8
10 new Inductees and some Rising Stars too! Natalie van Wetering It is only occasionally when one feels the sort of pride you feel like your heart might just get stuck in your throat –when your team wins a grand final, or your child sings a pure soprano solo in the concert, or Australia rises as one to fight a natural disaster.... well that’s something like how I felt at the second induction dinner for the BGS Hall of Fame. I could not have felt more proud to be part of the BGS community. It was an emotional journey of pride and awe; I was reintroduced via a short movie clip to the heroic and courageous Old Boys who made up the inaugural inductees in 2008, the Centenary year of the OBGS. Eight of those men were present and formally paraded in behind the School banner, School Captain and Headmaster. And although all walked tall, it was with humility amongst their peers. To describe every detail of what occurred would be as dull as reading the itinerary of someone else’s holiday. That said though, there were several highlights. Formalities
included the presentation of Honorary Life Membership of the OBGS to long serving staff member Monty Stephens and Old Boy, Past President of the OBGS and Past Parent Michael Talbot, a moving rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’ sung by Bruce Hardy (2005) and William Tang (2005), a very witty and clever keynote address by Michael Rozenes (1963), Chief Judge of the County Court and Hall of Fame Inductee 2008, and a breathtaking performance from internationally renowned jazz pianist Dr Allan Zavod (1963), Hall of Fame Inductee 2008. Of course the purpose of the night was to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our 10 inductees and our 5 Rising Stars. They are listed below with a short description of some of their achievements. (To read their biographies and to access a short video on each inductee simply google Brighton Grammar and go to the Old Boys section.) It would be remiss of me to finish this report without sharing just a couple of the really standout moments of the evening. One inductee, Roger Davies, is far from a house-hold name – and yet he certainly mixes with the rich and famous! Roger has been a manager of musical artists since the 70s starting with Sherbet taking them from a local band to an international success. Since then his client list includes Cher, Joe Cocker, Olivia Newton-John, Tina Turner, Sade, Janet Jackson, Pink and more. Roger was unable to be with us at the dinner but Daryl Braithwaite, former lead singer from Sherbet stood in on his behalf and was supported by a three minute video message from Cher, Pink, Tina and others passing on their congratulations to Roger! Quite a show stopper!
Another memorable moment was when Dylan Alcott OAM, who at 17 and in Year 12 won an Olympic gold at the Beijing Paralympics, was presented with his award, took a moment to thank the Comport family for the scholarship they had given to the school that allowed him to attend BGS. Dylan said without that opportunity his life simply would not have gone in the direction it has and he was overwhelmed with gratitude. And finally, another inductee who again is someone most of you would not know and yet he has made a significant mark in the world. The late Rev. Peter Thomson AM lived his life both in Australia and the UK and is best known for the work he did as a social entrepreneur (practising his Christian faith by actually getting out and doing things to help the disadvantaged and getting others to do the same) and for being a mentor and friend of the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. The guests at the dinner were awestruck when a three minute video message from Tony and Cherie Blair sent their congratulations and best wishes to Peter’s family with Tony clearly saying, “Peter was the most influential person in my life”.
Top Old Boys William Tang and Bruce Hardy perform ‘The Impossible Dream’. Centre left Judge Michael Rozenes AO, QC gave the keynote address. Centre Right President of the OBGS Peter Scott. RIght Dr Allan Zavod (Hall of Fame inductee 2008) with the Headmaster.