CAPTAINS ' CORNER
ON THESE PAGES ARE EXTRACTS FROM ADDRESSES MADE BY THE SCHOOL CAPTAIN , DION WHITFIELD AND THE VICE CAPTAIN , THOMAS KLUCKOW . DION SPOKE AT THE YEAR 12 PRESENTATION NIGHT ON 12 OCTOBER . THOMAS MADE HIS SPEECH DURING THE VALEDICTORY DINNER ON 11 OCTOBER .
THE GREAT LEGACY OF THE CLASS OF 2023
DION WHITFIELD – SCHOOL CAPTAIN ’ S ADDRESS Year 12 Presentation Night , 12 October 2023
Tonight is a very significant celebration : a milestone marking the end of your secondary schooling but also importantly a celebration of your contribution to Scotch College .
I can safely say that whether it be 13 years , six years , four years , or however long you have been in this place and beside these people , the certificate you receive upon completing your VCE is not the most important thing you will take away from Scotch College .
A certificate can sometimes be a bit like a shopping list : it does not do justice to your various achievements , your character , your capabilities and the influence you have had on this school and the others around you .
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to the other people in the Memorial Hall this evening who have been our unwavering support system throughout this incredible journey : our parents . As per the Vietnamese proverb : when eating fruit , remember , who planted the tree . And we have all certainly enjoyed the fruits of a Scotch education .
But I would also like to think in many ways that the true fruits of a Scotch education are yet to come .
There is much that we have achieved together , and much to be proud of ! One of the things that made me most proud this year , and definitely a highlight for many in this room , was the ‘ Take the Plunge ’ for Tiwi College fundraiser . A lot of hard work from many went into making this such a successful day , which culminated in us raising over $ 12,000 for Tiwi College .
I was fortunate enough to be up on Tiwi at the end of last term to see first-hand the tangible impact of where that money is going , which is the building of a new Arts Centre up at Tiwi College .
Together , these initiatives – whether it ’ s the Prefect Talks , the ‘ Being a Good Scotch Mate ’ campaign or the Tiwi College Fundraiser – only build upon the great legacy that the Class of 2023 leaves .
And I say that the Class of 2023 leaves ‘ a great legacy ’ purposefully ! Because it ’ s very easy to see the impact you have
had around the school grounds . But I would argue this year , by actively looking outward and embracing the spirit of charity and giving , we have not only enriched our own lives , but also made a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need within our community and beyond .
As for me , I want to thank the Class of 2023 for welcoming me back to Scotch this year as your School Captain . It ' s an honour to be part of this incredible group of individuals . From the very beginning and through my involvement in different parts of the school this year – like with the 1st XVIII or even having conversations with you around the school – you extended a hand of friendship and inclusion , and for that , I ' m truly grateful .
I want to as well thank our Principal , Dr Marsh . Your support of all the aforementioned and various initiatives , activities and fundraisers this year is greatly appreciated . You have not just been our Principal , but I think also a great role model , demonstrating the qualities of integrity and someone who is of good character . Some might say you ’ re pretty funny too ! I must say I ’ ll give you that !
Your commitment to the betterment of our school is already evident to me , and it ’ s been great to enjoy a close working relationship with you .
Boys – I challenge you to make the most of your opportunities in life . This evening I will quote philosopher , Henry David Thoreau , who once wisely said : ' Go confidently in the direction of your dreams . Live the life you have imagined .' Simply put , seize every chance to learn , to grow and to have a positive impact on others as well .
The world is full of opportunities , and it ' s up to us to recognise them and turn them into stepping stones toward success .
I leave my school proud of the service that I ’ ve been able to give , confident about the future of this great school , and thankful for everything that a Scotch education has given me . And remember this : ‘ The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again ’.
I look forward to seeing a lot more of you beyond the Monash Gates !
32 Great Scot Issue 170 – December 2023