Scotch College

The awesome top four

You will have no doubt heard of the wonderful achievement of four Scotch boys, Robert Commons, Andre Martyres, Sriram Swaminathan and David Valmorbida, who attained a perfect ENTER (Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank) score of 99.95 for their VCE. (twenty-one students out of 48,000 candidates were awarded 99.95 in 2000).

But how does one get to that point of scholastic 'perfection'? By slaving over books for months on end, remaining impervious to all other interests in the pursuit of individual goals? By eschewing the inevitable 18th birthday parties?

Far from imagining that these boys turned their backs on life in general for a year, imagine four young men who might leave one exhausted just thinking about what they embraced in their final year!

Drama, music, sport, fund-raising, leadership positions, church activities, competitions, services were all tackled with rather frightening enthusiasm!

Robert Commons

Robert Commons, Vice-Captain of the School in 2000 - which brings with it enormous responsibilities - also swam for the school, was Captain of Music, Captain of Debating and Captain of Athletics. He maintained a senior post in cadets, and played the oboe in the orchestra. Add to all this a healthy social life, a commitment to his faith, and a broad life outside Scotch.

Andre Martyres

Andre Martyres, too, did not let the grass grow under his feet whilst treading the path of academic excellence. He played percussion in the orchestra, and three other music ensembles, as well as singing in the School Choir. He, too, left time to give to his faith, to support the school, including playing in the quad to raise money for charities.

Sriram Swaminathan

Sriram Swaminathan long ago became the man of intellectual stature in the collective mind of the Class of 2000; it was, to them, a foregone conclusion that this fine scholar would attain a perfect score. Hardworking, humble, inquisitive, searching, he relished the challenges before him, at the same time endearing himself to his classmates by helping and encouraging them. Sriram gained a very sound study score in Latin in Year 10, and continued a genuine love and pursuit for learning throughout Years 11 and 12.

David Valmorbida

David Valmorbida is a multi talented boy: he plays piano and saxophone (at Licentiate level), speaks several languages, is athletic (you name it, he does it!), and in Year 12 engaged in all manner of activities, including being a prefect and vice-captain of Davidson House. His energy and spirit were invigorating and inspirational.

Whether it was in the field of mathematics, languages, literature, history, the sciences, this gang of four (and many of their classmates, it must be added) excelled. But what must be most reassuring is the fact that their scholastic endeavours were balanced with a love of life outside the books, and pursuit of the pleasures enjoyed by young people. They, their families, and Scotch have much to be proud of.

Ms Keiron Jones, Head of Year 12, 2000