the stage stood that night, the house that inspired the event now stands nearly renewed, its restoration, the result of a series of lucky events. An impromptu visit to plant potatoes with our Grade 10s led Daryl Hannah and Neil Young to the old farmhouse—its charm and Lakefield’s hands-on farming inspired them to preserve its legacy. As Neil said, “History is important. Too often, it’s erased. A restored farmhouse can help students understand the past while shaping the future."

Built in 1878 by the Wright family, the house had weathered decades of use before Lakefield began restoring it with the help of local craftspeople and historians.

“The beams are saw-cut, their tool marks still visible, and the house was held together with forged square nails, custom-cut mouldings, careful joinery, and pine tongue-and-groove floors. As the farmhouse was carefully dismantled and labelled piece by piece for storage, the building methods and subtle adjustments made by the original craftsmen were revealed. “It’s remarkable to see the old farmhouse coming back to life,” says Bruce McMahon P ’12, former LCS History Teacher and current Director of the Northcote Campus.

“Each day brought new discoveries as we uncovered, for the first time, what had been hidden since the house was built more than a century ago. We wanted to preserve what was authentic and let it breathe again.”

The “Canadian Heritage Home,” as Neil fondly refers to it, has been carefully restored to honour its history while ensuring it will endure for generations. The team, led by Roger Glover, preserved original timber framing and stone foundations, adding heat pumps to reduce the carbon footprint that quietly modernize the space without erasing its character.

Adjacent to the farmhouse, two log cabins—dating to the 1830s and 1840s—still stand, their Scandinavian corner joinery offering a rare glimpse into early settler craftsmanship. These buildings, along with the farmhouse, form a tangible link to the property’s long and layered history.

“Every layer of this place tells a story,” McMahon says. “From the cabins to the farmhouse to the new programs running here today, it’s a continuum of care.”

A Legacy of Stewardship

Northcote’s history stretches back centuries. Before European settlement, the land served as a traditional portage route between Lake Katchewanooka and Clear Lake for Indigenous communities, including members of Curve Lake First Nation.

The first log homes appeared in the 1830s, likely built by Scandinavian builders for John Hamelin and his family. The Wright family of Bristol, England, constructed the current farmhouse in 1878, followed

ABOVE (L-R): Over 1,900 attendees enjoyed Neil Young's benefit concert; Aerial view of Northcote and its buildings; Neil Young.

BELOW (L-R): Northcote farm house pictured in 1906; The refurbished Northcote farm house as it looks today.

by ownership transitions through the Strickland and Douglas families, both with ties to early Lakefield College School students.

In 1962, Dr. Hugh Gastle P '68 '73 '75, GP '04 '07, a physician who served the Village of Lakefield, the school, and Curve Lake First Nation, purchased the property. Under his family’s care, it became a beloved community gathering place, remembered for its horses, sleigh rides, and Centennial celebrations, shaping the memories of countless Lakefield students and families.

In 2007, Gretchen and Donald Ross '48, P '79 '80, GP '17 '27 gifted the Northcote property to Lakefield College School, ensuring its preservation as an educational landscape for generations to come.

“The generosity of the Ross family changed everything,” says Kee. “Their vision for preserving the natural beauty of Northcote helped us imagine a place where learning, community, and sustainability come together.”

Northcote Today

That vision has since come fully alive. Today, Northcote is a vibrant hub of learning—a living classroom where students learn through experience and connection. In 2024 alone, nearly 4,000 student visits took place across academic, outdoor, co-curricular, and community programs.

Here, teenagers grow vegetables, design art projects, explore ecology, and learn how small acts of care can shape large outcomes. Students helped produce more than 10,000 pounds of food, 60% of which was donated to local food programs, the rest supporting the school’s dining hall.

Six new sections of Green Industries courses at two levels (Grade 10 and 11) bring together forestry, floristry, agriculture, landscaping and horticulture in an applied setting, while Outdoor Education and the school’s Outdoors Every Day philosophy help students link environmental science with daily life. Through partnerships with local organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough, CMHA, Lakefield Food Bank,

BELOW: Students in the Green Industries course are just one of the classes that use Northcote as their learning environment. OPPOSITE: Connecting environmental science with daily life through immersive outdoor learning.

Community Table, local farmers, and other community organizations, Northcote has also become a bridge between cultures and generations. The success of these programs owes much to the original partnerships that helped to shape Northcote. The school’s collaboration with Trent University, local farmers, and the Northcote Farm Task Force has strengthened the farm’s ecological and educational reach.

“When students come here, they see how learning connects to something real,” says Janice Greenshields '03, Assistant Head: Sustainability. “It’s not about theory; it’s about doing, caring, and understanding the world they’re part of.”

Why It Matters Now

In a time when both heritage buildings and healthy ecosystems are increasingly at risk, Northcote represents a rare and hopeful example of how the two can be revitalized together. It’s a place where students learn not only from textbooks but through lived experience, growing food, exploring history, and creating art rooted in their surroundings.

The Canadian Heritage Home is more than a restoration project. It is a symbol of what happens when community, creativity, and care intersect. Its reopening will provide a welcoming space for small gatherings, visiting partners, and reflective events, a physical and spiritual anchor for the farm’s next chapter.

“Neil and Daryl’s gift means so much to our community,” Kee adds. “It’s a reminder of what happens when people believe in Lakefield’s spirit, in our traditions, in the land, and in preparing young people for the future.”

For Kee, the concert and restoration carry a broader message that reaches beyond Lakefield’s gates.

“The benefit concert was extraordinary,” she reflects. “It wasn’t just about raising funds. It was symbolic of

something larger, an invitation to reimagine schools as stewards, where art, education, and conservation meet.”

Looking Ahead

The restoration of the Canadian Heritage Home marks an important milestone in Lakefield’s broader vision for Northcote. It signals not only the preservation of history, but a commitment to the future, to sustainability, to partnership, and to the kind of immersive learning that defines Lakefield’s approach

Through Neil Young and Daryl Hannah’s generosity, and the continued support of families, alumni, and community partners, Northcote will remain a place where learning, stewardship, and creativity thrive together.

“The goal has always been stewardship,” McMahon says. “To make sure this property keeps giving back to our students, our community, and the land itself.”

As the farmhouse reopens, it will serve as an important space for Northcote’s next chapter. The school plans to build on its success through expanded partnerships and programming.

“This is a legacy project in every sense,” says Kee. “It honours where we’ve come from and opens up what’s possible next.”

That sense of continuity, of gratitude, and belonging, lingered long after Neil Young's benefit concert ended. Under the same trees and starlight that witnessed the music that night, the spirit of Northcote continues; a place where community gathers, learning takes root, and gratitude endures.

It was, as one attendee later said, “a perfect Lakefield moment.”

CHRISTINE VOGEL

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

Building Spaces that Bring the Community Together

At Lakefield College School, the spaces where students gather have always shaped the way they live, learn, and connect. From morning Chapel, whether indoors or at the waterfront, to shared meals that mark the rhythm of school life, place has a way of holding memory and inspiring what comes next.

Today, two transformative capital projects, Hepburn Hall and the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre, are redefining the heart of campus life. Together, they strengthen Lakefield’s social and academic core, combining architectural beauty with a deep commitment to wellbeing, sustainability, and the student

“These projects aren’t just new buildings,” says Tim Rutherford P '19 '22 '23 '26, Lakefield’s Chief Operating Officer and project lead. “They are physical expressions of our values, of what it means to learn and live in community at Lakefield.”

A Shared Vision for Community and Wellbeing

For alumnus Bill Lett ’92, P '23 '26, Managing Principal of Unity Design Studio, the project is as personal as it is professional. His firm was selected to design both buildings—Hepburn Hall, the new dining and community hall, and the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre, an academic and wellness expansion that includes the school’s new Ingenuity Lab, dance and fitness facilities.

“As a former student, I remember how the dining hall shaped our days; it was the heart of connection,” Lett reflects. “Designing the new Hepburn Hall has been about more than architecture. It’s about building on those memories while creating something alive and relevant for today’s students.”

As the builds take shape, the sense of continuity between generations is visible. Both projects bridge Lakefield’s past and future, blending tradition and innovation to ensure the school remains a place where students thrive today and for generations to come.

and progress to date; Mass timber trusses rise over Hepburn Hall

Hepburn Hall: A Heart Reimagined

Few spaces capture the spirit of Lakefield like its dining hall. For decades, Winder Smith Dining Hall has been the place where stories were shared, friendships formed. The new Hepburn Hall, named in honour of Jane and John Hepburn ’68, whose leadership and generosity has made this transformative new building possible, renews that legacy on a grand scale. The new hall spans 14,000 square feet, with seating for more than 600, and is designed not only for meals, but for community gathering and celebration

At first glance, the building’s warm wood structure and expansive bay windows feel timeless, as if they’ve always belonged to the landscape. Step inside, and the design reveals something strikingly modern: a space that balances beauty and performance, tradition and sustainability.

Hepburn Hall’s architecture reflects the school’s values of stewardship and respect for nature. Together with the renovation of adjacent spaces, the dining hall project represents over 25,000 square feet of new and reimagined learning and community space. Its stunning frame, both elegant and enduring, offers homage to the vaulted ceilings of the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel. From trusses to roof, the structure is shaped in mass timber, a living material that holds carbon within its grain and lessens the weight we place on the planet.

“The natural wood brings a warmth to the space, but it’s also a statement about sustainability,” Lett explains. “It connects the architecture to the character of the school and the landscape around it.”

The design honours Lakefield's Campus Master Plan Design Principles, ensuring the harmonization of architecture while protecting Lakefield’s “sacred views.” Sweeping windows frame the playing fields to the south and the lake to the west, the same vistas that have inspired students for more than a century.

“We wanted every meal to feel connected to the outdoors,” Rutherford adds. “Students can look out and see the spaces where they learn, play, and grow together. That connection is deeply grounding.”

Inside, details tell a story of thoughtful craftsmanship: acoustically engineered timber ceilings ensure clarity and comfort in a hall built for 600 people, polished concrete floors bring durability and light, and built-in benches and wainscotting nod to the school’s heritage while integrating energy-efficient heating systems.

A grand staircase, echoing the procession of old English colleges, links the new hall to Winder Smith, uniting the past and the future in one seamless experience.

“The staircase is symbolic,” says Lett. “It’s where students will meet and mingle, a daily reminder that community is built through connection.”

Beside the dining space, a state-of-the-art kitchen will operate with the efficiency and quality to match Lakefield’s culinary ambitions. Winder Smith Hall, meanwhile, will be reborn as a Student Centre, a flexible hub for leadership, learning, and collaboration.

ABOVE (L-R): Aerial view of Hepburn Hall's unique cruciform design

Accessibility and inclusion have guided every design choice, from all-gender washrooms and elevators to outdoor patios that extend dining into the landscape. Even the decision to reuse Winder Smith Hall, preserving over 500,000 kilograms of existing materials, reinforces the school’s regenerative approach to design.

The Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre: Inspiring Ingenuity and Movement

Just steps away, the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre is transforming Lakefield’s academic block into a vibrant, future-ready hub. The extension adds and renews more than 16,000 square feet of learning, fitness, and innovation space to the heart of campus. The building, named with gratitude for the Bouchard Family, whose visionary support has made this milestone possible, expands the school’s capacity for programs that inspire ingenuity and wellbeing.

“This is where movement, creativity, and intellect meet,” Rutherford says. “It’s designed for the way students learn today and for the kind of learning that will define tomorrow.”

The centre brings together four new classrooms, a fully equipped Dance Studio, a modern Fitness Centre, and an Ingenuity Lab that opens directly to the outdoors.

Each space reflects the school’s belief that learning is most powerful when it’s immersive and human-centred.

In the 3,500-square-foot Dance Studio, 18-foot ceilings, sprung floors, and professional lighting will transform

practice into performance. The studio's floorplan mirrors the school’s theatre stage, allowing dancers to rehearse full productions with precision and purpose. We are grateful to Jean-Guy Desjardins and Sandra Delisle P '23 '24 '25 whose incredible generosity has helped bring this space to life.

The Fitness Centre connects daily training to the McEwen Family Gymnasium and sweeping views of The Bob Armstrong Rink and Andy Harris Field, reinforcing a lifelong culture of health. The 3,500-square-foot facility will be equipped for strength, endurance, and wellness training, providing space for both team development and individual wellbeing. We appreciate the exceptional commitments from Fitness and Dance Task Force members including Murray (and Cara) Sinclair '79, P '11 (Chair), Peter (and Lynn) Grosskopf P '22 and Tom (and Susan) Stevenson '78 whose foresight, guidance and generous contributions have been essential.

The Ingenuity Lab, with its glass doors opening to nature, invites experimentation and design thinking in a hands-on environment.

“These spaces are built for energy and imagination,” says Lett. “They’re places where students can prototype ideas, explore movement, and discover confidence through doing.”

Architecturally, the Bouchard Family Thriving For Life centre reopens Lakefield’s “academic main street” (primary hallway), restoring the flow between old and new and preparing for any future expansion. Dormer windows bring daylight deep into the classrooms, giving

Exterior view of The Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre progress to date.

each room character and connection to the outdoors—a hallmark of the Lakefield experience.

“When we talk about ‘learning done differently,’ this is what we mean,” Rutherford adds. “These spaces are flexible, welcoming, and filled with natural light, designed to inspire collaboration.”

Honouring the Past, Building for the Future

Both Hepburn Hall and the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre are testaments to the power of community, the shared belief that education is about more than academics; it’s about belonging, wellbeing, and purpose. Together, these projects add more than 41,000 square feet of renewed and purpose-built space to the Lakefield experience, expanding our campus footprint by nearly 18% in new facilities and 12% in revitalized heritage spaces designed for future generations.

The two projects also mark the realization of a vision years in the making, first set out in Lakefield’s Campus Master Plan and championed by leaders, donors, and volunteers who saw what was possible. In particular, Jane and John Hepburn ’68, whose generosity and vision are recognized through Hepburn Hall and the Bouchard Family, whose transformational support is shaping the Thriving for Life Centre. We look forward to appropriately recognizing and celebrating all of the individuals and families who have generously supported these projects at their respective grand opening celebrations as well as in our upcoming LCS Foundation Impact Report.

The school also acknowledges the dedicated efforts of the Hepburn Dining Hall Task Force, the Design Studio Task Force, and the Health and Wellbeing Task Force—each composed of members from Lakefield’s alumni, parent, and school leadership groups, whose vision and recommendations continue to guide the school’s Thriving for Life initiative. Together, these groups helped shape projects that will benefit every student, fostering spaces that align with Lakefield’s deepest commitments to community, wellbeing, leadership, and experiential learning.

“When our students and alumni gather in these spaces for the first time,” Rutherford says, “they’ll recognize what makes Lakefield unique, a school that builds not just for today but for the generations to come.”

CHRISTINE VOGEL

Join Us in Celebration

The community will come together to celebrate these milestones. Everyone is invited to join us on May 23, 2026 for the Grand Opening of the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre at Regatta Day and Home to The Grove Reunion.

We look forward to recognizing the many generous supporters and partners of Lakefield at the Hepburn Hall Grand Opening Dinner in September 2026.

ABOVE: Rendering of the new Dance Studio designed to fit the space of the stage in The Bryan Jones Theatre; Rendering of the new Fitness Centre.

Zach Coates '27 and Jenna Quinn '26 perform at the 2024 Winter Concert in the Bryan Jones Theatre.

MUSIC MAKERS ALUMNI

Hitting the High Notes:

Alumni Careers in Music

Music plays a major role for every student in the daily routines and special events at Lakefield. We sing every week at chapel and our gatherings feature performances of our students and sometimes our alumni. Our entire ethos is about inspiring students to be their best possible selves, and since music is inspirational, we take full advantage of it to heighten the joy of our togetherness and our uniqueness.

There are many ways that life at Lakefield is the perfect incubator for the aspiring musician. We encourage curiosity. We offer the freedom and resources to follow engaging interests. We are blessed with a lakeside campus with unparalleled natural beauty that inspires creativity and reflection, and we dedicate daily time to enjoy those surroundings.

Musicians have a wide selection of musical outlets—a concert band, jazz band, string ensemble, and concert choir. For those looking for a more demanding repertoire, we have the Lorelei chamber choir and for those just wanting to celebrate their love of music, a rock choir. Private individual lessons for both instrumental and vocal instruction are also available at every level.

The Lakefield alumni you will meet in these pages come from a wide variety of musical disciplines: popular Canadian folk and soft rock, traditional East Coast and Irish music, punk-goth rock and opera. They share many traits, however.

Dedication goes without saying. Self-confidence. Love of performance and people. Appreciation for those who work behind the scenes for musical productions, as well as for the agents and recording executives who make sure their music reaches the public. You will also notice the importance of songwriting and creating music in building a successful performance career. And you will see how our artists have turned career hurdles into inspiration and higher achievement.

In every case, Lakefield has played an important role in their lives and careers, sometimes in surprising and unexpected ways. Enjoy the performances, and watch as our students’ artistic flair comes to the fore.

MUSIC MAKERS ALUMNI

Valdemar (Valdy) Horsdal ’63: A BRILLIANT AND MAGICAL LIFE

Valdy ’63 is one of the most successful folk and soft rock musicians in Canadian music history. A composer, guitarist, singer and stage performer, he has recorded 18 albums, four of them gold, won two Juno awards as folk singer of the year and folk entertainer of the year, earned a national achievement award from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada and, in 2012, he was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada.

At 80 years of age, he continues to perform as many as 200 concerts a year across Canada and occasionally in New Zealand. This past summer alone, he played on stages from Salt Spring Island, BC, where he lives, to Labrador City, Nfld. His love for his craft is not only evident but contagious. He sways, grooves and swings his guitar with as much energy and grace as he did 60 years ago when he was first setting out on the folk music scene, playing coffee houses and “hootenannies” on university campuses.

A man of humour and camaraderie, his music is upbeat, deep and joyful, replete with storytelling on themes of love, community and down-to-earth values. Many of his songs are timeless classics, such as “Play Me a Rock ’n’ Roll Song” and “A Good Song”. Valdy is the rare musician who can compose and play in multiple styles and genres of music and make them his own without sounding the same. He is also distinctly Canadian, even when singing other people’s songs about other places, as he does with “Simple Life”, which he interpreted as an ode to Los Angeles. (You can see where he was going with that.)

“Life as a musician is revelation after revelation,” he says. “Something brilliant and magical comes across your bow, and you follow it. Then the next brilliant and magical thing comes.” But it also takes discipline. “You’re only as good as your last gig. My whole day is geared to it. People pay to see you and they deserve your best.”

Born and raised in Ottawa and a child of the 1950s and early 1960s, he was a folk music troubadour, travelling and playing to nodes of folk followers from Montreal to Victoria, BC. He played a little rock and roll to land bar

OPPOSITE: Valdy '63 performs as many as 200 concerts a year

gigs, and a lot of jug band music. “I was very young and living the dream. I was paid not very much but enough to put some food on the table.”

Like many aspiring artists, Valdy supplemented his income creatively, working as a bellhop, kitchen helper, picking tomatoes, working in a refrigerator plant and making industrial explosives. “Nitroglycerin gives you a terrible headache,” he advises.

He even bought some land on Vancouver Island in 1970 as a base to forge his solo career, and started learning about farming. As with any career in folk music, and probably all music, not every concert went as planned. At a major rock and roll festival in 1969, his folk repertoire drew jeers. While deflating, it inspired him to record “Play Me a Rock ’n’ Roll Song” about the experience, turning the heckling into a winning chorus: “Play me a rock ’n’ roll song/Or don’t play me no song at all.”

Ironically, the song became a major hit and set him free. “I no longer needed to rely on secondary employment,” he says.

Accolades and opportunities followed in a torrent—the Juno Awards, a live album recorded in concert at Massey Hall and even a role on the groundbreaking CBC television show The Beachcombers as an environmentalist long before environmentalism was cool.

But as a youngster, Valdy was not a musical prodigy. He attended Lakefield College School for the first time in grades 5, 6 and 7—when it offered elementary education— and he took his first three years of piano lessons there. “But I wasn’t a good student,” he says. “I was always trying my own things, and I didn’t learn to read music. I can read it now but I read slowly. I recommend to anyone who wants to be a serious musician: Learn the language.”

He returned to Lakefield again in grade 12, and it was to be a turning point. He picks up the story: “I had been accelerated in a grade 3 and 4 class before Lakefield and then again in grade 10 and 11. I was out of my depth

age-wise. I was scrambling socially. Everything fell apart, academically and socially. I went back to Lakefield to re-do grade 12.

“It was a lovely year. I learned to play hockey, I was playing football and cricket. I played drums in the sea cadet corps. I found myself again. But in June, I got kicked out of Lakefield for cheating on an exam. I got expelled from the only school I ever liked and the school that had done the most for me. It’s a mark on me but I learned my lesson. I never cheated or did anything dishonest again. It kept me out of trouble for all the years that followed.”

Valdy and the school have long since reconciled. He has played concerts on campus and is welcomed with open arms. But as an academic exile in the early ’60s, he had to make his own way and he chose music.

Few performers reach the status of going by a single name, like Cher or Madonna. Valdy launched his career mononymously when his father told him that if he was going to be a professional musician, he shouldn’t use his family name. Whether it was a joke or business advice, Valdy complied, reasoning his full name might not fit well on a billboard.

With time and playing with several notable bands and playing partners—the London Towne Criers, The Prodigals Sons and the Hometown Band among them— he became a master of performance.

“Stage presence comes with experience,” he says. “You log what works. You can’t be stoned or drunk. The biggest compliment you can get is that people pay to see you. Don’t let them down. I’m not nervous anymore but there’s a definite anxiety before I get out there and perform. And I think that’s good because it makes me a little sharper.”

He may change his set list depending on his read of the crowd. “On occasion, the crowd will not respond the way I expect them to and I will try several songs, and just try to suss out what this crowd wants. I don’t like leaving the stage until I have won that audience.”

Upcoming musicians need to be heard—and they need an agent, he says. “Take your work to as many open mikes as you can and once you start getting a good reaction, invite agents to come and see you. They will want to see you.

“Without an agent, you have to put a price on yourself. You can be out of whack—too high or too low. An agent

can assess your market value, and you’ll know you’re not being underpaid and you’re not losing contacts by asking for more than you’re worth. You go out with a clean conscience.”

Valdy’s ambitious tour schedule keeps him on the road half to two-thirds of the year. He makes sure he stays healthy, eating and sleeping properly and not travelling more than four or five hours on a performance day. It helps to have support at home, and he credits his wife Kathleen as the reason he keeps going.

Performance is not a career that suits every musician, and the road to recognition is strewn with uncertainty and sometimes rejection. But Valdy says the reward at the end is a life of fulfillment.

“Music is not only a way to make a small living but it’s also good for our hearts and souls to be washed in music. It is therapeutic. It keeps me grounded.”

JOHN SOUTHERST

Valdy '63

Amelia (Irish Millie) Shadgett ’24: FIDDLE ON FIRE MUSIC MAKERS

Irish and East Coast fiddle music enthusiasts across Canada know Amelia Shadgett '24 as Irish Millie, but here at Lakefield College School we know her as Millie.

While she graduated from LCS only last year, Millie is already an accomplished performer, recording artist and songwriter, with multiple Canadian Folk Music Award nominations and, in 2023, acclamation as Emerging Artist of the Year at the Peterborough Folk Fest.

The stage name “Irish Millie” actually has its origins in Millie’s imagination years ago, when as a girl she would make movies on her phone, singing songs and doing

accents. Irish Millie was a character she made up. Proud of her family’s actual Irish roots, it became her on-stage personality.

As the origins of Irish Millie suggest, Millie has known what she wanted to do since she was a toddler. At age three, her parents started taking her to square dance festivals at Stony Lake, near her hometown of Peterborough, ON. There, she heard the music of Natalie MacMaster, the renowned Cape Breton fiddler, and the Celtic music of the Leahy Family, who come from our town of Lakefield.

Amelia (Irish Mille) Shadgett '24

“I just wanted to do it,” Millie recalls. “I kept asking until I was six, and they finally got me into fiddle lessons.” She started with the Ottawa Valley style, then Cape Breton style, and continued learning from a variety of teachers. By age nine, she started performing at the Peterborough Farmers' Market. Wishing for someone to partner up with, she convinced her father Murray to pick up the guitar and accompany her. Soon they were playing pubs and festivals. Completely selftaught, Murray continues to share the stage with her to this day.

It was in the farmers' market that Millie got a serendipitous break in the music business. She was 11 when Greg Pastic, a music producer who had taken a break from his profession and wanted to restart, approached her and offered to produce an album for her at no cost.

By the time she entered Lakefield in Grade 10, Millie had already released her first album, Thirteen, in honour of her age at the time, although it had been recorded when she was 12. It earned a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Young Performer of the Year.

The responsibility of performance made her mature beyond her years. “I grew up quickly,” Millie says. “My friends thought it was pretty cool but I wasn’t doing much kid stuff. I was creating a play list, practising, following a schedule of performances, and when I was playing, other musicians were asking my opinion on things.” She gained confidence in herself. “It helped me grow into who I am. Music got me there.”

Lakefield opened up new doors. “There are so many arts programs at Lakefield,” she says. “It gave me a greater perspective on what I do. I learned a lot about other arts—visual arts and performance arts—and it changed how I view everything behind the scenes.”

She joined the rock choir and would sometimes play her fiddle for the Lakefield community. She also started her annual Fiddling for Fox event, raising funds for cancer research in honour of Terry Fox, earning a Peterborough civic award for community betterment in 2023.

Already an experienced solo performer, Millie took on a role in a Lakefield musical production. “I’m not sure I like it as much (as solo performance) but it taught me a huge amount about what goes into music production— lighting, sound, set design, choreography.”

While eye opening, it was also confirming. “I thought about being a music teacher, but no,” she says firmly. “Performance is what I want to do. I want to showcase my art.”

With that determination, she is honing the skills that make for a smart, well informed career. Part of that is honing a relatable stage presence. “I’ve never had stage fright,” she notes. “I like being on stage and stage banter is a critical component of my performance.”

Having her father by her side helped a lot, she adds. “It’s a fuller sound but it also makes for more banter."

Songwriting is another important career-building piece. Original music makes a performer stand out, but it also ties into stage presence and audience connection. “It allows you to share things about yourself. Writing music gives you a lot more to say and share. It’s quite critical to having a career in music.”

Sometimes you can force it, she says. But sometimes, the melodies or lyrics come out of the blue—even at inconvenient times. Millie remembers a song coming to her on a quiet bus on the way home from a school trip at night. “I found myself humming really quietly into my phone.”

And then there’s education—knowing the ropes of your chosen profession. Millie is now studying music business management, marketing, publishing and licensing in the University of Toronto’s music industry and technology program.

At the same time, she is touring and playing, both as a duo with Murray and also with a four-piece East Coast folk band called The Receivers. She also plays as a “loaner” fiddle player with a number of country bands. Millie’s music has taken her to Germany and Denmark, as well as British Columbia, New Brunswick, PEI, Quebec, Northern Ontario, Vermont and Texas. She has also recently released her second album, Grace.

While travelling and performing, she enjoys meeting the people around the music business—people who book music acts for their festivals and venues, and musicians whom she collaborates with.

“We’re all on the same level, having fun and making connections. But my favourite thing is producing and releasing music. It’s a joy to see a vision come life. It’s the coming together of creativity and performance.”

JOHN SOUTHERST

MUSIC MAKERS ALUMNI

“Baron” Marcus MacDonald ’86: DO WHAT YOU LOVE

As lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the goth-rock band Vampire Beach Babes, Marcus ’86 is a recording artist, an electric stage performer, a videogame producer and, incidentally, a recognized figure in vampire literature and composer of horror movie themes. He may sometimes exude the vampire aura in dress but carries a much more approachable charm.

At first look, you may not guess that Marcus has a deep philosophical bent that guides him, nor that he founded and leads a database integration and development consultancy that serves the music industry as well as other non-entertainment clients. It may be less surprising that he traces his talents and mindset to Lakefield College School.

In music and in life, his guiding principles are straightforward. “One: build something beautiful. Two: start and maintain conversations—‘hang out’ with others and talk about what you’re doing. Three: success will find you. Don’t aim for success as a goal; do what you love and success will follow.”

Marcus advocates loyalty to your vision. “You cannot pin your satisfaction on other people’s judgments,” he advises. “Don’t demand to please your audience. The arts are about connecting with your innermost self. Don’t get distracted. A win-lose situation is not

sustainable for you. Let every situation be a win-win. You win either way. And a win-win is a minute-byminute decision in your life.”

Marcus has lived his philosophy. He began his performing career as lead singer for the goth-punk band The Thrashinads in 1988 while studying philosophy at Trent University, focusing on metaphysics and epistemology. Upon graduation, he landed an internship at BMG Records in Toronto “making coffee, filling envelopes and doing the odd jobs that interns do.” But he was writing music and sharing his work around the studio. Some were picked up and became successful. Eventually, he was offered his first recording contract by Quantum Records.

“The record contract was the result, not the aim, of what I was doing,” he says.

Marcus’s career that followed is a wild ride. On the musical side, after working in assistant positions in various Toronto-based record companies, he formed the Vampire Beach Babes in 1997, combining pop and goth rock sounds and eventually bringing in electronic elements.

Besides releasing several albums and gaining recognition on indie music charts and campus radio, the band’s vampire theme took hold. Marcus—known to fans as Baron Marcus— became an iconic figure in vampire and horror media. He

"Baron" Marcus MacDonald '86

started getting gigs to write horror soundtrack material for film and television and he was featured on a MuchMusic/ The New Music documentary on Gothic culture.

Then he was written in as a lead character—as himself— in a Vampire Anthology collection, and featured in a vampire novel—again, as himself—before earning an entry in The Goth Bible: A Compendium for the Darkly Inclined. Meanwhile, the Vampire Beach Babes second album, Attack of the Killer Bikinis, hit number four on international campus radio charts.

The vampire and horror ethos clearly gave Marcus and the Beach Babes a distinguishing niche appeal. “I always loved the Middle Ages, loved vampires,” he says with a laugh. “I love the timelessness of it. It never goes out of fashion and it’s all so very fun. There’s both dignity and humour in the goth aesthetic. It’s both graceful and fun, despite looking dark.”

His band continued to make waves and win fans in its indie category, even to this day, but Marcus had another career going on in parallel. In those early days while working at the BMG record label, he was asked to create a database to help track customer responses, documents and individual recordings’ performance.

He instantly recognized a kinship with his university epistemology studies—how things become “known”— and he ran with it, founding M7 Database Services in 1992. Soon he was tracking royalties on radio-play for BMG and its associated labels. M7 has since gone on to create databases for governments, the military, banks, insurance companies and universities.

“When people work with me [at M7], they know I’m a performer,” Marcus says. “We’ll start a meeting about an important database project and they’ll always begin with a question about how my music is going. Eccentricity can actually contribute to a good business relationship.”

In recent years, he has begun applying his M7 methodologies to videogame development, creating his Angel Devil Machine videogame series. The project was unveiled in 2024 at the Montreal International Game Summit and Toronto FanExpo and is scheduled for public release in early 2026.

The music industry has undergone wrenching change during his career, and Marcus acknowledges that newcomers face different challenges than he did in a much more volatile economic environment where job duration can be a few months or less than a couple of years.

But he has some advice. “Mass unemployment in the future is a possibility,” he says, “but getting a job or not

getting a job is a win-lose proposition. Now is the time to think about being a consultant.”

As one who has managed both his technical-business and arts-business brands meticulously through the years, he advises young performers to do the same. “Brand yourself. Have a landing page that shows your work and shows your love for your developing business and your artistic talent.” He says lack of experience is not important. “When I started M7, nobody was doing visual relational databases. The arts are always from ground zero, so think of yourself as a unique resource. Think in terms of a contract. Offer your service at an hourly rate that serves your client’s needs and aim to build something beautiful together.”

And what about an artist who’s struggling to make it?

“Stop struggling,” he advises. “You’re playing a win-lose game. There’s nothing wrong with having a job that you don’t love that allows you to keep doing what you love. But spend at least an hour a day working toward the job or career that you’d really love.”

He’s had a pyrotechnical career journey, with several forks of brilliant light. Marcus puts Lakefield at the point of ignition. Some early-life piano lessons didn’t work out, but at Lakefield, there was a concert piano in the theatre and an upright piano in the chapel. “They were unlocked and I used to go in after dinner and play by ear. Those explorations, that curated fascination, did everything for me. Lakefield encouraged magic like that, and still does.”

Good education, he says, should promote fascination in all areas—to embrace the polarities of both the arts and the sciences. “That’s what Lakefield promotes—to seek what you love in life and to foster the path to what you love to do. Loving it doesn’t make it easy but it carries you through a joyful struggle. I still have the same joyful struggle with my current projects.”

Like most Lakefield alumni, he cherishes the lifelong connections of old friends and special teachers, and “that magic enchanted forest” where he would wander off the trails. “But the formative elements were the everyday things,” he says. “Being in a dorm, eating in the dining hall, and chapel were very important for me. They all came together into the fabric of Lakefield.”

As he thinks back on his start at Lakefield, he returns to the defining rule of his music, career and life. “A win-win approach is a decision, from moment to moment. And Lakefield made that consciousness possible for me.”

JOHN SOUTHERST

MUSIC MAKERS ALUMNI

Adriana (Annie) Da '20: A SHINING VOICE

Finding your calling in life can come at any time. For Annie Da '20, that time came at Lakefield College School when she discovered opera.

Annie is now just a year away from graduation in the Bachelor of Music program specializing in classical voice performance (opera) at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Winner of multiple music scholarships from the Glenn Gould School, Annie has also performed in many voice competitions including at the Kaufman Music Centre in New York City this year and in the French opera Dialogues des Carmélites in Toronto.

Annie was always involved in music. Born and raised in Hangzhou, China, she had sung in choirs and played in a traditional Chinese orchestra at school. “But not seriously,” she adds. Sent to Canada at age 12, she arrived at Lakefield in Grade 9 and quickly joined “all” the choirs and the band. She also took private music lessons from Lakefield’s visiting music tutor.

She was learning mostly pop and rock songs. But on her own time, she explored other kinds of music. “I was always very serious and enthusiastic about learning and

singing in different genres,” she says, and one day while perusing YouTube, she happened upon opera.

“I watched my first opera on YouTube,” she says with a smile. “I never had exposure to opera before, and I found my strength in the bel canto-style singing. My voice shines for that.”

Between Grade 11 and 12, she enrolled in a summer music program in Boston, began attending operatic performances in Toronto on weekends, and back at Lakefield, Annie started to perform. Well, she was always a performer but she added opera to her repertoire. “I performed as a soloist both at the spring concerts and Christmas concerts.” In Grade 9, it was a Chinese pop song, in Grade 10 it was an English pop song, in Grade 11 a Korean K-pop song and in Grade 12—with operatic influence—a French art song.

Singing in multiple languages is an operatic requirement. As a multicultural genre, each country has its own style. Annie’s current studies include languages, memorizing poems and songs in Italian, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and English. Each year she performs a

solo concert of an hour and 20 minutes. In her second recital, she sang in six languages and in her third, five.

“Opera singers usually travel around the world to perform and they have to perform in different styles. But that’s also the fun part,” she says. “It’s the experience of different cultures and learning.”

But after graduating from LCS in 2020 at the outset of the pandemic, Annie’s career launch hit a roadblock. “Stuck in China,” she took online classes. “I was singing in front of a computer. It was a really bad experience.”

As a true devotee, however, she used adversity as inspiration. She was reminded that opera contains social commentary and ideas of love, pain and loss, all relevant to today’s tribulations. “The chaos, turbulence, challenges that I faced changed my worldview,” she says. “It’s why I am passionate about singing and being a performer. Taking the challenges and learning from them because life and art are really connected. Art comes from life.”

She knows that a career as a professional opera singer is not easy. Graduates go on to train for many years before they get major roles. They do voice competitions, young artist programs and continue their studies. They prepare for auditions, art songs and arias, choosing selections that best represent their voice types, which can be different for everyone. “You have so much to learn,” she says. “Vocal chords take years to mature.”

Part of her blooming as an operatic artist is her name change. Upon returning to Canada and taking up postsecondary studies, she changed her first name from Annie to Adriana. Why? “It’s complex but it’s also simple,” she says. “I like the sound. It takes up more size.” She laughs. “It sounds a little Italian. Many opera singers Italian-ize their name.”

Then she hints at the complex side. “It’s symmetrical—A,D., like my (previous) name. There were dark times during Covid. When I returned afterward, I was a new person. The same, but reborn.”

She now sees opera as a powerful art form that she loves for its combination of music and drama. Because opera is performed without microphones, it is the “mother of musicals,” she says. But it’s also personal for her. “The acoustic quality of opera makes it an intimate art form.”

Looking back at Lakefield, and the discovery of how opera fit her so well, she talks about the beauty of the campus as a sanctuary for students to study or just to ‘be’. She tried hockey—on ice and in field—and Frisbee football and she also had time to think and find her true direction.

“You can watch the stars, walk in the woods, play in the water. It’s a beautiful place,” she says. “It gives you space. It’s a place to discover your own internal world.”

And that’s how Annie found opera at Lakefield.

JOHN SOUTHERST

Adriana (Annie) Da '20

LCS ALUMNI

Class News!

1960s

Stuart Macrae '63 was celebrated for his 80th birthday on December 20, 2024. In attendance at the gathering were Bruce Macrae '65, Jamie Macrae '61, Jock Macrae '70, Kyle Macrae '09, Matthew Macrae '94, Vanessa Macrae '02, Andrea Morris '99, and Alan Belcher '68

Two alumni, Stuart Macrae '63 and Alan Belcher '68 continue to play hockey several times a week and occasionally play together at tournaments. Stuart was awarded First team Hockey MVP in 1962.

David Budden '67 visited Chris '57 and Claire Gordon in August 2025. Chris taught and coached David while at LCS, then hired him when he was headmaster at Crescent School. David spent 35 years at Crescent along with James Wright '67 who worked there for 40 years

Five old boys from the class of 1968 got together for 6 days at the Queen's Club in London to trade war stories. John '68 and Jane Hepburn hosted Alan '68 and Grace Belcher, Decatur '68 and Gabrielle Howe, Bob '68 and Carolyn Mackett, and Murray '68 and Monica Hunter.

1980s

Tony Harris '82 had the honour of creating a stunning tribute to hockey history. On April 6, 2025, his latest painting was presented to Alex Ovechkin in celebration of his record-breaking 895th goal the highest of all time.

"Baron" Marcus MacDonald '86, along with his band, Vampire Beach Babes, contributed a new single to The Black Album which was released on August 8, 2025. The single offers a dramatic reworking of David Bowie's "Blackstar."

David Budden '67 and Chris Gordon '57 (From Bottom-Left): John Hepburn '68, Alan Belcher '68, Decatur Howe '68, Gabrielle Howe, Grace Belcher, Carolyn Mackett, Monica Hunter, Jane Hepburn, Bob Mackett '68, Murray Hunter '68

Celebrating Stuart Macrae '63's 80th birthday. In attendance were Bruce Macrae '65, Jamie Macrae '61, Jock Macrae '70, Kyle Macrae '09, Matthew Macrae '94, Vanessa Macrae '02, Andrea Morris '99, and Alan Belcher '68

Stuart Macrae '63 and Alan Belcher '68 at the Olde Crabs Hockey Tournament in Danbury CT on October 18, 2025

In December 2024, Christopher von Spee '88, Mark Simmons '85, Gerrit Antrobus '86 teamed up to build a West Indies Sales force for O-Cycle. O-Cycle is a fast composter turning organic materials into valuable compost (natural fertilizer) within 24 hrs. The machines are easy to use, smell neutral and save on CO² and other greenhouse gases. This makes it a perfect application for hotels, restaurants, or grocery stores.

Hugh Macdonell ’85, P ’18 ’27 and Andrew Durnford ’85 joined fellow alumni and guests at the University of Ottawa’s Spanish Resource Centre to celebrate a special occasion: the donation of a bibliographic collection from renowned Hispanists Denis and Dawn Smith, parents of Stephen ’85 and Alastair ’83 Opening remarks were delivered by Honorary LCS Alumnus His Excellency Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Ambassador of Spain, marking a vibrant new chapter for the Centre’s academic resources.

1990s

Congratulations Adrian Seligman '96 for 7 years in business! Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters is now a well established brand in Norway and the specialty coffee industry.

2000s

Wendy Hepburn '00 with her partner, Michael, welcomed their daughter Eleanor in October 2024.

Kyle Turk '03 has won several awards for his company, Meerkat Marketing, which is based in

Ottawa, Ontario. He received the 2025 Gold Award for Outstanding Leadership in Marketing in Canada in the Noble Business Awards, and the company was recognized as one of the top 20 fastest growing companies in 2025.

Kristin Hadfield '04 and husband Aaron Gerow welcomed daughter Wren Hadfield in March 2019 in Dublin, Ireland.

Katie Uhlmann '05 directed, produced, and wrote a new comedy series, Cows Come Home, which premiered June 11, 2025. The female-led production was filmed

Tony Harris '82 presents Alex Ovechkin with a painting celebrating his 895th goal

Eleanor, daughter of Wendy Hepburn '00

Kristin Hadfield '04 with daughter, Wren Cows Come Home was written, produced, and directed by Katie Uhlmann '05

Kyle Turk '03

Adrian Seligman '96, founder of Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters

Stephen Smith '85 with Dawn Smith P '85 and the Ambassador of Spain, Alfredo Martinez Serrano (Honorary LCS Alumnus)

in Fort Erie, Ontario, and is an ode to small-town Canada, best friend antics, and the unexpected drama of competitive cow showing.

Tayler Morencie and Sean Munoz '07 welcomed Callan Peter Munoz on June 6, 2024.

Johannes Wolters '08 founded Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt to finance the construction of four specialized offshore support vessels (called C-CSOVs). These vessels, which he developed, are essential for building and maintaining offshore wind parks, contributing to the global transition to renewable energy sources.

You never know who you might meet! Matt Casson '09 and Rodrigo Ortiz-Tirado '09 reunited in Spring 2025 while skiing above the Arctic Circle in Norway.

2010s

Leonie van Haeren '10 was officially called to the Bar of Ontario in August 2025. She now works as a litigator for Ross Nasseri LLP.

Natalie (Nat) Green '13 and Scott McMillan were married on July 26, 2025 in the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend John Runza P '17 '20. Several LCS alumni joined the happy couple to help them celebrate their special day, including Kelly Bignell-Asedo '04, Jamie Bignell '05, Morgan Bignell '09, Devon Cole '14, Sophia Gabbani '13, Reilly Porter '13, Jillian Scates '13, and Khalid Younis '15. Nat (Volt) and Scott (Arbor) met at Trent Excalibur Camp as Summer Camp Counselors. They are both teachers in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and have made Peterborough their home.

and

Soren Christianson '14 expanded his Better Homes Kingston program beyond its pilot phase ending in Fall 2025. Originally launched in 2022, the program supports Kingston residents in completing deep energy retrofits to mitigate climate change. It has been widely recognized as a national leader in the Municipal Home Energy retrofit sector.

Samantha Moody '15 and Marcus Engel '15 got married October 2024. Since graduation, the couple has since moved to Colorado.

Carter '16 and Bailey McKnight were married on September 19, 2025 in Innisfil, Ontario. In attendance were Esme Munoz-Cooper '16, Delaney Stedman '16, Ross Ramsay '16, Alison McKnight '13, Annabel Noble (née Harding) '13, Samantha Ramsay '14, and Ernst von Puttkamer '16 (picture opposite)

Samantha Moody '15 and Marcus Engel '15

Rodrigo Ortiz-Tirado '09

Matt Casson '09

Leonie van Haeren '10

Johannes Wolters '08 founded Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt

Natalie Green '13 and Scott McMillan Soren Christianson '14

'16 and

husband

Mauro '16, Lindsay Munoz '09, Alysia

McKnight '16

Esme Munoz-Cooper '16 married Jason Cooper on October 4, 2025. In attendance were Ross Ramsay '16, Carter McKnight '16, Rachel Thomson '16, Samantha Mauro '16, Samantha Ramsay '14, Lexie Krocker '16, Alex Westcott '16, Emma Cooper '16, Hope Casserly '11, Alysia Munoz '11, Lindsay Munoz '09, Sean Munoz '07, along with LCS staff member Tayler Morencie. Nathalie Heyden '16 was the wedding photographer.

Congratulations Ella ShanahanGuay ’19 for passing the Common Final Exam in September 2024. This is a key milestone in achieving a CPA designation.

2020s

Congratulations Lily Bowman ’21 for graduating from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s

degree in Neuroscience and a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy! Lily will be moving to New York City to join McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst.

After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Valentina Boren '21 accepted an internship with Neon Rated, an independent film company that has distributed award-winning movies such as Parasite and Anatomy of a Fall . She has also been growing her DJ career over the past year, playing at both local and international shows, while also taking the Circuit Grounds stage at EDC Mexico in February 2025.

As she enters her fourth year studying Politics, Economics, and Philosophy at Queen's University, Harper McGowan '22

has been serving as a GirlUp! Ambassador. This includes writing blog posts that highlight global education and women's rights. She has also working as the EDII Coordinator for the Queen's Feminist Collective, along with being actively involved with Crohn's & Colitis Queen's and a Crohn's and Colitis Canada Ambassador.

Titus Ngouepo '25 established the Pathfinder Student Award Fund as part of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. He was inspired to give back after receiving support from the community when he arrived in Canada in 2018, after spending nearly seven years in a refugee camp in Kenya. The award is given to post-secondary students who have faced hardship but continue to lead with courage, hope, and determination.

Bailey and Carter McKnight '16. Also pictured: Esme Munoz-Cooper '16, Delaney Stedman '16, Ross Ramsay '16.

Esme Munoz-Cooper

her

Jason Cooper. Also pictured: Rachel Thomson '16, Samantha

Munoz '11, Ross Ramsay '16 and Carter

Ella Shanahan-Guay ’19 passed the September 2024 Common Final Exam towards her CPA designation

Lily Bowman ’21 graduates from Harvard University

A Journey of Growth, Challenges, and Giving Back FROM HONG KONG TO LAKEFIELD

For William Koo ’78, the transition from Hong Kong to Lakefield, Ontario as a teenager was a monumental step into the unknown. Moving from a bustling city to a small town in Canada, he arrived at Lakefield College School (LCS) as a boarding student with no English skills and a sense of uncertainty. But what began as a daunting experience soon transformed into one of the most formative periods of his life— one that has helped shape his leadership, service, and dedication to helping others.

Today, William is a highly respected leader in Hong Kong, serving roles that include a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Zhe Jiang Province, Corps President (Commissioner’s Office) of Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade, and Vice Chairman of both the Ning Po Residents Association and Shanghai Fraternity Association.

For someone coming from a city known for its dense population and crowded streets, Lakefield’s natural spaces and athletics were a breath of fresh air, and William quickly took advantage of the many opportunities presented to him. “Soccer was my main sport,” he shared, “but I also played rugby, Slash, and even football during my time at LCS.” One of William’s fondest memories was his first Christmas at LCS. As the first and only Chinese student at the time, he was far from home and feeling lonely. “I had no idea what Christmas was,” he recalled. “My sister was also in boarding school, so I had nowhere to go. And then one of his peers, James Irwin '78, said ‘okay, you’re coming to my place.’ So I went to his house, and on Christmas day, I had one of the biggest surprises, they gave me hockey skates. From that time on, I learned how to play hockey.”

Beyond academics and sports, William found that LCS provided a tight-knit atmosphere that allowed him to grow in ways he never expected. “The school was small, but that was an

advantage. It felt like a family. Everyone looked out for each other,” he explained. “As the only Chinese student at LCS, I felt incredibly supported, which inspired me to pay it forward.”

Throughout his career and life, William has always returned to that lesson: helping those who are singled out and offering support to those who may need it most. “Whenever I see someone struggling or excluded, I feel a responsibility to step in,” he said, “I know what that feels like, and I don’t want others to feel alone,” he shared.

This mindset has shaped the ways in which William contributes to his community. Whether through mentoring or volunteering, he has consistently sought to give back. “I mentor students, helping them adjust to life in Hong Kong and provide advice on their career paths,” William explained. “Many come from challenging backgrounds and need guidance on navigating a new environment. I try to equip them with the skills to thrive in this international market, where careers can shift quickly.”

When asked about the lessons he carries with him from his time at LCS, William emphasized the importance of involvement and being open to new experiences. “If I didn’t get involved in school activities, I wouldn’t have learned English or developed the skills I needed to succeed,” he said. “Sports, trips, and getting to know people helped me find my place and grow.”

For William, life at LCS was about learning to embrace discomfort, adapt to new situations, and find ways to support those around him. His journey from a quiet, uncertain student to a prominent community leader and mentor is a testament to the power of personal growth and the impact of a supportive environment. William remains deeply grateful for the friendships and experiences that continue to shape his life. “LCS taught me how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable—and that lesson has stayed with me, guiding every step of my journey.”

Today, his dedication to giving back is evident in his leadership roles across Hong Kong, where he continues to serve as a mentor, advisor, and advocate for education and public service. Whether through his work with the St. John Ambulance Brigade, his involvement with educational institutions like Ning Po College, or his leadership within key civic organizations.

William remains committed to the values of service and support that he’s been cultivating since his time at LCS. Reflecting on his journey, William shares one piece of advice for students today: “The world is constantly changing, and so must we. Be openminded, explore, and never be afraid to take an unconventional path.”

LCS Alumni Social in Hong Kong hosted by William Koo ’78 (third from left).

ALUMNI by the Numbers

alumni currently employed at The Grove

14 oldest graduating year for alumni returning "Home to the Grove" in 2025 1953 alumni participated as guest speakers for Career Day

alumni community socials held around the world in 2024/25 15+ alumni children attending Lakefield in 2025/26

Alumni with Children/Grandchildren at LCS in 2025/26

Philip Carr-Harris '43 (GP)

Livia Carr-Harris '29

Donald Ross ’48 (GP)

Kate McKean ’27

Bill Rashleigh '54 (GP)

Iand Brown '29

J. Alex

Richardson '69 (GP)

Soren Young '29

Iain Grant ’71 (GP)

Vanessa Hubbs ’26

Addie Hubbs ’27

Robert Bierich '82

Emma Bierich '29

Sean Quinn ’82

Jenna Quinn ’26

Hugh Macdonnell ’85

Teddy Macdonnell ’27

Dave Bennett ’88

Dallin Bennett ’26

Danica Bennett ’27

Richard McCall ’88

James McCall ’26

David Butterfield '89

Ellie Butterfield '28

Michael Griffiths '89

Liam Griffiths '29

Stephen Coates ’90

Zach Coates ’27

Chris White ’90 †

James White ’28

Simon Creasy ’91

Rupert Creasy ’26

Ken Douglas ’91, Jackie Douglas ’93

Jack Douglas ’26

Steve Hutchinson ’92

Alex Hutchinson ’27

Bill Lett ’92

Audrey Lett ’26

Stacey Ambler ’93

Rowan Ambler ’28

Greg Sainsbury '93

Max Sainsbury '28

Carlo Bos '94

Nathan Bos '27

Jamie Bos '27

Darragh Moroney ’94

London Moroney ’27

Jessica Ridpath ’94

Tavi RidpathChutchotikamak ’27

Kari Burgis ’95

Sadie McFadden ’27

Andrew Johnston ’95

Stella Johnston ’26

Rebecca DaviesFarrugia '96

Harper Farrugia '29

Bryan Kingdon ’96, Randy Kingdon ’66 (GP)

Grayden Kingdon ’27

Trevor Burgis ’97

Koen Burgis ’26

Jessica Fitchette Hart ’97

Isla Hart ’28

Jamie McRae '97

Maddie McRae ’27

Sam McRae '29

Erin Fuller '98

Helena FullerVasques '28

Jennifer Horrigan '99

Colson Tully '26

Brock Tully '29

Paula Mbonda ’99

Myers Mbonda ’26

Patrick Papageorge ’99

Lily Papageorge ’27

Jennifer Boyko ’00

Kenzie McIntyre ’26

Paul Desmarais III ’00, Paul Desmarais II ’73 (GP)

Paul Desmarais IV ’28

Mike Kingdon ’00, Randy Kingdon ’66 (GP)

Macy Kingdon ’28

Patrick Doyle ’01

Harley Doyle ’28

Michael Conroy '02

Lilah Conroy '28

Ronin Conroy '29

Stephanie Wilcox ’03

Kya Wilcox ’27

† Deceased

Lakefield College School is grateful to the following alumni, families and friends who shared their career paths with our students this past spring during Career Day 2025!

THANK YOU

Paul Desmarais III '00, P '28

Dawn Carr P '27

Millie Yates '13

Rachel Booth

David Hintelman '10

Samier Kamar '12

Sean Harris

Kennedy Bardawill '20

Jake Fell '15

Mark Reesor '99

Baron 'Marcus’ MacDonald '86

King Wong '96

Scott Smith '87

Tim Bowen '86

Kate Bate-Marshall

Lee Nobbs P '27

Patrick Fruchet P '26

Warren Needler '02

Konrad Yakabuski '84

Belinda Schubert '99

Jessica Kotzeff '14

TOGETHER For Lakefield Tables, Flags, and Chairs Initiative—Join Us!

In September 2026, Lakefield College School will open the doors to Hepburn Hall; a vibrant new hub for community life made possible through the extraordinary generosity of John '68 and Jane Hepburn. More than a dining hall, Hepburn Hall represents the school’s enduring commitment to bringing people together and nurturing a spirit of belonging (p.34).

As we look ahead to this milestone, we invite alumni and families to take part in the story of Hepburn Hall, through our Tables, Flags, and Chairs fundraising initiative. Each symbolizes an essential part of community life at LCS:

TABLES are where stories are told and traditions passed down. Sponsoring a table ($50,000, or $25K each if partnered) affirms the importance of making space for one another, with a plaque recognizing each family’s legacy.

FLAGS celebrate the rich diversity and global reach of our school. Families may sponsor the flag ($50,000) of their home country or province, to be displayed in a striking global map installation in our new The Global Kitchen.

CHAIRS remind us that every student has a place at LCS. Naming a chair ($2,500) creates a lasting connection while supporting both our capital projects and the endowed tuition assistance fund, helping future students find their seat at the table.

Together, these gestures of generosity will weave personal and family legacies into the daily rhythm of school life. When the community gathers in Hepburn Hall for the first time, each meal will be a celebration of shared purpose, identity, and belonging.

YOUR GIFT. TWO POWERFUL IMPACTS. When you sponsor a dining chair, your contribution does more than furnish a space—it creates opportunity. Each gift is divided equally:

50%

Supports our major capital projects, beautiful, community-centered spaces where students, staff, and alumni will gather together for years to come.

50%

Strengthens our Tuition Assistance Endowment, directly supporting future students who would not otherwise have access to a Lakefield education.

Together, this single gift helps build a place to belong and creates pathways to a Grove education. Grove

Photos: (1) Toronto Alumni Dinner, October 2024; (2) Alumni Community Social in Bermuda, October 2024; (3) Alumni Community Social in the Cayman Islands, October 2024; (4) Alumni Community Social in New York, February 2025; (5) Alumni Community Social in Hong Kong, February 2025; (6) Alumni Community Social in Shanghai, February 2025; (7) Alumni Community Social in Beijing, February 2025; (8) Alumni Community Social in Vancouver, February 2025; (9) Regatta Day on LCS campus, May 2025; (10) Alumni Community Social in Stony Lake, July 2025.

Alumni Returned Home to The Grove Class News!

From May 23-25, 2025, our campus came alive with the spirit of connection, tradition, and celebration as we welcomed alumni and families back for two of the most anticipated events of the year: Home to the Grove Reunion 2025 and Regatta Day

Home to the Grove kicked off with a heartfelt 50+ Club Anniversary Reception at the Head's Residence followed by a Chapel Service, honouring decades of LCS spirit and legacy. The Class of 2000 gathered to celebrate 25 years at the Canoe Museum, and our '0s and '5s brought their spirit back to campus for their milestone reunions.

Our All-Alumni Reception, Chapel Service and Dinner in Winder Smith Dining Hall was a highlight on Saturday, May 24. The weekend concluded in true Lakefield fashion: alumni, with paddles in hand and hearts full, gliding in canoes across Lake Katchewanooka.

To everyone who joined us thank you. Your presence, enthusiasm, and continued connection to Lakefield are what make our community so special.

Save the date for the next Home to the Grove, taking place May 22-24, 2026. We will be celebrating alumni milestone years ending in '1 and '6 and we would love to see you there!

Top-Bottom (L-R): Our 50+ Club Anniversary Reception and Chapel Service; Celebrating our alumni reunion with photos and memories; Members of the Class of 2020; 50+ Club lunch; Members of the Class of 1985; Members of the Class of 2015; Members of the Class of 2000; Members of the Class of 2005; Enjoying good company and conversation at our all-alumni dinner

In Our Memories

Donald Dawson '65 passed away on October 4, 2024 in Newmarket, ON. He was predeceased by his father, Ken Dawson '29

Henry Scott '53 passed away on November 14, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Cousin to Bill Rashleigh '54

Jon Grant passed away on November 27, 2024 in Peterborough, ON. Father to David Grant '86 , grandfather to Michael Aben '10 , Sean Aben '14 and father-in-law to Mike Aben (past LCS faculty).

Goodith Heeney (Honorary Alumna) passed away on December 4, 2024 in Peterborough, ON. Mother to Michael Heeney '76 , Tim Heeney '83 , Matthew Heeney '87 and grandparent to Trevor Johnston '00 , Malcolm Johnston '02 , Rachel Johnston '09 , Emma Heeney (LCS faculty member) and mother-in-law to Richard Johnston (past LCS staff member).

Bill Boyd '52 passed away on December 7, 2024 in Toronto, ON.

Peter Grant '54 passed away on February 5, 2025 in Truro, NS. He was predeceased by his brothers, Harold Grant '51 and Gerald Grant '50

Bill Stedwill '65 passed away on March 1, 2025 in Victoria, BC. He was brother to Robert Stedwill '67

Patricia (Pat) Shea-Sinka, past LCS staff member passed away on April 13, 2025 in Burlington, ON.

James (Jamie) Macrae '61 passed away on May 4, 2025 in Oakville, ON. Son of Morson (Bill) Macrae '30 (predeceased). Brother to Jock Macrae '70 and Stuart Macrae '63 , nephew to John (Bubs) Macrae '33 (predeceased) and Donald Macrae '34 (predeceased). Uncle to Matthew Macrae '94 , Vanessa Macrae '02 , and Kyle Macrae '09 . Cousin to Bruce Macrae '65 , Ian Macrae '66 , David Abbott '67, Michael Abbott '73, and Kristin Macrae '01

Carson Herrick '66 passed away on May 6, 2025 in Cambridge, NS.

Nicholas (Nick) Carter '54 passed away on May 13, 2025 in Victoria, BC.

Dustin (Wren) Cantwell '90 passed away on May 15, 2025 in Six Mile, BC.

David McCracken '78 passed away on May 28, 2025 at Sydenham Lake, ON.

John Branson '62 passed away on June 15, 2025 in Peterborough, ON.

Blair Whittemore '53 passed away on July 7, 2025 in Montreal, QC. Grandfather to Bella Jackson '18 and Tori Whittemore '21

Bill Stewart '70 passed away on August 7, 2025 in Peterborough, ON.

Robert Minnes '52 passed away on August 12, 2025 in North Vancouver, BC. Great uncle to Jay Fruchet '26 .

Patricia (Pat) Pope passed away on September 22, 2025 in Peterborough, ON. Mother and mother-in-law to David (past LCS Head of School and Honorary Alumnus) and Susan Hadden (Honorary Alumna) P '97 '00, and grandmother to Heather Hadden '97 and Katie Hadden '00

Thomas (Tom) Bang '51 passed away on October 18, 2025. Father to Peter Bang '85

Mojtaba (Mo) Pakzad '07 passed away on October 31, 2025 in Toronto, ON.

Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Community A LEGACY HONOURED

On September 27, 2025, over 60 people joined for our annual Joint School and Foundation Trustees Meeting. In addition to a presentation on strategy, the group honoured Andrew Durnford ’85, who will retire as Foundation Chair in December 2025 after more than two decades of outstanding leadership. A new Honorary Trustee designation was also launched, recognizing exceptional volunteerism and transformational contributions.

Our inaugural honourees—Donald Ross ’48, P ’79 ’80, GP ’17 ’27; Tom Ryder ’53, P ’77 ’01, GP ’08 ’13 ’15 ’25; and Nancy Smith HA ’20, P '87 '90 '96—have each left an enduring mark on Lakefield.

With gratitude to two of our LCS families, our Trustees also gathered to celebrate the naming of Lakefield's new Barker House, the former family home of beloved faculty member Rosalind Barker HA ’01, P '83 '87 '92. It was a heartfelt event. With Dr. John Barker P '83 '87 '92 joining on the verandah, his sons Randal ’83 and Piers ’87, and former students including David Miller ’77, P '15, Shane Smyth ’96, Cait Sainsbury ’96, and Johanna Kruger ’97, spoke about Rosalind's gifts as a teacher and mentor. We were joined by neighbours from our local community; a meaningful opportunity to extend goodwill and deepen local relationships. Dr. Barker will continue to live in the house, and we are grateful to the Barker Family.

TOP (L-R): 2025/26 Co-Head students Jenna Quinn '26 and Rupert Creasy '26, Dr. John Barker P '83 '87 '92, Piers Barker ’87, Randal Barker ’83; Andrew Durnford '85, Piers Barker '87, Randal Barker ’83, and LCS Head of School Anne-Marie Kee P '17 '19 BOTTOM: Celebrating our new Barker House with local community members; OPPOSITE: Canoe racing at Regatta Day 2025

Celebrating our new Barker House with local community members

SHARE the MAGIC of THE GROVE

• New students interested in enrolling in 2026/27—Apply Early! Please help us spread the word. With demand for an LCS education increasing annually, families are encouraged to apply early each year to avoid possible disappointment.

• Every year, Lakefield College School distributes up to $3.1M in total tuition assistance to one-in-three students.

• Almost 40% of the students who apply to Lakefield are referred to us through members of our community. Each year, our families and friends connect us with great students considering an independent school experience.

• For more information, contact our Admissions Team at 705.652.3324 ext. 319 or admissions@lcs.on.ca.

If addressee has moved, DO NOT forward. Return with present address if known. Mailed under Canada Post Publication Agreement #40025808 The Grove News is published once a year by the Communications Office. Lakefield College School, 4391 County Road 29, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada K0L 2H0