LCS Celebrates Regatta Day with New Student Life Center, Music, and Rain

On May 23, 2026, Lakefield College School celebrated its annual Regatta Day, a much-anticipated highlight of the school year. The weather forecast wasn’t promising. Dark clouds rolled in over Lake Katchewanooka, and the rain came down steadily on Regatta Day along with winds that made us shiver. But at LCS, a little rain won’t dampen our spirits.

The entire LCS community gathered under umbrellas and rain jackets for the canoe races and barbeque lunch meals. Canoe races, one of Regatta Day’s most beloved traditions, continued as usual. Students competed in canoe races between paper houses, paddling with fierce determination as raindrops rippled across the surface of the water. Cheers from the shore, where our fellow LCS members huddled under tents, spread out across the lake as the final heats came down to thrilling finishes.

By lunchtime, the annual BBQ lunch drew long, happy lines as old friends reunited. Alumni who hadn’t seen each other in decades embraced, swapping stories of Regatta Days past. Parents reconnected with faculty. Current students made memories they will surely share at future reunions.

 As the day unfolded, it became clear that this rainy Regatta Day would be one of the most remarkable in school history, highlighted by the opening of the Bouchard Family Thriving for Life Centre. Students moved from Harris field to the gym and gave spectacular performances. Dancers set the tone, where competitive sports teams also took part in the energetic dance performance. Lorelei choir and rock band joined the magical moment by performing incredible pieces ending with applause and cheers that warmed our hearts in this rainy afternoon. Ms. Kee put a wonderful start of the ceremony, the excitement and gratitude from her words deeply infected us all. As a representative from the Bouchard family, Ms. Rose Bouchard ’18 stepped to the microphone. In the speech, she spoke of their family’s deep connection to Lakefield College School and their hope that the new centre would become a “home away from home” for generations of students to come. It’s a pleasure to see the Bouchard family on campus with a brand new life centre and distinct school spirit.

As the afternoon wore on, the rain continued. But by then, it hardly mattered. The message of the day was clear: Lakefield College School’s community is stronger than any storm. With a new Student Life Centre at its heart, thanks to the vision and generosity of the Bouchard family, and a spirit that no amount of rain can dampen, LCS has never looked brighter. Everyone shines with a bright smile on their face, marking another end of a year’s Regatta Day with laughter and farewell hugs.