Hank Bouwman
A proud STMC graduate from the Class of 1974, Hank Bouwman returned to his alma mater to serve generations of students as a teacher, academic counsellor, and leader within our Alumni Community.
Hank always made time for his students and for anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. His servant leadership, genuine care, and dedication to helping our Grade 12 students navigate their transition to post-secondary life made a lasting impact on countless young people.
We are fortunate that he will continue to support our Alumni and Community Relations team and the STMC community he has served so faithfully.
Congratulations, Hank, and thank you for an extraordinary legacy of service.
– Dominic Zimmermann ‘93
John Spanjers
John has contributed to the school community in a myriad of ways as a coach, athletic director, a teacher, a chess moderator, and an academic counsellor. He also runs the Beekeeping Club and he is the school rep for the neighborhood Plant-a-Row, Grow-a-Row program which distributes locally grown produce to those in need. He does it all quietly and without boasting.
Inside the classroom, John is much more than a socials 9 teacher who simply assigns Vocab. He truly cares for his students and is always committed to making students aware of current and historical events in order to make them better citizens.
Working alongside John taught me something invaluable: don’t sweat the small things and to always look at things in a positive light. John constantly worked to get things done in an efficient manner. The annual OLM track meet is evidence of this quality and I really admire that.
Behind his apparent gruff exterior lies a loyal, truly great friend who cares for others. I feel blessed to have had him in my life for over 6 decades.
– Hank Bouwman ’74
Loretta Bilawey
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Loretta for 17 years, and throughout that time she brought a remarkable sense of calm, clarity, and kindness to our French department. She taught students at every level with quiet confidence, making expectations clear while encouraging each student to do their best.
Loretta also understood that learning French should extend beyond the classroom. She accompanied students to Carnaval in Québec City, even braving temperatures of minus 40 so they could experience French Canadian culture and fun firsthand!
But what I will remember most is how deeply Loretta cared about the people around her. She noticed when a student or colleague was having a difficult day and would quietly find a way to show that she cared. That warmth, thoughtfulness, and genuine concern for others are what I will remember most about working with her.
– Karryn Ransom
Darrell Hall
Darrell Hall’s career at St. Thomas More Collegiate stands as a remarkable legacy of leadership, transformation, faith, and service. As STMC’s first non-Christian Brother Principal, Darrell completely transformed the school while honouring and advancing its Edmund Rice tradition.
A masterful tactician and fierce competitor, he brought the same determination to education that earned him induction into the BC Football Hall of Fame for his achievements as a Grade 8 football coach. Yet Darrell’s greatest impact extends far beyond administration and athletics. He is a gifted educator, communicator, author, and Christian apologist who has challenged students and adults to explore the relationship between faith, science, philosophy, and reason with courage and intellectual humility.
Through his book, How Science Has Discovered God, and his work throughout Catholic education, he has inspired countless people to deepen their faith. Above all, Darrell is a devoted husband, father, and true Servant-Leader whose influence will endure for generations.
– Joe Adams
