2014 First Annual Black and Gold Dinner
For the past year the Alumni Association has been compiling a list of illustrious alumni. While this is still a “work in progress,” we took advantage of the centenary of the current Vic High building to showcase the outstanding accomplishments of four of our amazing grads.
On Thursday May 15, 2014, we held a dinner at the Wardroom at CFB Esquimalt to recognize (L-R): Richard Hunt, class of 1971; Dr. Maria Tippett, class of 1962; Jessica Monroe-Gonin, class of 1984; and Jim Taylor, class of 1955. (See details below.)
140 people enjoyed an amazing celebration on a beautiful evening at the Wardroom with spectacular views overlooking the ocean! The Vic High Pop Choir was in typically fine form, entertaining during the cocktail hour. Keith McCallion masterfully emceed the event. The Minister of Education attended and in his remarks congratulated the honoured guests, while saluting our great school and Alumni Association in this centenary of our current building. The School District and Board of Trustees were well represented, with the Board Chair, Peg Orcherton, Class of ’73, also offering words of congratulations to the honourees and acknowledging the school and Alumni Association. Five past Principals were in attendance along with many former staff, alumni from the ’40s to ’90s, current students and staff, and friends and family of the honourees. Current students Eric Buhne, Saali-aa Edgar, Krysteena White and Tristan Pakosh joined Alumni Association directors Roger Skillings, Fred Packford, Denis Johnston and King Lee to present video tributes and introduce each honouree. The responses from those who attended have been full of accolades for a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening – and we are already looking forward to the next one!
Click on each inductee’s name to link to a video about them.
Jim Taylor (VHS 1955)
A nationally acclaimed humourist and sports writer, Jim is the author of over 15 books including Dirty 30 (1974) and two biographies of Wayne Gretzky (1984 and 1994). He began at the Daily Colonist, went on to write for both Vancouver dailies, and was syndicated across Canada. He has won numerous awards, and is a member of five sports halls of fame
Dr. Maria Tippett (VHS 1962)
Maria is a leading Canadian cultural historian and the author of more than a dozen books including Art at the Service of War (1984) and biographies of Canadian artists Emily Carr, F.H. Varley, and Yousuf Karsh. Her many honours include the Governor General’s book award for non-fiction. After several years teaching in England, she now resides on Pender Island.
Richard Hunt (VHS 1971)
Richard is an acclaimed artist whose works grace galleries and private collections across the country and beyond. He was the artist behind all the design work created for Vic High’s 125th celebrations in 2001. He is a member of the Order of British Columbia (1991), the Order of Canada (1994) and the Royal Academy of the Arts (2004). In 2009 he received the BC Creative Achievement Award for Aboriginal Art.
Jessica Monroe-Gonin (VHS 1984)
Jessica was on the national rowing team and won Olympic gold and silver medals at the summer games in Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996). She is a member of the British Columbia, Victoria, and Canadian sports halls of fame.
