From Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader, Gemma Brown
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, KG, GCVO, CD, ADC presented Luke Harris and Oliver Ruse with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award last Friday 13th September during a ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall. This is the first time Waverley College students have achieved this prestigious and internationally recognised award after the College began to offer the program in 2017.
The following two students have committed themselves to life long learning outside of the classroom and improving the lives of others for the two and a half years whilst also maintaining high academic standards, sporting commitments and leadership roles in the school. Their ability to self motivate and juggle the demands of their HSC year and the hours required to achieve the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award is inspiring and a credit to their dedication.
Luke Harris has achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award by applying himself to co-curricular activities and developing his skills as a Level 1 Rugby Referee. This led him to referee in the Sydney Juniors Competition and assisting in the mentorship of Junior referees. Luke completed his service component assisting the elderly and spending a week during the holidays on an Eddie Rice camp where he was a mentor for disadvantaged kids in Sydney, something which Luke shows interest in participating in again. Luke achieved all of this while excelling in his Year 11 and 12 subjects.
Oliver Ruse has achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award through his love of cricket, tennis, and music. He has been an active member of many of the school’s music bands, developing his skills on the Alfa saxophone. Oliver completed his service component assisting young children at preschool with reading and activities as well as our Year 5 and 6 students with the Junior School reading program. The Gold Award also took Oliver all the way to Samoa to support a school in need of improved facilities and resources. Oliver achieved all of this while maintaining a leadership role in the college and high academic standards.
I would also like to acknowledge the following Year 12 students who will be completing their Gold Award in the near future.
Matthew Gallagher
George Vouros
Timothy Waring
Congratulations boys, what inspiring leaders you are for your peers at Waverley College.
