Founder’s Day 2012: Ted Claxton ’73 receives 2012 Speirs Medal

“My involvement in this school has restored my faith in humanity,” Ted Claxton ’73 confessed in his speech to the Founder’s Day audience on November 22. ”It’s wonderful to see a community of people who are driven by what they believe in.”

Mr. Claxton ’73 was speaking as the 2012 recipient of the Speirs Medal, which was presented in recognition of his service on the school’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 2011, where he sat as chairman for the last four years.

Describing his time on the Board as “a truly wonderful adventure,” Mr. Claxton spent most of his acceptance speech praising a number of people who contributed to the school’s success during those years, including: Mark Smith, Wendy MacDonald, John Carsley, Bryan Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Goldbloom, Martha Fitzpatrick, France Chrétien Desmarais and James McMillan.

He paid special tribute to retired Headmaster Will Mitchell, a “thoughtful and considerate” man who “had a vision and stuck to it.” Current Headmaster Hal Hannaford, he said, “has created excitement and a sense of adventure for this school, and we’re all better for it.”

Mr. Claxton led the Board through a number of important initiatives, including the construction of the Speirs Building and renovations to the Lucas and Macaulay Buildings, and guided the school in its response to language legislation.

But, he said, the cause he felt most strongly about was his work in promoting “the importance of French in the cultural evolution of the School.” It is, he said, “key to our success.”

Mr. Claxton said his years as Chairman of the Board had taught him that “good leadership is all about purely human things.”

“I love this school very, very much, he said in conclusion. “There’s no reason why this can’t be one of the best schools in Canada, and one of the best schools in the world.”

Mr. Claxton received the Speirs Medal from Michael Denham, his successor as Chairman of the Board, who was first elected to the board in November of 2006. The Speirs Medal is named in memory of Dr. Robert Speirs, who served as headmaster of Selwyn House School from 1945 to 1971.

During the Founder’s Day program, Selwyn House parents Mark and Lisa Smith were named as the first recipients of the Nancy Pitfield Award, which includes a $5,000 donation to the school in their name. Long-serving Selwyn House staff members Marc and Christine Krushelnyski were named Honorary Old Boys, and retired Elementary School teacher Martin Rondeau was honoured for his 31 years of service to the school.

Full video of Tec Claxton's speech here.

Photos from Founder's Day here.