Alums

Special Achievers

Honouring our alums

Nominate an Alum

Do you know of an exceptional alum who has achieved outstanding success in their field of work and/or their community? The YHS Alum Association encourages nominations from all fields of work, study and life. In order to best highlight the nominees’ achievements, nominators are asked to include a personal letter of support (min. 150 words) outlining the nominee’s achievements, both personally and professionally. 

Nominators are asked to highlight how the nominee has demonstrated exemplary leadership, professional and/or personal excellence, or positively impacted the community. Nominators may also submit a nominee’s curriculum vitae (if available), and any additional materials that support the nomination (e.g., news articles, Linkedin, published information, photos, etc.).

Nominations will be kept on file and considered for up to three years, including the year submitted.

To nominate an alum for either of these awards, please complete this form by April 2, 2024 (Google Account required), or email your submissions to [email protected]. The Alum Association will review nominations in early May and announce the results shortly after.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The award is presented to an alum who, through extraordinary dedication and lifelong commitment, has utilized their talent and passion for their profession to make outstanding contributions to their field and community.



Alum Special Achiever Award

The York House Alum Special Achiever Award is presented annually to an alum who has shown excellence in their professional career and/or personal life.
 
The Special Achiever will join the ranks of other alums including Saara Bhanji ’03 (activism), Dianne Whelan ’83 (documentary film/adventure), Leslie Cliff ’72 (business), and others who have shown excellence in the fields of social justice, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. 

The Special Achiever will have also proven to be a good ambassador for fellow Yorkies – both students and alums.
 
Eligible Candidates
The Alum Special Achiever Award is open to any member of the York House School Alum Association. 

Past Special Achievers

 Year
 Recipient
 Category
 2023
 Dr. Sarah Brayne
Education
 2022
 Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes '70
Law
 2021
 Stevie (Bryson) Mitchell '61
 Dr. Camilla Zimmermann '84
 Dr. Yvette Lu '96
 Dr. Alya Kamani '01
Lifetime Achievement
Medicine
Medicine
Medicine
 2020
 Activism
 2019
 2019
 Lifetime Achievement Award 
 Business    
 2018
 Business    
 2018
 Lifetime Achievement Award     
 2017
 Documentary Film/Adventure     
 2016 
 2016
 2016
 Dr. Robin Mansell '69
 Lifetime Achievement Award
 Education (Young Alum Category)
 Education        
 2015
 Medicine
 2014
 Singer/Songwriter
 2013
 Actress/Director
 2012
 Mary Butterfield '57
 Fundraising
 2011
 Fashion
 2010
 Community Service
 2009
 Stephanie Tait '00
 Environmental Action
 2008
 Stephanie Southam Carlson '62
 Community Service
 2007
 Environmental Engineering
 2006
 Susan Robson Bauhart '70
 Community Service
 2005
 Katie Manders '96 M.D.
 Medicine
 2004
 Leslie Cliff '72
 Business
 2003
 Alexandra Guest '81
 Social Justice
 2002
 Marilyn Pipes Cassady '52
 Community Service
 2001
 Monique Owen Barbeau '82
 Renowned Master Chef
 2000
 Barbara Hislop '72
 Business
 1999
 Ursula Bell
 Education
 1998
 Public Service
 1997
 Performing Arts (Dancer, Choreographer, Stage Director, Teacher)
 1996
 Community Service
 1995
 Diana Cliff Maughan '70
 Community Service
 1994
 Culinary Arts (Entrepreneur, Caterer, Specialty Food Store)
 1993
 Margaret Owen Barbeau '54
 Community Service
 1992
 Jane Frazee '75
 Judy Osburn '65
 Business (Entrepreneurs - Children's Clothing Store)
 1991
 Janet Clothier Fruchtman '46
 Artist
 1990
 Community Service
 1989
 Veronica Pridham di Rosa '52
 Artist