Great Scot September 2018 Gt Scot_154_September_online | Page 38

News
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
to Kristofer Hyde, Year 12
On April 6, I had the privilege to be one of 60
young people waiting at Government House,
Melbourne, to receive my Gold Duke of Edinburgh
Award. The presentation was to be made by HRH
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
My involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh
program started when I was in Year 9 at Scotch.
I was part of the Military Band, played tennis at
a competitive level, and was a keen participant
in dramatic arts. Participating in these activities
over the years gained me entry to the program,
and while increasing my skills, I also took part in
activities such as the Cadet camp and a skiing trip
to Canada. These were all activities I thoroughly
enjoyed, and they fortuitously also qualified me
for the Gold award. For these opportunities, I am
immensely grateful to the School.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award requires
students to undertake a service, a physical
activity, a skill set to improve, and participation in
adventurous journeys. As members of the Scotch
community would be aware, these opportunities
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are readily available through our School’s many
activities and services.
The Duke of Edinburgh program promotes
life skills, teaching students to take responsibility
for goals and the choices they make; to learn
how to connect with, actively engage with and
contribute to the community. All the life skills
gained through the award process are helpful for
career development.
During the program we were advised that
the top seven characteristics for success at
organisations such as Google are all soft skills —
to be a good coach, to be a good communicator
and listener, to appreciate different values and
perspectives, to show empathy to others and to
be supportive of colleagues.
The skills I acquired through the program
have also helped me attain cherished personal
goals, such as Drum Major of the Military Band,
Vice Captain of the 1st Tennis team, playing a
lead role in a Scotch musical, and becoming a
ABOVE: KRISTOFER HYDE
RECEIVING THE GOLD
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
AWARD AT GOVERNMENT
HOUSE FROM HRH
PRINCE EDWARD,
EARL OF WESSEX. THE
GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA,
HON. LINDA DESSAU AC
IS IN THE BACKGROUND
percussionist in the orchestra and a CUO in the
Cadet corps.
The Governor of Victoria, the Hon Linda
Dessau AC, who hosted the awards ceremony,
said the awards program had a rich history
across six decades, yet remained relevant to
young people. ‘The principles of self-discovery on
which it is based – empowerment, responsibility,
commitment, community contribution and
perseverance — do not depend on the fashion of
the day. They will never be outdated.’
My experiences have often been challenging,
but also deeply rewarding and they have helped
me consolidate enduring friendships.
The program has helped me develop
qualities of leadership, teamwork, dedication and
commitment. I would encourage more boys at
Scotch to take up this valuable challenge.
I am proud to be part of the international alumni
of Gold award recipients, and feel a better
and stronger person from my experiences.
KRISTOFER HYDE – YEAR 12
Great Scot Number 154 – September 2018