FOUNDATION

The kindness changing lives

Sol Gyngell is still pinching himself. The 2021 Altona Primary School Captain is joining Haileybury in 2022 and he still can’t quite believe it.

“It feels like a bit of a dream. I’m a bit nervous as you might expect but I’m mostly excited. My parents, brothers and extended family are so thrilled.

They’re proud and there’s a lot of hopes and dreams wrapped up in this experience,” says Sol.

He’s one of the latest recipients of the Haileybury Foundation’s Class Giving Scholarship Program. Past students from the Class of 1982 came together to create the scholarship that is set to change Sol’s life over the next six years.

Launched two years ago, a number of scholarships have already been provided by past students who are part of the interview and selection process and who receive regular progress updates from their scholarship student.

“I would never have imagined going to a school like Haileybury,” says Sol. “The Class of 1982 have given to the Foundation so a kid like me who otherwise wouldn’t have had an opportunity to learn at Haileybury could be given this incredible gift of education. It’s an amazing thing to do for someone. I hope one day I can give someone the same opportunity.”

Sol is looking forward to studying his favourite subjects and to discovering new interests.

“I love reading, writing, art and critical thinking. Lately I’ve been looking into philosophy and exploring different ideas about our minds and how we look at ourselves and other people from different angles and points of view.”

Sol’s future career plans include space and cosmology and he also enjoys acting.

“I come from a family of actors and I’ve grown with those influences around me. I’m also interested in politics, but more from the change aspect of politics. What kid doesn’t want to change the world, right?” he says. “I want change and I honestly think I’m part of a generation who are growing up and who are preparing to lead the way.”

Russell Davidson, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, says the Class of 1982 and Haileybury were impressed by Sol’s maturity, natural independence, empathy and desire to help others.

“Sol is a natural leader who is polite, modest, unassuming and caring. He is prepared to give everything a go,” says Russell.