Upper Canada College is taking an interactive approach, and utilizing their unique history, to teach boys about war and military history, and connecting both to Canada’s current military families.
Immersive Military History –
Launched in 2016, the Immersive Military History program is limited to 10 or 12 students, who apply to join the program, and submit a personal essay to qualify. Those accepted into the program then “adopt” one of the nearly 400 “Old Boys” (UCC alumni) who served and fell in World Wars I &II. The students comb the UCC archives to learn as much as they can about their Old Boy as a young man – when he was at the College, as well as researching as much as they can about his service to Canada. Last year, one class went so far as to dig a trench line on UCC's Norval Outdoor Education campus (near Caledon, Ontario), and live in it for a day, eating similar rations, etc, to gain a sense of trench warfare experience.
The course culminates with a faculty-led student experience in Europe in the spring of each year, so the students can see, first hand, the battlefields “their boys” fought on, as well as the graveyards where they now lie. The program, and the Europe trip, are made possible by a generous grant from the Cleghorn family, who have a son currently enrolled in the college. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuUoB6iKbUk&feature=youtu.be
Military Scholarship –
UCC has an extensive Financial Assistance program (over $5 million available annually, supporting more than 20% of UCC's student body), and the College is developing a program of Military Scholarships, specifically for the students from military families. This program is being developed in conjunction with the True Patriot Love Foundation, whose founder, Shaun Frances, is himself a UCC Old Boy. Frances’ and TPL’s involvement with the recent Invictus Games in Toronto have brought renewed focus to the situation of military families.
UCC Principal Sam McKinney notes “Conflict and division are daily occurrences in many parts of the world today, and it’s essential that our boys be aware of the sacrifices of those who served in the past, and those currently serving. We bring it full circle with the participation of our current Old Boy vets in the Remembrance Day services at the College.”
SAM McKINNEY is available to discuss UCC Remembrance Day programs, as are several UCC students involved in the program.
About Upper Canada College: Upper Canada College is recognized nationally and globally as one of North America’s foremost boys’ schools. Educating tomorrow’s leaders and innovators since 1829, UCC enrolls more than 1,200 students in Senior Kindergarten through Grade 12. UCC has one of the largest and most generous financial assistance programs, offering $5 million each year to boys of the highest potential. With peerless sports and educational facilities on 16 hectares and boarding for 87 students, UCC has one of the broadest International Baccalaureate programs in the country. Our mission? We believe in boys. For more visit www.ucc.on.ca.
