CLASS OF 2015
// TIME TO REFLECT Sharee Verdon | Head of Year
A
s Head of Year for the Class of 2015 and spending so much time with the cohort it is difficult to encapsulate such a large and diverse group of boys in just a few words. But I think our newest Old Boys can best be described by one of their last combined acts – their gift to me. Their departing gift was a staffy puppy the boys named V Dog. The gift was symbolic of the group’s main characteristic – they were relationship-centred and kind. Within the cohort the leaders did a terrific job of guiding their counterparts through such a busy, and at times stressful, final year at school. School Captain Alester Fleming opened the year with a passionate speech in front of the entire school, urging his contemporaries to build on the past, look to the future, and make 2015 memorable. Alester has always been one to walk the talk, and he went on to secure a list of achievements in 2015 few have done in BGS history. As well as leading the School, captaining the Firsts tennis team, captaining the track and field team, being a member of the Firsts cricket team and concert band, he earned both the Dux and Sportsman of the Year awards. But most importantly, he was humble and appreciative, never missing an opportunity to commend his schoolmates or thank his teachers. I must say that as an educator one only has the privilege of working with a scholar and gentleman of such high calibre a few times in their entire career. Alester was one. But just as Alester was quick to point out, he was supported brilliantly by Vice Captains Manning Clifford and Tom FitzGerald and Harlin House Captain Sam Eadie. This year Manning proved himself on the world stage as a gifted debater, and has been a paragon of parochialism and patriotism. Manning has exemplified the meaning of a well-rounded education, excelling in a wide range of academic, sporting and cultural endeavours.
pursuit of excellence, whether intellectual, social or physical, Tom has left an indelible mark on the fabric of the School. Boarding Captain Sam’s proficient organisation, intrinsic motivation and self-discipline, combined with his intellectual talent, have yielded outstanding results during his time at BGS. He has been an integral team member for the inaugural Rosies – Friends on the Street program, serving Brisbane’s homeless in his own time. He served the marginalized refugee members of our local community through peer tutoring younger children on a weekly basis. On top of that he was one of the key drivers behind the HeForShe campaign for gender equality. Our outgoing captains have done a brilliant job throughout 2015 and they have set the bar very high for our incoming leaders. It was a privilege to guide the class of 2015 to graduation. Good luck in the future boys and thank you for V Dog.
Tom further showed himself to be incredibly people-centric, empathetic, and a wonderful all-rounder. He rightly earned a reputation for being an outstanding scholar, and a leader of unwavering loyalty and commitment. Tireless in his
/ 19