FEATURES
THOMAS CRONIN ( YEAR 12 ) WINS THE INAUGURAL NED PARNHAM AWARD
THOMAS CRONIN - YEAR 12
A great attitude to service
Thomas Cronin , a boy with a great attitude towards service and a determination to promote the principles of inclusion , is the winner of the inaugural Ned Parnham Award , created in 2020 to commemorate the life of Ned Parnham from Scotch ’ s Class of 2015 , who tragically died at the age of 22 in February 2020 .
Ned ’ s family endowed the award , to be presented annually to a boy in Years 7-11 who demonstrates true Scotch Spirit , by challenging things that need challenging and supporting things that need supporting .
Ned Parnham was a Scotch student for six years and a member of the Class of 2015 . After leaving Scotch he enrolled at Melbourne University , studying Environmental Science . In November 2018 Ned was diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia . For 15 months Ned fought with tremendous strength , dignity and determination , enduring a stem cell transplant , clinical trials and chemotherapy , but tragically lost his battle and died in February 2020 . The Ned Parnham Award is perpetuated appropriately with a sculpture of southern eagle rays , which is on permanent display in the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall . As a young boy , Ned was fascinated with sea creatures , especially stingrays of all varieties .
The names of all award winners will be recorded as part of the perpetual award sculpture , and a replica of the award will be presented to each year ’ s winner at a prize-giving Assembly .
Thomas Cronin received his award as a Year 11 boy in December 2020 . During his time at Scotch , Thomas has grown to reflect Scotch Spirit in its many iterations . He is readily involved in the vast opportunities the School offers , particularly showcasing his virtuosity on the electric guitar – he has played at Assembly , during school concerts and House Chorals , in the Rock Band on Family Day – and he gave up time ( not to mention his Saturday night ) to entertain attendees at the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner last year .
This attitude of service is typical of Thomas , and it is most evident in the way he seeks to promote principles of inclusion at the School . He is working with others to architect the Gay-Straight Alliance at Scotch , acting as a supportive ally within our community and the wider world .
Whether online or in person , Thomas is not afraid to call out behaviour that is likely to cause others harm , and he speaks up when something needs to be said regarding matters of discrimination and the importance of empathy .
This approach is further captured in his recent documentary reflecting on issues of sexuality at Scotch , and what we – as individuals and collectively – can do to offer greater compassion in the way we see the world .
In doing so , Thomas seeks to promote the inherent value of each individual to ensure Scotch is a welcoming , supportive community for all . Through word and action , therefore , it is clear that Thomas has looked to challenge things that need challenging , and to support things that need supporting .
24 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021