On August 12, 2025, St. Ignatius High School student Chase Smith died of an epileptic seizure. She was 17 years old.
St. Ignatius students honoured her memory on Friday with a Chasers of Hope walk to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy support programs.
Chase’s brother Quentin Smith, 16, was the driving force behind the event. Smith is a member of St. Ignatius’ Gender and Sexuality Alliance, which organized the walk.
“I loved her so much,” Quentin said. “She always stood up for people. She stood up for what she believed in.”
Chase was also member of St. Ignatius’ Gender and Sexuality Alliance club.
“She absolutely hated bullying and any type of oppression. She just wanted people to be people and live their lives. Like Quentin said, she stood up for people that needed to be stood up for,” Chase and Quentin’s father David Smith said.
Students were permitted to wear non-uniform clothing for the day by donating at least $1 to Epilepsy Ontario, a registered health charity and the leading voice on epilepsy in the province. They were also encouraged to wear bright colours, in keeping with Chase’s signature style.
Perch Cafe served “Chase Special” drinks and snacks at the event, with all proceeds going to Epilepsy Ontario as well.
Chase’s friends and family shared remarks with the school at the opening ceremony.
“It’s a flood of emotions, especially after the heartfelt speeches today,” said Justin Ball, St. Ignatius theology teacher and Gender and Sexuality Alliance manager. “I have an immense amount of pride for this school and for the people that took part in this event.”
Chase Smith’s obituary can be found here.
“As teachers, we talk about the things that students will really leave with,” Ball said. “Sometimes it isn’t the math course or Shakespeare, as important as those things are. Sometimes it’s the real actions like this that stick with them. Learning empathy, care and hope is as important as anything.”
