Scotch College

Harry hooks the 2007 Perelberg Award

At the year 12 Presentation and Speech Night held on Thursday 25 October Harry Hookey (’06) was presented with the Perelberg Award for 2007. Harry was a greatly respected and valued member of the Class of 2006 and the following is a transcript of the principal’s address from the night:

This annual award for ‘Exemplary Scotch Spirit’ is alternately granted one year to a current student, or to one who left the previous year, and the next year to an Old Scotch Collegian.

The award is made in memory of a former student of Scotch, Ashley Perelberg, a member of the Class of ’92, who died in 1993 suddenly in his first year at University. Ashley had been very well known for his full and enthusiastic Scotch life – he exemplified what we refer to as the Scotch Spirit: striving for excellence while serving the needs of others; applying high standards while showing compassion for those not able to reach those same standards. Ashley’s family created a perpetual memorial and presented a magnificent award – a silver sculpture depicting the penguin parade at Phillip Island – inspired by Ashley’s devotion to the annual Scotch-at-Cowes camps. The Perelberg Trophy is permanently displayed in the Senior School Library, and the winner each year receives a splendid silver replica.

Scotch seems blessed with young men of character, tenacity of spirit, enthusiasm for life, and dedication to excellence. It’s not always easy to single out one person from such a rich pool of talent.

But I am sure you will agree that this year’s winner is a remarkable young man and is, in every way, worthy of this award.

His name is Harry Hookey from the Class of 2006.

Throughout his time at Scotch Harry was an outstanding student. Not only did he work towards his own personal high standards, but he also set an example for others in his year level, many of whom later shared that they took inspiration from this young man. He helped anyone in his year group and often encouraged them to achieve their goals.

As well as his studies, Harry was actively involved in orienteering and hockey. I don’t think he would mind if I said he will possibly never win a gold medal in the Olympics for running or hockey! However, what I can say is that he was an invaluable member of his teams. He praised those who played well, commiserated sincerely if someone lost a game, barracked with enthusiasm for Scotch but also applauded the deeds of opposing teams. His sportsmanship was unwavering and exemplary.

Beyond his studies and games, Harry was known throughout the school for his personal integrity and commitment to the highest ideals of compassion, justice and ethical behaviour. Harry was a Peer Support Leader and Prefect who formed strong friendships with younger boys, often chatting with them at recess or lunch time.

In his final years Harry was central to the Scotch Christian Movement. Harry wore – and wears – his Christian faith gently, purposefully and inspirationally. During Mission Week last year he performed a one-man concert in front of a thousand other boys. The focus of his music was the Christian message of love, forgiveness and sharing. I don’t think anyone in the Memorial Hall will ever forget the quiet conviction, good humour and sheer entertainment of his singing and playing. Harry is also committed to sharing his Christian faith in his home area of Sale, visiting church communities and sharing his faith with different congregations.

Harry also held a special concert for his classmate who had suffered a traumatic and life-threatening illness for some years. A large group of students had the privilege of hearing this story of courage and tenacity in confronting what is often a mortal illness. Harry presented a range of songs and interpretations related to his classmate’s struggle. One particular song was called “Long may you run” which is actually about a train but whose lyrics and sentiments were well-fitted to encouraging his friend to keep fighting against illness and to embrace life with enthusiasm. Those there will always remember this concert. How often do we hear of a senior student holding a concert to salute a classmate’s courage in the face of serious odds? Many of the senior students at the concert spoke movingly of this rare event. Indeed, a number were moved to tears.

Outside Scotch many children have benefited from Harry’s commitment to education and social justice. He regularly goes back to his primary school to help the teachers in their work. For example, in September this year he accompanied a class excursion. In previous visits he has helped out in the classroom and other activities, which must be a wonderful experience for both the teachers and the children. There are not too many university students who would take the time to visit their old primary school much less make themselves available to act as a teacher’s aide.

A couple of years ago Mr Cavalin, Head of Social Education, asked for interested students to work with him to establish a homework program with refugee students in the western suburbs.

Harry responded, and, along with several others, he ensured the program’s success. He organised rosters of boys and staff to travel to West Sunshine to help mainly Sudanese children but also children from Burundi and Ethiopia. The program is designed to help children with their reading and any other homework. Most of these children have come to Australia traumatised by war, refugee camps, displacement and long-term medical problems. Staff who run the program often commented on Harry’s gentleness, keen interest and support of these children. He established an immediate and affectionate affinity with these disadvantaged children. Mr Cavalin and other staff have remarked that Harry could settle excitable children, listen with avid interest to a child reading haltingly from his first English book, or laugh uproariously with those who shared a joke with him.

In our uncertain world and with so much of the media glare encouraging celebrity and self-importance in young people, Harry provides us all with a superb example of behaving unselfishly, humanely and decently. Staff and students alike will attest to the fact that in his time at Scotch he was not just liked and respected – he was loved. He is a gracious, self-effacing and humble young Australian and Scotch Collegian and a very worthy recipient of the 2007 Perelberg Award. GS