FEATURES
AN EXEMPLARY SCOTCH BOY RECEIVES THE 2021 NED PARNHAM AWARD
‘ Ardently focused on doing what he feels is right ’
LACHLAN MCMURTRIE - YEAR 12
Lachlan McMurtrie ( Year 12 ), a boy who throughout his school career has sought to make a difference through his endeavours and actions , is the worthy winner of the 2021 Ned Parnham Award .
First granted in 2020 , the award commemorates the life of Ned Parnham from Scotch ’ s Class of 2015 . It goes 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 . The names of all award winners are recorded as part of the sculpture , and a replica of the award is presented to each year ’ s recipient .
Ned Parnham attended Scotch from 2010-15 , and loved his time at the School . He embraced the learning , the friendships , the sport and all the opportunities presented to him . Ned died in 2020 of a rare form of acute myeloid leukaemia , despite a long and arduous period of treatment . He was just 22 years of age .
As a young boy , Ned had been fascinated with sea creatures , especially stingrays of all varieties . The perpetual award , which is on permanent display in the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall , consists of a sculpture of southern eagle rays .
In considering the 2021 nominations , it became apparent that Lachlan McMurtrie would be a most deserving recipient of the award , as during his time at Scotch he had 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 .
During his time at Scotch , beginning in Year 7 , Lachlan has been readily involved in the vast opportunities the School offers , particularly in the area of Public Speaking . He has been an exemplary student , receiving academic prizes in Years 9 , 10 and 11 . In Year 10 , he was Scotch ' s representative for the Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship , and in 2022 Lachlan is Captain of Field House and a School Prefect , reinforcing the esteem in which he is held by staff and boys .
Beyond the classroom , Lachlan ’ s contributions have been significant and far reaching . Last year he worked with a young boy over Zoom through the Student2Student reading program , which is designed to assist underprivileged young persons with their literacy . Lachlan also participated in the EVATT Model UN competition , reaching the semifinals of the competition . Success was also obtained in the Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Competition .
Last year , Lachlan assisted on the Year 9 Field retreat and acted as a peer mentor . His talents in Public Speaking were put to good use , through winning the Year 11 competition , but more importantly , assisting the Year 9 Field representative , including turning up to the performance to offer further feedback .
Lachlan has also been heavily involved in House Drama ; yet , because other students were interested in performing , he selflessly confined himself to the ‘ off-camera ’ roles of writing and directing so that his peers could be involved . Through all this Lachlan displayed an imperturbable sense of modesty and empathy for others .
Perhaps Lachlan ’ s approach to school life is best articulated by his Head of House , who wrote : ‘ Seldom have I come across a student so ardently focused on doing what he feels is right , and so willing to go above and beyond to ensure all feel welcome and respected .’
Lachlan has sought to make a difference through his endeavours and actions , supporting those things that need supporting and challenging those things that need challenging . He fully exemplifies Scotch Spirit , and is a worthy recipient of the 2021 Ned Parnham Award .
32 Great Scot Issue 165 – April 2022