3 minute read
A Tale of Two Brothers
LEADERSHIP
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but can the same be said about brothers? For Austin and Hugo Wallace, 2020 was a significant year, showing leadership really does run in the family.
For a brief moment in King’s history, Term 4 2020, the School saw two brothers, both reigning as School Captains – Hugo (Year 6) in the Preparatory School and Austin (Year 11) in the Senior School. The Wallace brothers are exemplary Kingsmen, embodying King’s values in their leadership style, as well as throughout all walks of life.
Born and raised in Singapore for nine years, the family came back to Australia, joining King’s at the Prep School in 2015 - Year 1 for Hugo and Year 6 for Austin.
From there on, both boys took every chance they could to get involved in life at King’s. Hugo playing cricket and rugby and taking a strong interest in robotics, and Austin in any sport he could, truly loving his fitness, whilst enjoying membership of several extracurricular activities, including academic clubs. “Throughout my school journey I’ve always tried to get involved with everything - I love the School,” said Austin.
Taking on leadership roles also came naturally to the boys. Austin, since starting at the Senior School, has jumped at every leadership opportunity offered to him. Starting with him taking on the role as Year 10 Monitor, he then embraced the Cadet Corps performing highly in the promotions courses, leading to his rise in ranks from Corporal to Sargent to Company Commander.
Hugo always wanted to take on a leadership role at the Prep School – forever leading by example amongst his classmates. Yet when talking about his journey to School Captain, Hugo said, “In Year 5, when we first were asked which role we wanted to try for, I never intended to go for School Captain, I wanted to try for Thomas House Captain.” Thinking so highly of his running mates was getting the best of him. Thankfully that didn’t last long - with the support and words of encouragement from his family, Housemaster and teachers, Hugo took the leap and went for it.
Older brother, Austin chimed in, “He’s being very unassuming. He’s a great little role model for everyone around him. Always taking his role as School Captain very seriously and striving to lead by example.”
“I find it important to try to do the right thing and set a good example for the other boys,” says Hugo, as a follow up to his brother.
Another uncertain, yet clear path to the top, Austin didn’t expect he either would be selected for School Captain. Commenting, “You always look up to the other Captains, thinking that could never be you.”
Nevertheless, despite their doubts, we can see great leadership qualities in each brother. Both are well-rounded, respectful young men, applying themselves academically and in their co-curricular activities, leading with the King’s values as their guide book.
“Hugo is always the student putting in the extra work,” says Austin.
Although an age gap, the two seem as thick as thieves, continuously supporting one another with positive comments. When realising they were both King’s School Captains for overlapping Terms, there definitely was an ‘ah ha’ moment in the Wallace house. Their parents made light of the moment – referring to the boys as ‘Skip 1’(Hugo) and ‘Skip 2’ (Austin).
The boys (now chuckling) – “I’ve learnt everything I know from Hugo,” says Austin.
Their parents have always been huge supporters, setting very high standards for what they expect from the boys – consequently bringing out the best in each of them. Taking responsibility and being accountable for their actions are just two of the qualities instilled by their parents, as well as King’s.
When asked if they had any advice for other students trying to achieve the same, both agreed, “Be true to yourself, stick to your guns, and maintain your integrity.” With Hugo sharing his words of wisdom passed on by his mother, “Don’t be like anyone else, be yourself.”
Hugo has now completed his time at the Preparatory School as School Captain, and will join Austin in the Senior School. Austin will lead the Senior School into 2021.
