Challenge
Honour a century without repeating the past
When Shawnigan Lake School approached its 100th anniversary, the occasion called for more than a ceremonial look back.
The school already had a written history — Rough Diamond (1995) — that chronicled its early years with depth and detail.
But a lot had changed since then. Shawnigan had expanded its student body, transformed its campus, and renewed its commitment to holistic education, community leadership, and global citizenship.
What the school needed wasn’t a sequel. It needed a new portrait, one that would reflect its history, yes, but also its evolution, values, and aspirations.
The book had to celebrate:
- The character and courage of generations past
- The diversity and depth of the school’s present
- And the ambitious, thoughtful future it continues to shape
Solution
A centennial book as bold as the school itself
We structured Character & Courage: Shawnigan at 100 around major themes like tradition, courage, transformation, and commitment. Each section drew from archival material and new interviews to capture stories that embodied Shawnigan’s spirit.
The tone was respectful but never rigid. It celebrated legacy while giving voice to the young people who will shape the school’s next century.
Design was essential to the storytelling.
- Full-bleed photography showcased the physical beauty of campus life
- Vintage photos were treated with care, paired thoughtfully with modern equivalents
- Typography balanced formality and warmth
- Custom layouts mirrored the school’s blend of heritage and ambition
Every element was chosen to reflect Shawnigan’s identity: confident, curious, rooted in place and purpose.
Result
A portrait that looks back and leads forward
The finished book was launched at the school’s 100th anniversary celebration, where it was embraced by alumni, staff, students, and donors.
Families found themselves in its pages through generational photos, class memories, and shared values.
Staff saw a reflection of the institution they helped build and evolve. And prospective families saw the character of a school with not just history, but direction.
The book did more than commemorate.
It gave Shawnigan a new anchor point for storytelling, fundraising, and alumni connection. And it became a cornerstone element of a four-year centennial campaign that also launched a speakers series, a series of themed videos around sports and arts festivals, and a number of special events at the school. The centennial campaign raised $46 million.
And it now sits alongside Rough Diamond. Not as a replacement, but as a continuation.
Check out the book for yourself here.
One more cool thing ...
The name says everything
The title Character & Courage wasn’t a placeholder.
It was a guiding phrase that echoed through interviews, design decisions, and narrative structure.
Those two words helped unify the book’s tone and give it thematic clarity.
They also resonated with students and alumni alike. Simple. Strong. True.
Just like the school itself.
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