From Hand to Hand

The Regatta was, once again, a roaring success. Well over 5000 people descended on our campus to enjoy a sun-drenched weekend of 190 races and plenty of off-the-water entertainment. The Entre Booths provided tasty treats, the Regatta Store enjoyed lengthy lines, and the Music Stage was full of song. One important addition this year was our first annual Old Brentonian (alumni) Awards. This initiative by our Old Brentonian Executive and Reesa Hinks, Alumni Relations Coordinator, elevated the Brentwood Reception in the lobby of the T. Gil Bunch Theatre. Adding to the event were local food and wine vendors sharing the bounty of the Cowichan Valley – Vancouver Island’s bread basket! It was, however, the honouring of these three Old Brentonians that stole the show – please see their bios below. Five weeks earlier, I was fortunate to be the one to inform them of these awards. All of them were deeply honoured and, dare I say, emotional. While I was initially taken aback by their reaction, I quickly remembered how impactful the Brentwood experience is on us all – staff, past staff, parents, past parents, Old Brentonians, and students. There is a link between us that is unbreakable. From George Killy in 1964 to Michelle MacLaren in 1982 to Daniel Riley in 2004 – the torch was passed from one generation to the next. Yes, improvements have been made, but the deep, impactful feelings are very much the same.

2016 Extraordinary Young Old Brentonian Award Honouring an Old Brentonian, 30 years old or younger, who has made significant achievements in his or her career or through service to Brentwood College School Daniel Riley CLASS OF 2004
Daniel Riley is a veteran and an athlete. He served as a United States Marine for both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. On December 16, 2010 after stepping on an IED, Daniel sustained injuries resulting in the amputations of both legs above the knee, and part of his left hand. Since then he has been actively involved in sports and recreational therapy. Whether out surfing, biking, or skiing, he is trying to enjoy retirement and a life without limits. Living in Edwards, Colorado, Daniel currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Vail Veterans Program, and has been awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. Daniel is currently enrolled in Media Studies at Colorado Mountain College. 

2016 Old Brentonian Lifetime Achievement Award In recognition of an Old Brentonian who has had a distinguished career and is recognized as a leader in his/her industry George Killy CLASS OF 1964
After graduating from Brentwood and obtaining a B.A. from Simon Fraser University, George Killy returned to his home of Prince George and soon became one of the province’s most innovative and successful entrepreneurs in the central and north British Columbia forest industry. While designing, building, and operating Lakeland Mills, one of Canada’s award-winning full recovery lumber companies, George also served as Vice Chairman of the Rivers Committee in Prince George, advising the city on land use issues pertaining to local rivers. These efforts led to a public access riverfront trail in the heart of Prince George. Currently, George owns and operates Harley Street Holdings Inc., a Vancouver based investment company. Among his many outside involvements, he is Chair Emeritus of the Vancouver Art Gallery, a Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery Foundation, Chair of the Springtide Invitational Golf Tournament, Trustee of The Keg Royalties Income Fund, Director of Keg General Partner Ltd., a former Director of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, a former Ambassador of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and served on Brentwood’s Board from 1985-2013. George is also past Chair of Grid International Inc. of Austin, Texas, past Director and Corporate Secretary of the Nature Trust of British Columbia, a former Director of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Past President of the Council on North Interior Forest Employees Relations (Conifer), and co-recipient of the Canada Awards for Excellence – 1984 Gold Medal – for Labour Management Co-operation in Implementing Technological Change. 

2016 Outstanding Old Brentonian Award Honouring an Old Brentonian who has made outstanding contributions in his or her chosen profession, and/or to society as a whole Michelle MacLaren CLASS OF 1982
Michelle MacLaren is a Producer and Director in the entertainment industry whose recent credits include The Deuce, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and The Walking Dead. While Executive Producing Breaking Bad, Michelle was awarded two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two PGA awards, a Peabody, as well as several other nominations including two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series. Michelle’s interest in education led to her serving on the Board of Brentwood College School for seven years, working with inner city children in South Central Los Angeles, speaking at colleges such as UCLA and the American Film Institute  as well as mentoring through the Sundance Institute’s mentoring program. 

As Head, it was one of those special moment that will linger until next year. I encourage all Old Brentonians to get involved in the nomination process and celebration during the 2017 Brentwood Regatta. De Manu in Manum, Bud Patel, Head of School