2016 Valedictory Address Good evening Mr Banks, special guests, staff, ladies, gentlemen and my fellow students. Welcome to the 2016 College Presentation Night. Tonight we gather as a College community to recognise and acknowledge the achievements of our College throughout the year of 2016. It is a night of reflection for many, of both this year and their longer life at Trinity College—a night where we look back at the incredible influence this College has had on our lives and the impact it will continue to have for decades to come. Throughout the year, young Trinity men have excelled in all Four Pillars of College life. The Faith, Academic, Sporting and Cultural Pillars of Trinity have been as active as ever and are evident in the achievements which we share as a community. Not through luck or chance but through the determination, dedication and devotion of each and every Trinity student, we have succeeded. From victories in volleyball, basketball, rowing and cross country to winning our 13th consecutive Zenith Award and to the numerous awards we are proudly recipients of in every learning area the College offers, I congratulate all involved in each of these feats. Along with our achievements, the everchanging landscape of our campus is something which future year groups can look forward to. However, the legacy of a Trinity man is not measured by the trophies he wins, the instruments he plays or the mark on his latest maths test. It’s much more than this. The legacy of a Trinity man is measured in his ability to be a Man for Others.
Lochie Taylor Head Prefect 2016
The willingness of the men around me to help someone in need, far exceeds any award which they will receive tonight. In saying this, no opportunity, accolade or award is achievable without the efforts of so many people. So, on behalf of all students, I extend my thanks to all parents and guardians of Trinity College students. It only takes a small conversation with a mother or father from another school to realise the commitment of our parents to our own school. Without your efforts, your sacrifice and your commitment to your sons, none of us would be able to enjoy the fruits of a Trinity education. To all teachers, staff and coaches alike: NFL legend Ray Lewis once said, “Don’t walk through life just playing football. Don’t walk through life just being an athlete. Athletics will fade. Character and integrity and really making an impact on someone’s life, that’s the ultimate vision, that’s the ultimate goal and the bottom line.” Similar to the words of Lewis, our teachers have consistently held a holistic approach not only to our education, but to us as human beings. And that is something I am forever grateful for, grateful that our teachers embrace a perspective which never sees an ‘A’ grade or an accolade ahead of building young men of character.
Mr Banks with the 2016 Prefects
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