2012 talon

2012 | Meadowridge School Alumni Magazine

2 THE TALON • 2012

CONTENTS

ON THE COVERWe have often heard the grade 12 class talk

about the “big tree” in the PYP playground.

Since this magazine is about Meadowridge

memories, we decided to do our cover shoot at

the tree. When we set up the camera, the lifers

in the group began to talk about how they used

to play around this one tree because it felt so

large when they were so small.

They remarked

that another

memory from

their younger

years still

existed: Mud City.

Although it is in a

smaller form, you

can still see it in

the background of

the cover photo.

Thank you to our

grade 12 students

featured on the

cover, Allan Read

and Navpreet

Chhina, and to

Diba Taghvai-

Arabi and Abby

Aguilar who also

came out and

helped us by

reminiscing.

THE TALON is published for alumni, parents, and friends of Meadowridge School by the Meadowridge School Advancement Department. The compilation of this magazine was a team effort and we thank all contributors.

3 From the headmaster A letter from Hugh Burke, Meadowridge Headmaster.

Alumni Q&A An interview with alumnus Samuel Wasswa-Kintu (‘03). Interview by Daniel Le Page

A Look Back At Meadowridge Theatre Exploring the history of Meadowridge theatre through a visual display of posters and photographs.

Faculty Profile Talking with Meadowridge faculty member Kevin Wells. Interview by Carolyn Sapach and Christy Mooney

IMAGINE MAKING IT POSSIBLE Words by Lyn Tyler

Alumni IB Profiles Looking at six alumni that epitomize the IB Learner Profiles.Interviews by Carolyn Sapach

Welcome to our newest alumni Graduating Class of 2012. Words by Alan Graveson

Alumni Photo Album

Alumni NOtes

Upcoming Events

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6

8

12

14

20

22

24

27

EDITORS: Christine Bickle, Daniel Le Page, Christy Mooney, Lyn Tyler

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Christy Mooney

PHOTOGRAPHER: Anita Bonnarens

Meadowridge School is proud to be associated with:

ISABC

Your questions and comments are welcome. Please direct all correspondence to:

Daniel Le Page, Director of Alumni Relations Meadowrige School | 12224-240th Street | Maple Ridge, BC | V4R 1N1 Canada Phone: 604.467.4444 | Fax: 604.467.4989 | Email: [email protected]

THE TALON © 2012 Meadowridge School, Maple Ridge, BC.

www.meadowridge.bc.ca 3

Hello, Alumni!

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our annual alumni gathering, and through the many informal visits that you make to the school. I really enjoy hearing the news that each of you bring, and we all take great pride in each of your accomplishments.

Our school continues to grow, to change, and yet we continue to work at retaining the sense of community and the spirit of collaboration that has been a hallmark of Meadowridge School. We continue, of course, to achieve at a high level in all aspects. The arts are flourishing, academics are very strong, and athletics is continually improving. Next year, we will join about 190 schools in the world who are International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World Schools, in which the IB is the only programme offered from junior kindergarten through grade twelve.

I am also pleased to tell you that we have strengthened our service programmes – in fact, our grade two class just raised over $2100 for the local food bank, which came out of their studies on money. Right now Spirit Day is happening in the hallways and on the grounds, and the students decided to do a Sport-a-Thon to raise money for ALS; the kids were sponsored for every hour after school that they participate.

But the real test of our school lies not only in what we do every day, but in the accomplishments of our alumni. Some will become doctors and lawyers and engineers; some will be artists and actors and animators; some will run businesses, some will teach, some will research, and others will lead charities. Regardless, we hope that each of you will come to define your own lives, to seek happiness through accomplishing your own goals, and to find meaning in the everyday matters which occupy your time. We hope that all of you will come — in the words of our mission statement — to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.

Sincerely,Hugh BurkeMeadowridge School [email protected]

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Meadowridge School Vision People are drawn to our school from around the world. In the spirit of active collaboration with teachers, peers, and our community, we learn how to care for ourselves and for others. Knowing that change is the only certainty, we engage with challenging and complex questions effectively and creatively. Through outstanding teaching, programmes and facilities, Meadowridge develops in us the confidence not only to meet the future, but also to create it.

Meadowridge School Mission Statement Learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.


Alumni

Samuel

Wasswa-

Kintu ‘03Samuel Wasswa-Kintu graduated from

Meadowridge in 2003 and went on to

study sciences, specifically Pharmacy, at

the University of British Columbia (UBC).

After completing his undergraduate

degree, Sam was accepted into medical

school, again at UBC, where he is now

finishing his 3rd year.


When people find success in certain areas we often ask them when they fell in love with that profession. At what point did you decide to become a doctor and what influenced this decision?

Initially, I decided to do a degree in Pharmacy. In my third year, I was accepted into medical school, but at the same time was dealing with decisions about my own health and decided to defer the offer for a year. This was a trying time for me personally; I learned to take life as it comes and got through the year. There are a lot of factors outside of where your passions lie that influence your career path. Family, education, lifestyle and circumstance all play a part in this choice. I think I was happy to find something that challenged me, and that I was interested in, but also that will allow me to help others along the way.

How important were the mentors in your life in helping you find a passion, and supporting you in the pursuit of your goals?

I think that so much of where someone ends up, or what he or she might choose to do as an adult, starts with the basics: the family values that you

have. Meadowridge was an extension of my family and always taught us to be respectful, confident and competent students. In high school, Mr. [Jim] Davies gave me the best education on evolution and overall the best foundation in Biology that I ever received.

After my first year in Pharmacy, I came back and saw Mr. Davies and told him what I was doing. To be honest, he seemed a little let down, and didn’t hold back in telling me that settling there would not be reaching my potential. It was awesome to have someone show a true belief in me and that really inspired me to keep studying and eventually to go into medicine.

You’re also a DJ. I know that music is a big part of your life. How do you find time to balance everything that you do, and how do you plan to continue this moving forward?

I believe that keeping a balance between the things you enjoy, the ways you express yourself, and the work you are trying to accomplish is key. I have always been passionate about all of the arts, music, film, design, and still am. I also have found that art helps in

understanding science in so many ways. It’s important to have something that you can lean on, something that makes you feel good, gets you going and keeps things fresh when you feel stressed out. For me that is music. It’s nice when you are dealing with such a rigid set of subjects, like sciences, to branch out and experiment without process.

In less than a month we will be welcoming the Class of 2012 into our Alumni Association. What advice can you give to these graduates?

Throughout my education I have seen so many people who have set such high goals, but they haven’t taken the time to explore. Throughout life we are constantly changing, and who you are today is not who you will be. If I could give any advice it would be, considering things as you know them will change, and that there is so much out there you have yet to experience, never be afraid to try new things. Also, always remember to check yourself. Never forget to reflect on the things you’ve done and make sure you’re headed in the right direction, but don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.

Interview by Daniel Le Page


LE PETITE PRINCE 1995 (L to R)Philipe Traverse, Emi Tomioka, Claudia Kempe ‘07

WAR OF THE WORLDS 1998

OLIVER 1999 (L to R) Melissa Upjohn, Molly Sprague ‘06, Soraya Campbell ‘00.

OUR TOWN 2001Pictured left: (L to R) Jesse Davidge ‘01, Camille Traverse ‘02.

RUN LOLA RUN 2004 (L to R) Nicholas Bojanowski ‘05, Jessica Price ‘04

HALO 2004

WICKED 2004 (L to R) Krystina Bojanowski ‘09, Alanna Coady ‘07.

THE ASHGIRL 2005 (L to R) Emily Magowan, Saba Taghvai ‘07

THE STATE OF A NATION 2004


A LOOK BACK AT

Meadowridge on Stage

...and the Crowd Rose To Its Feet 2002

THE BREAKFAST CLUB 2003

THE PACT 2007 (L to R)Carla Jahraus ‘10, Christopher Danforth ‘08, Hasan Mawani ‘08, Brent Perry ‘09, Krystina Bojanowski ‘09, Alanna Coady ‘07, Tessa Palmer ‘07.

BANG BANG... YOU’RE DEAD 2005

TICK, TICK... BOOM 2006

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE 2008 (L to R) Mollie Burke ‘08, Max Weselowski ‘10, Krystina Bojanowski ‘09, Christopher Danforth ‘08, Mollie Burke ‘08, Olivia Andrup ‘09, Georgina Price ‘10, Kaitlyn MacDonald ‘12, Emma Germain ‘12, Sooah Lee, Stephanie Cramer ‘12, Aleya Jesson ‘10, Olivia Andrup ‘09, Krystina Bojanowski ‘09, Stephanie Cramer ‘12, Krystina Bojanowski ‘09.

RENT 2009


I’m sure you can relate to alumni who say that Meadowridge School has come a long way. Many of you who have recently visited the school may have been filled with a mixture of pride, nostalgia and perhaps a bit of envy, upon seeing the changes that have occurred to our school in the last 26 years. From its start in portables with just 52 students in 1985, Meadowridge has grown into an amazing institution with modern facilities on 16 acres. We are now an International Baccalaureate (IB) World Continuum School, one of just eight in Canada.

You may remember a time when we didn’t have large facilities and when we were still building our reputation, however, what has not changed is the quality of teaching and the wonderful people.

You may also wonder how it is that we are asking you to contribute to the school now; after all, our students have more today than the school has ever had. This appeal is not, however, about new buildings, better resources or new equipment — it’s about sharing this with others.

I recently spoke with one of our long-serving faculty members, Ms. Cindy Hops, about the future of our school and was moved by her hopes for our shared future:

Imagine making it possible for someone else to experience meadowridge.

“We have created an extraordinary place here and what I would like to do is to open the doors of membership to people who could not otherwise afford a school like this, because this kind of greatness, this kind of idealism should be afforded to anyone who can dream big enough to participate in it.”

We would like your support of our new Imagine Making It Possible campaign. I would ask that, when considering your potential contribution, you think of the effect Meadowridge has had in your life. Consider how your contribution could impact a student, who needs this amazing place in their life just as you did. I would also ask that you share this information with your parents, because I know there are many alumni parents whose lives were profoundly influenced by their children’s attendance at this school and their participation with the community.

Financial assistance,

bursaries and scholarships

ensure that deserving

students can benefit

from the same calibre of

education that you enjoyed.

AJ Speckman (’11) added his thoughts to the discussion: “I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity, to come to this school in Grade 9. I know there are so many students out there that would have been so well advantaged by receiving financial aid in order to attend Meadowridge. It is such a great environment and it is important that we provide this opportunity to as many students as possible, no matter what their background.” Maybe you are still at a point in your career that makes it difficult to contribute financially, but please remember that every gift counts. With close to 500 alumni now, making the dream a reality is closer than you think.

There may be other creative ways to contribute. Perhaps your company would be willing to give in-kind assistance, make a pledge, or share your personal talents as an in-kind gift to the school – we’d love your involvement!

TO MAKE A DONATION Call us at 604.476.3043

or visit us online at

www.meadowridge.bc.ca


DRAWING FROM THE WELLGood things happen when you enjoy what you do, and Meadowridge is reaping

the benefit of teacher MR. KEVIN WELLS enjoying what he does. When he

graduated high school in the United Kingdom, Mr. Wells did a career test and

teaching came up as a suggestion. He thought he would try it out; he hasn’t

stopped since. For the past eleven years he has been at Meadowridge, where

good things happen every day in his Math, Physics and Calculus classes.

Interview by Carolyn Sapach and Christy Mooney

FACULTY PROFILE

“He [is] a great teacher who made coming to the difficult classes actually enjoyable.”

Olivia Andrup | Class of 2009

Kevin Wells finds happiness when he can bring understanding to his favourite subjects for his students. He tries to take away the fear of math that people seem to have.

Why does this fear exist for so many when it comes to subjects such as math? “People tend to get caught up in the details of mathematics; equations, formulae and numbers,” says Mr. Wells. “What I try to stress is the bigger picture for which the details are just examples. If students can focus on the concept and develop an understanding of that, then they are better equipped to deal with problems.”

Mr. Wells has spent a lot of time figuring out how to help others get past that fear. For him, he sees students as having a tendency to look at a problem in its

entirety. “This can seem overwhelming, causing students to give up before they even start”, he says. “I try to stress the idea of breaking problems into smaller, more easily solved problems.”

Not only can this way of learning be applied to mathematical calculations and problems, but Mr. Wells sees it as a way of thinking with greater application. “I think these are ideas that can be applied to any aspect of life. Don’t get caught up in the details and don’t let the size of a problem overwhelm you.”

It is this way of thinking that has made Mr. Wells a favourite among current students and alumni. This is an accomplishment, as the subjects he teaches are traditionally not favourites among students.


Olivia Andrup (‘09), admits that Math and Calculus were the toughest subjects for her. But some of her best memories were in those very classes taught by Mr. Wells.

“He [is] a great teacher who made coming to the difficult classes actually enjoyable,” she says.

As though it is no big deal to inspire students to step outside of their comfort zone, Mr. Wells says simply, “Kids can surprise themselves when given a push.”

Perhaps he is so successful at this because he is continually finding opportunities to try new things himself. The atmosphere of growth at Meadowridge is one of the reasons Mr. Wells enjoys coming to work so much.

“There are always opportunities to grow in new directions,” he says. He has also taught Yearbook and Computer Science classes and he knows that, should he wish to try something else, he would be supported just as he supports his students.

Outside of Meadowridge, Mr. Wells somehow finds time to teach Math Education at Simon Fraser University, where he completed his Master’s of Education Degree in 2009. “It is a different approach to the subject,” he explains.

“You always find time to do things you enjoy”, says Mr. Wells. “But it is important to keep mentally active, to try new things. It helps you grow.”

One thing he always finds time for is painting, which helps give balance to his academic focused life. “It is a good way to relax the mind,” he says.

Mr. Wells’ natural landscapes can be found through the Port Moody Art Association, but one also graces the hallways of Meadowridge; the 2011 Graduating Class commissioned a painting as their Legacy Gift to the school.

Clearly an example of one who practices what he preaches, Mr. Wells has found a happy balance in his life of learning, teaching and continuous growth. We are grateful that he followed the suggestion of that career test, and thankful for his continued passion to share his experience and knowledge with those around him.

If you have walked through the hallways at Meadowridge in the past

year, you may have noticed the new addition to our collection of artwork.

Displayed next to works by Robert Bateman, Lawren Harris and Gordon

Smith is a piece by one of Meadowridge’s own. Faculty member Kevin

Wells combines his passion for the subjects he teaches and painting by

using his knowledge of mathematical structure and patterns in his art.

Part of his process for creating his artwork is “Being aware of such

patterns in terms of composition and perspective. [This] allows the artist

to bring a painting to life, or to appeal to the subconscious artist in us

all,“ says Mr. Wells. “Sometimes we don’t know why we like a painting

but what we are doing is tapping into the tension the artist has created

through thoughtful composition. Mathematics is the science of patterns

and perhaps we can call art the embodiment of patterns at many

different levels.”

The 2011 Graduation Class recognized the beauty on more than a

subconscious level when they decided to purchase the painting, titled

Solitude, as their Legacy Gift to the School.

To see more artwork by Mr. Wells, visit: www.members.shaw.ca/artwells.

FACULTY PROFILE

Pictured left: Solitude by Kevin Wells, 2009, acrylic on canvas


Before Meadowridge was accredited as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we lived the IB principles through our mission and vision. This becomes clear when we talk to our Alumni and take a closer look at how they exemplify the IB Learner Profiles in their lives after Meadowridge.

Alumni ib profiles

INQUIRERS

THINKERS

COMMUNICATORS

KNOWLEDGEABLE

PRINCIPLED

OPEN-MINDED

CARING

RISK-TAKERS

BALANCED

REFLECTIVE

Interviews by Carolyn Sapach


ALUMNI IB PROFILES

In the four short years since graduation, Christopher Danforth has turned his eye for detail and emerging trends into a sought-after clothing line and a burgeoning writing career. Loose Cannons Clothing (www.loosecannonsclothing.com) was founded in the Fall of 2010, and the West Coast style clothing has already become an exclusive brand. In less than two years and mostly through word of mouth, celebrity stylists have been snatching up the designs. Always interested in the latest fashions, Christopher not only has his own clothing company to look after, but he also keeps tabs on street style as a writer and contributor to two fashion, arts, design and culture blogs, The Goodie Bag (www.thegoodiebagblog.ca) and Hypebeast (www.hypebeast.com).

Looking back on his time at Meadowridge, Christopher credits the community and unconditional support with helping him achieve so much. Academics aside, knowing that the teachers wanted him to excel in what he did best and what he loved to do was an amazing environment in which to be nurtured.

Meadowridge “taught me to be assertive, have confidence and believe in myself,” he says. One teacher in particular,

Christopher embodies both an INQUIRER and a COMMUNICATOR. His curiosity for fashion and culture has helped him to

grow his writing skills. Not only does he communicate through the written word, Christopher also uses design and clothing to

communicate his ideas and messages to a mass audience.

Mr. Graveson, let him know that he was a talented writer and encouraged him to pursue his passion for it. His strength in writing has led him to be a communicator in other ways as well: Loose Cannons was born and continues to grow through collaboration.

Meadowridge helped to develop Christopher’s natural curiosity about the world around him, and he is always looking not only for the “next big thing” in fashion, but also for his own next big thing. When asked where he would like to be at his ten-year reunion, he said he hopes to be working for one of the clothing companies that inspired him, and writing for bigger names, like GQ. He is also considering going back to school – as if he isn’t busy enough!

The one lesson Christopher still carries with him from Meadowridge is, “The more things you apply yourself to, the further you can go.” With so many projects on the go and more on the horizon, his natural curiosity about the world around him will only bring more opportunity his way.

[Pictured below: Clothing and promotional materials by Loose Cannons Clothing, photos © Loose Cannons Clothing.]

Christopher danforth Entrepreneur, Writer & Trend Spotter [class of 2008]


Lindsay ferguson Restaurateur & Sommelier [class of 2000]

Following her graduation from Meadowridge in 2000, Lindsay Ferguson did the predictable thing and went on to university. Entrenched in international economic development courses, then more in forestry, she certainly could not have predicted where she currently finds herself: running a popular food cart, opening a restaurant, and consulting as a sommelier. Oh, and there is a baby due shortly. Lindsay has been busy.

On a whim in 2010, when the City of Vancouver held a lottery to win a license to run a food cart, her husband purchased a ticket. “Wouldn’t it be fun to make competitive barbecuing pay off?” he asked. They won one of seventeen tickets, and had three weeks to open their cart, Re-Up BBQ. Clearly, their shotgun start in the restaurant business is paying off: they recently won Gold for Best Food Cart at the 2012 Vancouver Restaurant Awards and they will be opening a bricks and mortar restaurant this Spring in the new River Market in New Westminster. As if that isn’t enough, Lindsay is also a consulting sommelier for Wildebeest, the soon-to-open restaurant in Gastown.

She is quick to acknowledge Meadowridge for its help in preparing her for the “hard work and this journey” that she has been on. “I think I’d be in a very different place had I not gone to Meadowridge,” she says. “And I’m very happy with where I am now.”

Lindsay embodies a RISK-TAKER. A risk-taker approaches unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought,

and is able to try new things. Lindsay took a risk to open up a food cart, and it was her confidence and willingness to try

something new that helped her to succeed.

The teachers pushed her to reach beyond her comfort level, which gave her the confidence and discipline to keep going when faced with challenges (like opening a functional and successful mobile restaurant in twenty-one days). Learning to “problem solve in a timely manner” is also something Lindsay is thankful for. In the service industry you have to be flexible.

Clearly adept at maintaining balance in her life, Lindsay admits her house is covered in poster boards of lists. Planning is essential in order to keep so many projects organized, but she offers this advice to fellow multi-taskers: “Take it as it comes, and make the best of it. Don’t make too many plans in advance. Make a one year plan, re-evaluate, re-adjust, and plan again.”

That being said, of course she looks ahead to a future with Re-Up BBQs everywhere, with the best food. “We will keep pushing ourselves forward,” she promises. Check out www.reupbbq.com to see where that perseverance takes her next.

[Pictured below (L to R): Re-Up BBQ’s famous bacon, photo © Re-Up BBQ; Lindsay and her husband, Michael, in 2010, at the opening of the Re-Up BBQ food cart, photo © Julie H. Ferguson 2010.]


During his days at Meadowridge, magic was merely a hobby that Robert Teszka practiced and performed in school shows. He still spends his days exploring tricks and sleight of hand, though in a much different way: he has managed to turn his fascination for mystery into an academic pursuit. Having completed a degree at the University of British Columbia, Robert can now be found at Brunel University in England, where he is pursuing a PhD in Cognitive Psychology, linking magician’s misdirection techniques with eye-tracking technology to research attention and visual perception. Not just a “nerdy hobby” (his words!) for him anymore, he also travels internationally, giving talks on his findings.

A deep thinker, Robert says that “playing with complex, abstract ideas and finding connections between concepts is not just my profession - it’s been a constant pastime for most of my life.” Whether it is applied to magic or academics (or both, as he has managed to do,) this fundamental part of Robert’s personality likely would have grown into something completely different had he not attended Meadowridge. He doesn’t point to one single thing that now drives him to understand the inner workings of the mind, but he doubts that “it would have happened the same way at another school.”

Like so many before and after him, Robert is grateful for being able to learn in such a thoughtful and progressive environment where learning was a priority not only for the

Robert is an INQUIRER and is REFLECTIVE. His passion for research and learning has led him to London and his PhD studies.

His ability to find “everything interesting” is the result of a love of learning that will sustain him throughout his life. To get to PhD

studies in any subject requires one to be reflective of their own work and know one’s strengths and seek areas for improvement.

students, but for the teachers as well. The motivation to learn was not to simply memorize facts, but out of a “sheer joy in knowing things,” he says. “Academic inquisitiveness was fostered,” and one couldn’t hide behind cliques or in the back row to avoid participating. The small school forced him to interact with people and in ways he normally would not have in more anonymous surroundings.

A common theme comes up often in conversation with Robert: he really does want to know everything there is to know — even the things he doesn’t know that he doesn’t know. “Everything is interesting,” he says, and it is the exploration on the way to discovery that matters most. Sounding an awful lot like an Aerosmith song lyric, (“life’s a journey, not a destination, and I just can’t tell what tomorrow brings”), Robert is living his philosophy.

Characteristically, he is not sure where his journey will take him next, but he is keeping an open mind and looking forward to whatever it may be. Perhaps a University Professor? A consultant in transmedia design? Living on the moon? If he isn’t on the moon anytime soon, you can see what he is up to on his blog, www.robteszka.wordpress.com, or read his contributions to The Science of Magic at www.scienceofmagic.org.

[Pictured below: Stills from Rob’s video, The Lying Brain.]

ROBERT TESZKA Academic & Magician [class of 2003]

ALUMNI IB PROFILES


Jesse Davidge has spent the last ten years since graduation doing what he loves: being creative. After graduation, he attended the Vancouver Film School, and found a career doing animation for television, movies and music videos. This led naturally to his current home as Director and Producer at Blatant Studios, a creative production studio he co-founded. The company is only three years old and their work was nominated for a 2012 Juno for Dan Mangan’s video, “Rows of Houses”.

Having always known he wanted to pursue art in some way, Meadowridge helped solidify his passion and nurture his fine arts talents. The art teachers, specifically Mr. Rhys Clarke, encouraged him to achieve what they knew was possible. The greatest gift for Jesse was that they let him “know that it was okay to try the arts” as a career. With all of the external emphasis on academics, it was a boost of confidence knowing he had support for his goals.

Jesse recalls, he was given the chance to create a mural for the art room, and even though it was one of his very first large projects, they kept it there for as long as he can remember. “It was inspiring,” he said, that they believed in his talents on such a large scale.

Despite art being his main focus, Jesse credits Meadowridge with showing him different aspects of the world, and himself,

Jesse is a COMMUNICATOR. He is able to express his ideas both confidently and creatively in a number of different mediums.

He is also able to understand the ideas of others, like a musician’s song, and express them visually.

that he likely wouldn’t have found elsewhere. For instance, despite not being much into school politics, Mr. Graveson and a peer encouraged him to become the Arts Gryphon one year. Surprising himself, Jesse loved being a part of the school in a new way, and it was a great feeling to contribute to the community as well. He took this new skill to the Vancouver Film School, where he founded a film club to bring people together. One might even say he really followed through by creating a whole company dedicated to his love for creativity.

If he could leave a lasting message for those making their way through Meadowridge, Jesse would say that he “didn’t really follow the crowd” and it turned out alright. “You don’t have to do what others want for you, as long as you follow your heart.”

Intending to do just that, Jesse plans on continuing to grow his company, Blatant Studios, and would like to start working on short films. He also manages to find time for his hobby – illustrating comics and graphic novels, like the one written by his cousin James Davidge, “Mathemagick and Metaphysics”. Find out what he is up to at www.jessedavidge.com or www.blatantstudios.com.

[Pictured below (L to R): Still from the Juno nominated Dan Mangan video, Rows of Houses, © Blatant Studios; Still from the Hey Rosetta! music video, New Sum, directed by Jesse, © Blatant Studios.]

JESSE DAVIDGE Entrepreneur & Artist [class of 2001]


ALUMNI IB PROFILES

Olivia Andrup Actress & Student [class of 2009]

Fresh off the set of her first movie, Olivia Andrup is very clear on where she came from and where she is going: wherever her drive for learning and acting take her, of course!

Clearly enamoured with discovering the world around her, Olivia is always ready for the next surprise that comes her way. After completing the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts program in 2010, she quickly found an agent and landed her first role, as partier Hazel in a film adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy. She got off the plane to film the movie, green as they come, and just started. Working with professionals in a big-name movie with no experience may sound intimidating to some, but Olivia knew that she would have help. She also knew that her willingness to try new things would serve her well.

“If I want to do something,” she says, “I want to do it well,” and her time at Meadowridge is what developed this characteristic in her. “I carry the school with me all the time,” she admits, in her acting and in her education. The school’s morals and values are a part of her now. She believes that the enthusiasm that her Meadowridge teachers had for their own fields was infectious. They worked to instill that same eagerness into their own students — not only for the subjects they taught, but to encourage their students to follow their own passions as well.

“They wanted us to be excited about everything,” Olivia recalls. And she is excited, not only about acting, but

Olivia embodies both an INQUIRER and a RISK-TAKER. She has a passion for learning, attending school both for acting and

the French language. As a risk-taker, Olivia approached the unfamiliar situation of being cast in her first feature film with courage

and confidence in her abilities.

also about the French language. Thanks largely to Mrs. Pogrebinsky and the group trip to France, Olivia fell for the language and decided to go to UBC to pursue a degree in it because she “really, really loves French.” She sees university as a hobby: “I go for fun, though I take it seriously because it means so much to me. When I graduate, knowing French will make me happy,” she says.

In fact, that is the lesson she learned best while attending Meadowridge. She muses that, “There is a lot of pressure to do things to please your family,” while at school, but you have to remember that “anything you do after graduation takes a lot of time, effort and commitment. This is commitment that you, not your parents, have to put in. So do something that you love.”

She knew the moment she played Mimi in Meadowridge’s production of Rent that “that was it.” Acting was what she loved and needed to do, and so she has. She also found an academic muse, and is following it wherever it may lead as well. And where does she see herself in ten years? Continuing her education, since “there’s never a shortage of things to learn,” and making a living as an actor in feature films. With such a passion for life, we know she will succeed at whatever she chooses to do.

[Pictured below (L to R): The filming of Ecstasy; Olivia signing an autograph; Olivia with co-star Adam Sinclair and director Rob Heydon. Photos from Ecstasy by Irvine Welsh Facebook page.]


Welcome to our

newest alumni

Multi-media, multi-tasking, multiple intelligences, multiple offers, multi-player… such is the proliferation of choices, of influences, of information through which our students must navigate their life’s course. ipads, ipods, itunes, iphones, ithings that go buzz in the night.. and sometimes in class.

It amazes me that through the digital din, our students continue to identify, distill and refine those values which are timeless: friendship, service to others, respect, education, hard work, humility, and self-worth. Each member of the Meadowridge Graduating Class of 2012 is an exemplar of the ‘examined life’, the life worth living.

Words by Alan Graveson

“They have learned that it is through their own initiative and hard work that they can make a positive change in the world.”

They have asked how they might serve their community; they have asked how they may be effective leaders; they have interrogated authority; and, through their pursuit of education, they have learned to ask better questions and to think for themselves.

They have learned that it is through their own initiative and hard work that they can make a positive change in the world. Equally important, they have learned that success does not always look like finishing first in the race. In their individual ways, they have made Meadowridge School a better place to live, to learn, and to grow. Their legacy will continue to inspire successive generations of artists, scholars, musicians, athletes, leaders, mentors, and graduates. They have earned a place of distinction among the Alumni of Meadowridge School.

No matter where they go, who they become, or what they accomplish, they will always carry a little piece of Meadowridge in their hearts, just as Meadowridge will treasure their time here.


1: Shyla Badiani*

2: Dereck Paul

3: Diba Taghvai-Arabi*

4: Oliver Liu

5: Faran Mahboubi*

6: Samuel Weselowski

7: Kyle Sholes

8: Allan Read*

9: Somayan Chakrabarti

10: Dashen Gounden

11: Daniel Lewis

12: Jordan Jeknavorian*

13: Aidan Shanahan Sweeney

14: Alex Kwon

15: Abby Aguilar

16: Asaan Maherali*

17: Maria van Noordenne

18: Avery Milne

19: Emma Germain*

20: Kaitlyn MacDonald*

21: Saba Mirfatahi

22: Kerrin Hagberg*

23: Alice Yuan

24: Preet Chhina

25: Lyndsey Merry

26: Audrey Zhang

26: Kelly Han

27: Stephanie Cramer*

29: Maverick Neibergall

Not Pictured: Madeline Hanson and Shayna Harmatny

The asterisk (*) indicates that the student is a “lifer”. A lifer is a student that has called

Meadowridge home since they were having friendship parties and making crafts in

Kindergarten. That is 13 years of consecutive Meadowridge education. Most Grad

Classes end up having a lifer or two in their midst. If you walk over the grounds and

through the halls with a lifer, you will hear many interesting and often hilarious stories

about their time at Meadowridge.


1: Melissa Orser ‘08, Sameena Khan ‘08, Gryph, Lukas Montani ‘06, Devon Turner ‘07, Jade Harmatny ‘08 • 2: Risha Patidar ‘08, Kesha Patel ‘09, Trisha Patidar ‘08 3: Georgina Price ‘10, Christy Harmatny ‘10 • 4: Gita Patel, Jayten Patel ‘10, Kesha Patel ‘09 • 5: Georgina Price ‘10, guest, Zahra Mawani ‘10, Christy Harmatny ‘10, Martine Schlagintweit ‘10, Brandon Shanahan Sweeney ‘10 • 6: Nnenna Obioha ‘08, Royann Lan ‘08, Seiji Tomioka ‘08 • 7: Brad Perry ‘09, Tessa Palmer ‘07, Daniel McLaughlin ‘09 • 8: guest, Jesse Davidge ‘01, Marie Payne ‘00, Steve Olah • 9: Taryn Smith ‘06, Robert Pervis ‘07 • 10: guest, Margaret Mahood, Anisa Khan ‘07, Steve Olah, Margot Olah, Tessa Palmer ‘07 • 11: Soleina Maherali ‘10, Martine Schlagintweit ‘10 • 12: Chi Lung Poon ‘10, Georgina Price ‘10, Gryph, Jayten Patel ‘10, Brett Orser ‘10.

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Montreal & Vancouver MEET-UPS & Get togethers

2009 - 2011 GOLF TOURNAMENT

1: Georgina Price ‘10, Brad Perry ‘09, Matthias Kempe ‘09 • 2: Max Weselowski ‘10, Mollie Burke ‘08, Karim Jinnah ‘10, Claus Andrup 3: Bryant Mah ‘07, Samir Virani ‘07

1 & 2: Georgina Price ‘10, Harrison Collett ‘11, Aya Tomioka ‘06, Shaun Lampen ‘11, Seiji Tomioka ‘08, Mollie Burke ‘08 3: Ryan Ouwehand, Robert Prince ‘05, Josh Haywood ‘05, Akhil Patel ‘05 4: Josh Haywood ‘05, Akhil Patel ‘05, Sabine Kempe ‘05

5: Lillian Yin ‘10, Gurjit Rai ‘10, Georgina Price ‘10, Karim Jinnah ‘10, Max Weselowski ‘10, Zahra Mawani ‘10, Christy Harmatny ‘10, Neda Sarmady ‘10, Chi Lung Poon ‘10. 6: Danielle McCarthey (nee Cheyne) ‘06, Joanne Shum, Katherine Kwon, Azzaria Janmohamed ‘06.

TALON PHOTO ALBUM

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2001HARIN DESAI has just moved to Australia to Study Medicine.

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2004MEGAN DURRANCE recently gave birth to a set of healthy twins, Nathan and Alexander. Megan and her partner are very excited about the addition to their family.

JESSICA PRICE is studying Broadcasting Journalism at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and recently completed the BMO Vancouver half marathon in May 2012.

2005LAUREN ENGLISH finished her first year of a Masters Degree in Urban Planning at the University of Toronto after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia.

JOSHUA HAYWOOD is working as a sales and business development professional after graduating last spring from the Marketing Management Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology with a focus on entrepreneurship. While working as a consultant he is also a General Manager of a Vancouver painting company. [Photo 3]

SABINE KEMPE has completed her Chartered Accountant designation and is working for a major accounting firm in Vancouver.

DANIEL LE PAGE is currently wreaking havoc in the Advancement offices of Meadowridge School.

2006DANIELLE MCCARTHY (nee CHEYNE) was married to her husband Shayne last summer in Penticton and the two newlyweds have bought a house in Pitt Meadows.

2003DANIEL AND ERICA MILLER (NEE BIDDLECOMBE) were married last Spring on the top of Grouse Mountain. Daniel is currently working as a Business Analyst for a software company.

ROBERT TESZKA is currently completing his PhD in the Cognitive Psychology of Magic at Brunel University in London after being awarded a three-year scholarship. Read more on page 17 in the Alumni IB Profiles.

SAMUEL WASSWA-KINTU is finishing his third year of medical school at the University of British

Columbia. For more see the Alumni Q&A on page 4.

2000The food cart (Re-Up BBQ) that LINDSAY FERGUSON owns and runs with her husband recently won Gold for Best Food Cart at the annual restaurant awards in Vancouver. Lindsay is busy opening up a brick and mortar restaurant and will soon be giving birth to her first child. Read more about what Lindsay has been up to on page 16 in the Alumni IB Profiles.

MARIE PAYNE is currently working as a teacher on call and has enjoyed coming back to Meadowridge to fill in for her past teachers.

ASHLEY HARRISON is working as a lawyer after completing her law degree from the University of Alberta in 2009.

SARAH ORSER will be entering her final year of dentistry at Dalhousie University in September. She hopes to return to Maple Ridge and open up her own practice.


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2007JOE ANTIFAEV is attending Law School at the University of Calgary, where he has completed his first year of studies and is also working throughout the summer. Joe did his undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia. [Photo 6]

Following in his father’s footsteps BRYANT MAH has just completed his first year in the Optometry program at the University of Waterloo. Bryant had attended there

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2008MOLLIE BURKE is studying Art History and Cultural Studies at McGill University. For the summer Mollie is working at an art gallery in downtown Vancouver.

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after graduating from Meadowridge, transferred to the University of Victoria, and has now returned. Aside from studying Music and Computer Science while on Vancouver Island, Bryant also enlisted in the Canadian Forces as an Ordinary Seaman in the Naval Reserves. In 2010 Bryant travelled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti as a member of a small team that provided basic eye care and dispensed many pairs of donated glasses to the local people. [Photos 4 + 5]

STEPHANIE KACZMAREK has been accepted into the University of British Columbia Physiotherapy program for the Fall. [Photo 6]

ALUMNI NOTES

2009TAMSYN TYLER is studying Marine Biology at the University of British Columbia. She will be working at the Ucluelet Aquarium as an Aquarist this summer. As well, Tamsyn will be taking next term off to intern at Bimini Island off of Miami and has been offered an internship at Oceans Research in Mossel Bay, South Africa.

Continued on page 26.

Danielle is currently working for a bank. AZZARIA JANMOHAMED (’06) served as one of her bridesmaids. [Photos 1 + 2]

LUKAS MONTANI is currently working at a bank, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Victoria and recently completed the Canadian Securities Course.

MOLLY SPRAGUE graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University. She is now working as a tutor for children with learning disabilities in the local school district.

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CAITLIN PASTOREK was recently accepted to the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine.

VAGELI VOUKELATOS is working in the family business at their local restaurant. [Photo 6]


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and Linguistics. Kevin is also learning about the sport rivalries, and even tented outside an arena to watch the much anticipated match between Duke and the University of Northern Carolina. [Photo 9]

KATHLEEN READ is back for the summer after completing her first year at the University of Saskatchewan, working on her

2010KARIM JINNAH is completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Victoria (UVIC). After the summer, Karim will be helping other students at UVIC working as a Student Advisor for the university.

2011MICHAEL ABEBE recently visited Meadowridge and let us know that he has completed his first year in the Bioinformatics program at the University of Waterloo. He will be spending his summer as a professors’ assistant at the University of Calgary researching DNA. [Photo 7]

OMAR HASHAM visited with Mrs. Chow-Go on a break from studying Computing Science at Queen’s University. [Photo 8]

JOHN JACOB will be attending the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario where he received a full scholarship and plans to study either Aeronautical Engineering or Military and

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Strategic Studies. In addition to his education, John will also be furthering his career in the Canadian Forces by taking relevant survival and tactical training, which will be pertinent to the Air Force Pilot Program he plans to enter after completing his degree. [Photo 8]

SHAUN LAMPEN will be working at Meadowridge for the summer, a nice break after completing his first year at McGill studying Anatomy and Cell Biology.

BRYANNE NEWBERY is volunteering in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre at Meadowridge as she gains experience prior to starting a diploma in this career.

KEVIN OH stopped by Meadowridge for a visit and let us know that his first year in pre-med at Duke University went well, and he is planning on majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Computational Biology

Bachelor of Arts in History and French. She will be spending her summer at Meadowridge working in the Advancement office. [Photo 10]

We would love to hear from you!Send your photos and updates to our Director of Alumni Relations Daniel Le Page ([email protected]).

UPCOMING EVENTSA l u m n i a r e

a lway s i n v i t e d

This has been an amazing year in the development of our Alumni Association. More and more we are seeing our past students and graduates participating in the many activities taking place at Meadowridge.

We now have Alumni teaching, coaching and partaking in committee work at the school. We are very proud to also have them as parents in the school, and to see their children, the next generation of Alum, wearing their uniforms with pride. We are looking forward to building on this commitment and continuing to build our community. As each of you work towards achieving successes in your own lives, be sure to keep in touch, come back for a visit, and share your stories with us.

If anyone is looking for opportunities to get involved in paving a future for our school, your input is always welcome. Please keep an eye our for invitations to next year’s events. Sincerely,Daniel Le Page ‘05Director of Alumni Relations

WELCOME BACK FAIR Saturday, September 8th, 2012

MEADOWRIDGE GALA Saturday, November 17th, 2012

2012/2013 THEATRE PRODUCTION LES MISÉRABLESMarch 6th to March 9th, 2013

ANNUAL ALUMNI EVENTJune 2013More information will be available closer to the date.

2013 GOLF TOURNAMENTJune 2013More information will be available closer to the date.

For more great events throughout the year, visit:

www.meadowridge.bc.ca

Find Meadowridge Alumni on Facebook

Have you visited the Meadowridge Alumni Portal? Go to www.meadowridge.bc.ca/alumni

and click on Alumni Portal or scan the QR

code with your smartphone.

Building strongercommunities.At BMO Bank of Montreal®, we take pride in our local communities.That’s why, each year, through various sponsorships and communityinvolvement we are committed to providing our support.

BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to support Meadowridge School.

® Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

12313 Sponorship ad 8.5x11 COL:12313 Sponorship ad 8.5x11 COL 05-01-10 9:43 AM Page 1

2012 talon

Documents

friends of meadowridge

hallmark of meadowridge

meadowridge headmaster

meadowridge memories

alumni qa

newest alumni

annual alumni

history of meadowridge