The Halls That Made Me: Returning to St. John’s High School

Boyle Park Media opens with a feature, followed by glimpses into faith, family, and thought.

Feature

Bev and I are blessed to count Devon & Pearlene Clunis as friends. They are both published authors and Devon is recognized as the first Black Police Chief in Canada. We are delighted that Devon has given his blessing for us to publish his monthly newsletter. .

The Halls That Made Me: Returning to St. John’s High School

Monthly Inspiration from Devon Clunis – Newsletter Issue #05 | May 2026

From his gym to life. Thank you, Coach Burdy.

🕊️ Opening Reflection

I often ask people what the best time of their lives has been. Like me, many immediately respond: high school.

I loved my time at St. John’s High School in the North End of Winnipeg. I have been back to St. John’s many times since graduation, but returning to address the entire student body at their inaugural Alumni Day event on May 7th was profound. I was joined by ten fellow alumni who have gone on to lead successful lives and careers, many of whom are doing incredible community development work in Winnipeg.

Walking through the halls where I used to run and jump, trying to hit my head on the ceiling to improve my vertical for basketball brought a huge smile to my face. As I entered the gym wearing a suit instead of a uniform, I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing a basketball and shoot hoops with a few of the students. I could have stayed there for hours.

But the most profound part of the event was being introduced by my freshman basketball coach and biology teacher, Mr. Brian Burdy. Mr. Burdy and others like him at St. John’s have become a part of my DNA.

The Coach Who Saw Me First

Mr. Burdy taught me to play basketball, right there, in that gym. In teaching me about basketball, he taught me a great deal about life, and as a young man, I wanted nothing more than to be like him. I thought I would become a biologist.

Obviously, I didn’t become a biologist. But it was while studying biology at the University of Winnipeg that I found my path to policing. I often reflect on the impact of my high school teachers and coaches beyond academics. Their work ethic, character, and caring were not a job. It was their calling, and though I never followed in their professional path, I have carried their examples with me.

When I was a student at St. John’s, we didn’t have alumni returning to share stories of success and overcoming challenges. I didn’t know what was possible. I felt fortunate to return to share some of my story with the current crop of St. John’s Tigers, to let them know there are no limits to their future. I reminded them that at one point, I was exactly where they are now. And if they believe I have accomplished anything of value, they can do so much more. The students had so much hope and purpose for their future.

I met a young man who wanted to know how to connect with mentors and role models. It was easy to give him my number.

I met a young woman who wrote incredible poetry. I will definitely help her find a way to get her work to the masses.

Seeing Beyond Stereotypes

The North End of Winnipeg has significant social challenges. It was like that to a degree when I was a student at St. John’s, and it’s even more so now. People sometimes have low expectations of the area, its residents, and its students. All of the alumni in attendance had more than beaten the odds. They were highly accomplished.

I reminded the students to never let anyone write their narrative for them. That no matter where they are from, no matter their shade of beautiful, ethnic or cultural background, there are people in their community, and teachers at St. John’s who are willing to invest time and effort to see them achieve their potential. That’s what happened to all the alumni present and me, and it can happen to them.

Have You Thought About Returning to the People or places that made you?
I hope you would consider that today.

Final Thought
I will be returning to St. John’s again in the near future. I want to find a way to continue impacting the next generation of students. That’s the gift of growing up. You get to go back not as the child who needs something, but as the adult who has something to give.

Mr. Burdy didn’t know I would become Chief of Police. He just invested in me.
Now it’s our turn. Someone is waiting for you to see them the way you were once seen.
Don’t keep them waiting.

With gratitude for every coach, teacher, and the places that made us who we are,
🙏
Devon

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