1990s

Back in the 1990s, Waterloo Collegiate Institute (WCI) was already making headlines for more than just its strong academics. During that decade, the school set a remarkable record for student blood donations, demonstrating its deep commitment to community service and social responsibility. But WCI’s impact didn’t stop there. The school launched a pioneering anti-racism initiative—one of the first of its kind in the region—which gained province-wide recognition and was even featured by TVO for its leadership in promoting equity and inclusion.

Academically, WCI was also at the forefront of innovation. Its computer science team earned top honors in a university-level programming competition hosted by the University of Waterloo, outperforming older and more experienced teams. This achievement highlighted WCI’s advanced curriculum and the forward-thinking mindset of its students and teachers. Whether in community service, social leadership, or academic excellence, the 1990s were a defining era for WCI—one that set the foundation for the school's continued legacy of achievement.