The ‘Vets’ — Now Address to the school: Final Assembly — 21st October 2003
Row 4: Peter Mercoulia, Christopher Brabender, Mark Epifano, Matthew Badrock. Row 3: Stewart Williams, Christopher Francru, Matthew Kortum, Louis Bowden, Maurice Melillo, Thomas McIlroy, Edward Harding. Row 2: Christopher White, Adrian Lane, Justin McKenzie, Christian Ancora, Nicholas Smith, James Gaynor, Michael Ward. Row 1: James Xipolitos, Tynan John, Michael Hajdinjak, Nicholas Tschui, Timothy Evans, Andrew Molloy, Michael Brown Mr Terry Atkins
And Then...
Good Morning Brother Tim, distinguished guests, staff and fellow students, Good morning De La Salle. Danny Nikolic, a past student of the school rode the winner of the Caulfield Cup on the weekend ahead of a strong field, aboard the dashing horse Mummify. Another past student of De La Salle, John Phillips retired last week as the Chief Justice of Victoria. Danny wasn’t the most studious boy and left school at fourteen to pursue his passion to be a jockey. John Phillips finished his schooling with excellent academic results and then went on with his burning ambition to do Law. Both Danny and John had a dream, and by being true to themselves stood up for what they believed, and they made those dreams a reality. At De La Salle each of us possesses the desire to be the best person we can be, to be held in esteem and respected amongst our peers, but what is often overlooked, and what I regard to be more important is the value of being ourselves, just like John and Danny. You and I are in a privileged position, we are all unique and respected for being so. But, we all have fears and we hold ourselves back in the fear of being judged. By the examples set by John and Danny, I implore each of us to be undaunted by our human failings. Be fearless. As we gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience we really stop to look fear in the face. Be not afraid of who you are, You are you, and there in nothing more special than this.
To my fellow Year 12 students who I have been so privileged and honoured to be a part of: thankyou for walking beside me. And to the parents and teachers who have guided us along the whole way, knowing there has been someone there throughout the journey to pick us up when we have fallen has given us faith and confidence, and made the whole experience more worthwhile being able to share it with someone. Thankyou. We must all realise the importance of belonging, as De La boys and as mates. Be passionate about our Lasallian heritage and be inspired by each other. As well as action and support, dreams also play a vital role. In the pursuit of success and excellence, remember that we are limitless, there is nothing that we cannot achieve. Our way is not always of soft grass, it is of rocks and challenges, but it goes upward, ever upward. Follow your dreams, let no- one stand in your way nor let any obstacle however great it may seem distract you. Danny and John followed their dreams, as did our founder who recognised a need and set about making a difference. By their example help us to realise that sometimes sacrifices have to be made, but the rewards are telling. You may not end up riding the winner of the Caulfield Cup or becoming the Chief Justice of Victoria, but I know you will all be great men. Patrick Davis College Captain
