Alum Association

They-dies and Gentle-thems! My name is Devon Taylor, and I am honoured and excited to be the new President of the York House School Alum Association.
 
I am a fiercely proud third-generation Yorkie who was taught the school song, “Onward and Upward” even before I got a spot in Ms. England’s kindergarten class in 1989!
 
My YHS legacy began in the early days of YHS with my Nana, Audrey (Wilson) Robson, Class of 1947. My great-grandparents moved to Vancouver in the late 1930s, by way of Victoria, settled in Kerrisdale and sent Audrey to York House. So, when it came time to send her three daughters to school, my Nana of course decided to send her girls to YHS. All three girls attended both the Junior and Senior Schools, with a few years hiatus in Toronto in the late 60s. All three girls were on the YHS Student Executive, Susan (Robson) Bauhart, Class of 1970 was Community Service Captain, Sally (Robson) Alston, Class of 1976 was Sports Captain, and my late Mum, Sherry (Robson) Taylor, Class of 1973 was Head Girl. And then came me, Vice Head Girl for the Class of 2002. Looking to the future, we’re hoping to be a four-generation family, as I now have a young daughter, Camryn, who is already eying a spot in the class of 2038!
 
To say that York House is in my blood is an understatement! My Mum was the Alum President multiple times…at least three I believe! She has a YHS Spirit Award named after her and she’s a lifetime member of both the Alum and Parents’ Association. Talk about a bit of an intimidating shadow to stand in.
 
However, I am excited to put my own stamp on the Alum Association during my term as President. I hope to engage more with both recent and golden alums, create new ways for us to stay connected, continue to bring the Barbeau Boutique (Used Uniform Shop) to our parents via the online shop, and bring a different voice to the group. As the Association’s first openly queer President, I hope to encourage other queer alums to reengage with the school, and show students, who might be questioning their identities or sexuality, that they too can be a leader and make a positive impact on this world.
 
May we as an alum organization continue to empower each other, and our future alums, to reach for the stars and stand out from a crowd.
 
I look forward to seeing you during my time as President and invite you to let us know how the Alum Association can continue to grow and connect with you in an ever-changing world.

Sincerely,

Devon Taylor ‘02