Valedictory Address A
fter five years at Trinity College, there are certain things that truly represent what it is to be a member of this fine school.
The Celtic Cross that reminds us of the history and traditions of Trinity; our famous victory rumbles after David Rossbach sporting triumph; the Trinity Head Prefect colours worn proudly by students and supporters alike and then there is the symbol that stands out for me as the image I associate with being a TC student – the three crowns on our school crest. The crowns stand of course for the Holy Trinity, but they also mean so much more. A crown is an emblem of victory and this year has certainly seen Trinity crowned as the winners of many prestigious events. In so many arenas, Trinity excelled – from the outstanding efforts of our rowers taking out both the Hamer and Challenge Cups, to the unbeaten Cross Country and First XVIII football teams and of course our unforgettable win at the Athletics Carnival. Then there were the exceptional performances of our music students, individuals and ensembles winning praise and accolades. The College even collected the esteemed Zenith Award for the most outstanding school at the Catholic School’s Performing Arts Festival. But what has made all of this year’s triumphs so much more rewarding is the way that we behaved in the wake of our successes. Every Trinity student wore their emblem of victory, their ‘crowns’ with humility and temperance. However, it was not only in the high moments that I witnessed the strength of character present amongst the TC student body. Even on the occasions when we were soundly beaten, we held our heads high. We carried with us – even in defeat – an innate sense of pride in our conduct and the way we pursued our goals. A crown is also defined as something that rewards or consummates effort. I believe that the successes we have attained this year as a school are a just reward for the years we have spent giving our all. Words cannot say how much I admire the endeavour and heart of Trinity College students. Sometimes a crown can be a sign of struggle, and of standing up for what you believe in. Jesus was forced to wear a crown of thorns during the last hours of his life. He refused to give in; he wore his faith and his burden with amazing fortitude and courage. At Trinity, we are always taught to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, to be selfless and unafraid in the face of adversity. One man who loved God and was a true disciple of Jesus Christ was Blessed Edmund Rice. He too wore his own crown of thorns and endured his own hardships.
As young men of Trinity, the example set by Brother Rice means that we are capable of anything we set our minds to.
Speech Night
But of course we cannot do it alone. There are so many people that help us to realise our dreams. The Trinity staff have guided us through many trials and supported us in our quest to be all that we can be. Thank you for your belief in us. I thank my family for being my rock and a constant source of inspiration; for encouraging me to work hard; for believing in my ability to achieve my dreams; for teaching me to see the value of every person and for giving me the opportunity to attend a school that has moulded me into the young man I am. All Trinity students will always share the unbreakable bond of having attended this exceptional school. Year 12s have experienced the highs and endured the lows – together. A force to be reckoned with, we have written our page in Trinity history and I feel nothing but the utmost pride at being immortalised with a group of gentlemen as fine as you – the class of 2004. Crowns are usually worn by kings, by those in power. But with power comes a responsibility to think of others. The original motto of the Christian Brothers College was Viriliter Age meaning ‘strive manfully’. At Trinity we are always encouraged to follow this motto and strive to be men for others. With our education at Trinity behind us, the young men who will be graduating at the end of this year have been imbued with a power that comes from knowledge and experience. Each of us has the opportunity to wear that unseen crown every day for the rest of our lives. To be noble defenders of the rights of all people; to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat; to be unafraid to stand up for what is good and honourable in the world. This is what Trinity has taught me, that as young men of this college, we have been given the gift of power. The power to step out into the world confident in our abilities to overcome any challenge, the power to recognise the beauty and value of every human being…and most importantly the power to make a difference. David Rossbach Head Prefect
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