Scotch College

School Captain's column December 2002

School Captain's column

It's time to pass on the torch

With the blink of an eye, Scotch has almost completed yet another hectic and sensational year filled with activity and achievements. We have seen success on the sporting field with the Hockey, Rugby, Gymnastics and Cross-Country teams all becoming APS Premiership holders.

The first stage of the James Forbes Academy opened in spectacular fashion and superb weather accompanied a wonderful day of competition and festivities on Family Day at the start of term 4.

2002 for all students has been unquestionably exciting and brimmed with activity and purpose. This year has held even more significance for the departing Year 12 students forming the Class of 2002, whose days at Scotch have now come to an end. With the walk across the stage on Speech Night and the holding of the burning Torch in the final assembly, each boy has now followed the rite of passage of each Scotch Collegian on his path into the bigger world.

On leaving, each student will undoubtedly hold different memories of their time at the school. All will be able to look back at the friendships they've made, the successes and disappointments they've experienced and of course the memories of the good times.

For some of the departing Year 12s, the final walk out of the gates after their last exam will be the final time they may step foot on the grounds of Scotch College. Some will undoubtedly be rejoicing loudly, while some may even shed a tear. However, many will inevitably return in some way or another as old Scotch Collegians to the school, perhaps watching their sons grow up in the same, unique environment that they have been able to enjoy during their time here.

The Class of 2002 has always been more than a year level of some 230 Year 12 students. Holding a diverse and unique collection of talents and potential the Class of 2002 will always undoubtedly be remembered as a group of individual characters and personalities. The concert on the morning of the final day of school for the Year 12s was testament to this diversity. Whether it was Rob Paoletti and James Wilson producing those hilarious skits or Michael Starke singing with Robyn Bishop and Jacob Walter in accompaniment, the final morning only further highlighted to all those involved with the year level how effectively and successfully a diverse group can interact and achieve together.

I would like to thank all the staff and students of Scotch who have made this year one of so much activity and excitement for everyone involved in the school. Best of luck to the Class of 2002 who now leave the school to follow their dreams and I hope they enjoy the challenge that life holds for them in the future.

Sam Webb
School Captain