“Vision and Knowledge”

Like most weekends at the cottage, we tend to have competitive debates on various topics. Tonight’s debate was about our high schools. Which was the best? Which had the most notable alumni?

I attended Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario. I went to school with Mike Meyers. If you think for one second that his” Wayne’s World” characters were original, think again. That’s who he was, adorned in his stoner jacket and Greb Kodiak’s like all Mac’s were in the 80s. If you doubt this I’ll show you my yearbook that he personally signed.

The official school crest, colours and motto were selected to reflect the life and work Sir John. The crest contains a map of Canada and the symbols of the Macdonald clan: a white coronet, a mailed fist, and crossed crosslets. Red, Royal Purple, and White, which predominate in the tartan of Sir John's family clan, Clanranald, were selected as official school colours. The school motto, "Prudentia et Scientia" (Vision and knowledge), describe the qualities possessed by Sir John A. Macdonald. I am proud to be a “MAC”.

Unfortunately in my senior year my parents relocated our family to Crete (a.k.a. Waterloo, Ontario or “Water & Pooh” as per my brother’s reference to it) therefore I ended up graduating from Waterloo Colligate Institute (WCI). Sir John A. will always be my high school.

My husband attended Eastwood Collegiate Institute. He is a proud “Rebel”. Our daughter just started high school a few weeks ago. Her home school is WCI. But she’s gifted and was accepted into the Waterloo Region Integrated Arts Program which happens to be at what school? Eastwood Collegiate Institute. So the debate tonight was 2 against 1.

Round 1
Wikipedia search for notable alumni from WCI.
Results:

ZERO (which just proves that arrogant Beachwoodites don’t bother to post their accomplishments on Wikipedia.
I lost Round 1.

Round 2
Wikipedia search for notable alumni from ECI
Results:
Karen Redman - Liberal Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre; currently serves as Chief Official Opposition Whip
Alex Mustakas - Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. Starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
David Chilton - Author of "The Wealthy Barber" and winner of Vanier Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Canadian under 40
Marisa McIntyre - Starred in Toronto production of Mamma Mia!
Tom Goertz - J'avert in Les Miserables
Fitz "The Whip" Vanderpool - Championship Boxer, 1998 Boxer of the Year, and founder of "The Whip Boxing Academy"
Dave Schneider - 105.3 KOOL FM radio personality ---Mr. Eastwood and K-W’s sexiest hunk
Art Froese - Calgary Stampeders
Harry Doering - Edmonton Eskimos
Rob Ring - Video Artist & Artistic Director of CAFKA
Glen Leach - Montreal Alouettes
Frank Jagas - Calgary Stampeders
Scott Stevens - retired NHL hockey player (Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils)
Mike Stevens - retired NHL hockey player (Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, NY Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs)
Mike Buie - Starred in 1999 Film Mystery Alaska
Markus Koch - Washington Redskins
Cindy Overland - Canadian Olympic Speed Skating Team
Charity Brown - Recording Artist
Joanna Perica - Singer/Songwriter
Sabine Schleese - One of the Top 100 women business owners in Canada (2001-present) Schleese Saddlery Service
Mike Boyko - All Canadian Women's Soccer Player of the Year
Justin Krulicki - Member of Team Canada's Paralympic Fastball Team

Round 3
Wikipedia search for notable alumni from Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute
Results:
Mike Johnson (ice hockey), NHL Hockey player, Montreal Canadiens, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs
David Furnish, civil partner of Elton John
Eric McCormack, actor, Will and Grace
Mike Myers (actor), Comedian Actor, (attended Macdonald graduated at a different school)
Duff Gibson, 2006 Winter Olympic gold medalist in singles skeleton
William Blair, Toronto Chief of Police
Shaun Chen, Toronto District School Board Trustee (Ward 21)
Grace T., Mary Z., Tony X., Coolest People EVER

Winner for most notable alumni: Eastwood Collegiate Institute

Winner for best high school: We called a truce as we both succeeded and know that Hilary will make it to the notable alumni list at Eastwood Collegiate Institute in the future.

I wonder why Kiefer, Rockford and Sutherland never made the notable ECI alumni list? On a final note, I received "Prudentia et Scientia" at Sir John A. Go Mac Go!