HUGO ’ S KINDNESS , CARE AND GENEROSITY TO THE FORE
Hugo Boreham (’ 20 ) takes the 2021 Perelberg Award
HUGO BOREHAM DELIVERING BOXES FOR CHARITY
The Perelberg Award has been presented annually since 1993 , and is a most significant Scotch honour . It is granted in each alternate year to a current Year 12 student , or to one who left in the previous year , or to an Old Scotch Collegian .
This year the Perelberg Award is presented to a current student or to one who left in the previous year . The key criterion is that the recipient has shown ‘ exemplary Scotch Spirit ’.
The award honours the memory of Ashley Perelberg from the Class of 1992 , who tragically died of a heart attack at the age of 18 in his first year of university study . Ashley exemplified Scotch Spirit throughout his full and enthusiastic involvement while a student at Scotch . Ashley ’ s family presented a silver sculpture depicting the penguin parade at Phillip Island , which was inspired by Ashley ’ s devotion to the annual Scotch-at- Cowes summer camps on Phillip Island .
The sculpture is a perpetual memorial to Ashley and is on permanent display in the Library . The annual winner of the Perelberg Award receives a silver replica of this sculpture .
In considering this year ’ s nominations , it became apparent that there was a particular young man who would be a most deserving recipient of the Perelberg Award . This boy had , both during his time at Scotch and in the year subsequent to leaving Scotch , acted in ways that had influenced for the greater good , without thought of reward or recognition , and had put the needs and interests of others before his own .
This year ’ s recipients of the Perelberg award is Hugo Boreham . Hugo is a member of the Class of ’ 20 , having commenced Year 7 in 2015 . During his time at Scotch , Hugo won prizes for General Excellence in Years 7 and 8 , and for Studies and Games in Years 9 and 10 . In his final year , Hugo was a Prefect , Vice Captain of Monash and Vice Captain of Cricket . Along the way , Hugo was also involved in music as a member of the choir and a number of bands .
Even in Year 7 , Hugo ’ s kindness , care and generosity were very evident , and over the years he has been unwavering in his desire to help others in any way he can .
In Year 10 , Hugo travelled to the Tiwi Islands as a member of the Indigenous
Partnership Program , a trip he still deems to be the best week of his life . Hugo was already looking beyond the gates of Morrison Street .
Hugo ’ s willingness to support others was very much to the fore with his production of ‘ Chomper ' s Champions ’ during the 2020 lockdown . This podcast , which required an enormous time commitment from Hugo , involved Hugo interviewing staff and students . These interviews not only provided great entertainment , but connected boys back into the Scotch world and provided a common topic for boys to chat about during the week .
Hugo was also a key driver in last year ’ s ‘ Not Weak to Speak ’ campaign , the aim of which was to provide the boys with information about , and support for , mental health issues .
Since leaving school , Hugo has become heavily involved with the Young Old Boys , being a member of the committee and giving freely of his time within the ‘ Beyond the Gates ’ program .
Continuing the thread of wanting to help others , Hugo volunteers his time as a football and cricket coach at the respective Richmond clubs .
As can be seen from this resume , Hugo has , over his time at Scotch and since leaving Scotch , sought to make a difference through his endeavours and actions , supporting those things that need supporting and challenging those things that need challenging .
Hugo fully exemplifies Scotch spirit , and is indeed a worthy recipient of this year ’ s Perelberg Award .
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