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2003 Perelberg Award to James Barton
James joined Scotch in the Beginners in 1991. He quickly showing academic, music and sporting prowess - doing enrichment work in his earliest years of schooling. James was the 1997 Dux of the Junior School. He also played as a tenor saxophonist with the Symphonic Wind, and for the last two years was the lead tenor saxophonist in the Show Band. James is an outstanding academic - placing in the top six each year from Year 9 and second place in Year 11. In 2000 he was an Intermediate Division prize winner in the Westpac Australian Mathematics Competition and in the following year won an Outstanding Award in the Intermediate Division of the Hewlett Packard University of Melbourne Mathematics Competition. Last year James obtained a perfect score of 50 for VCE Mathematics Methods Unit 3 & 4, and this year was a Senior Division prize winner in the Westpac Australian Mathematics Competition. In sport James was always a member of the 'A' cricket and football teams before breaking into the Firsts. This year saw James appointed Vice Captain of Cricket (scoring an APS century) and Vice Captain of Football. He was named in both the APS Cricket and Football representative teams. In the last four years he has represented Scotch in three 100m, three 200m, one 400m, four 4 x 100m and three 4 x 400m events in the APS Combined Athletics Meetings - a truly outstanding contribution rounded off by being appointed the 2003 Captain of Athletics. James was appointed School Vice Captain this year and was awarded School Colours in Music and joined the ranks of those who have been awarded Scotch Triple Colours - in cricket, football and athletics. He chaired the Class of 2003 Fundraising Committee that, not surprisingly, raised the very considerable sum of $14,704.86 towards the Burning Bush sculpture soon to be placed in the Old Scotch Square. In many ways it is to be expected that one with so much talent should do extremely well - but the manner in which James Barton has operated is remarkable. James was nominated for the Perelberg Award by a number of individuals who had been most impressed by his total commitment to whatever he undertook whether it be academic, sporting or in the performing arts - 'Whilst having these unique gifts and talents, his character remains down to earth and genuine, and he is able to form friendships with most people he meets. He never succumbs to the temptation of egocentricity.' Students junior to him recognised and appreciated that he was 'One of the nicest, most genuine guys in the school, who apart from being extremely bright and talented on the sporting field, is always prepared to help out others. An all-round great guy who is extremely successful yet so modest.' Another nomination stated: 'Obviously a great person and leader. Despite all his talent he is very sociable and approachable, with a great attitude and sense of humour.' The conclusion of James' schooling at Scotch saw him awarded the Stanley Jamieson Memorial Prize for Excellence in Chemistry, the Alex Bell Memorial Prize for Excellence in French, the P C Wickens Prize for Excellence in Mathematics, the Grace Dempster Memorial Prize for Excellence in Physics and the OSCA Year 12 Prize. James' ambition in life is to help society and enjoy himself in doing so; and in the short term, to study Law/Science or Law/Engineering next year. Neville Taylor - Staff
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