A Dinner of a Lifer’s Lifetime

28 May 2022Sophie H, Mack ‘23; Photo by Mr Ganley

During a Brentonian’s time at the school friendships are formed – and the memories linger. Contained within each graduating class are the original group of students that have been at Brentwood since at least Grade 9, and for more than 20, Grade 8. This group is known as “The Lifers”.

Going through high school can feel like a lifetime but the Lifers at Brentwood can tell you that these 4 or 5 years fly by with many learning experiences along the way. Their time at Brentwood was celebrated last Wednesday night with the annual “Lifers’ Dinner” in Crooks Hall. Along with a delicious buffet, the dinner featured speeches from representatives from each house. The speakers reminisced on good memories shared with the Lifers of each house during their extensive time at Brentwood along with takeaways and advice for the future. Amber L, Mack ‘22 was a speaker at the event and commented that “It was a really special evening and a wonderful time for reflection. It was so special to celebrate the four years with my fellow Mack residents and the peers around me, and I am grateful for them and to the staff that prepared this special evening.”

This event was also significant especially to those students who have given back to the school in impactful ways such as taking on leadership roles such as being a member of the SEC – the Student Executive Council. After three years of being a part of the house, Trekker J, Ellis ‘22, stepped up to the role of Ellis House Captain and reflected, “Being a Lifer is going to make the goodbye quite tough, as the bonds we’ve all made over four years are very significant. I’m grateful to have met this core group of people who have all shaped me throughout my high school journey.”

Assistant Head of Athletics, Jocelyn L, Mack ‘22 is also a Lifer whose Brentwood connections run deep – her mom is an alumna and staff members and her two younger siblings are students. Celebrating her final year at Brentwood, Jocie comments that, “My five years at Brentwood have been some of the most memorable and impactful years of my life. I have learned many valuable skills and formed unbreakable bonds throughout the years and I have been honored to lead and represent the school in something that I am truly passionate about, athletics.”

This dinner is a tradition that is not only significant for the Lifers that are being celebrated but also for the staff who have been closely involved in the growth and the development of the students throughout the years. Mr McCarthy gave the opening speech and Mr Cowie has been working at the school for more than 35 years and was the Master of Ceremonies. From his many years working at Brentwood he reflects that, “The Lifers’ Dinner was initiated by Beth Melhuish a long time ago (thirty years?). It was a dinner off campus at the Quamichan Inn and was intended to celebrate those students who had been at Brentwood for five years. A neat aspect of the gathering was that Beth would choose student speakers who would not normally be placed in that position, but they invariably did an amazing job. That tradition has continued, as last night’s speeches were superb, heartfelt, meaningful, and well-received by an appreciative audience. It was great to watch the slideshow and get a sense of the growth they had experienced over four or five years. I thought it was a terrific evening.”

Mr Cowie’s Limericks celebrating each of the eight house speakers were also heartfelt and amusing.

A huge expression of gratitude to all of the staff and volunteers who made this special evening a success. This night would not have been possible without the incredible Grade 12 Lifers who have shown great commitment and enthusiasm to Brentwood throughout their time. The Lifer’s Dinner was an incredible way to honor the Lifers time at Brentwood.

Thanks to Mrs Erin Stevens and her team for organizing such a wonderful evening, Mr Pettit for IT, Mr Ganley for photos, to the food services staff for a delicious dinner, and Lilian W, Alex ‘23 for the nostalgic and entertaining slide show.

Sophie H, Mack ‘23

Where Students Choose To Be