Delivered by Hamish McKelvie at Senior Prize Giving.

At the beginning of this year, I was taking the school bus home and got talking to a Year 9 student. One of the questions he asked me was, “What sort of stuff do you do as Head Boy?” I replied by saying something like "I organise prefect meetings and other events around school, and give lots of speeches". But as the year has progressed, I’ve realised it’s possible to achieve much more in this role. So, as Head Prefect, my main goal has been to encourage other students to take up opportunities and become a better version of themselves to ensure they will look back on their high school years as being rich and rewarding.

It has been an honour to represent HBHS as Head Prefect, and today I want to share with you some of my highlights at this school, as well as a few lessons I’ve learnt along the way.

One highlight has been my involvement in community groups such as the Multicultural Manaaki Centre or MMC. Earlier this year, the MMC Cultural Showcase took place. Boys from Afghanistan, Colombia, the Congo, Fiji and many other nations performed traditional songs and dances, and we were even treated to the smooth moves of Mrs Hassall, Mr Hotham and the Mayor of Hamilton! This vibrant, joyous evening demonstrated the diversity at our school, and how we are all unified by brotherhood and our care for each other.

Aside from the MMC, another group I have been involved in is the school’s Leo Club. I’m proud to have been a part of the club because it’s had a meaningful impact on our community. It’s offered scholarships to send students to national sporting competitions that they wouldn’t have otherwise attended, donated thousands of cans of food to local families in need and worked to better our local environment. At HBHS, we have a unique culture of giving back to the community, of touching the hearts of those around us. During my time here, I have learnt the value of kindness and giving back. As American Aviator Amelia Earhart said, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”

In addition to the range of community groups at our school, we offer just about any extra-curricular activity imaginable. Many highlights of my time at high school have come from experiences outside the classroom. For example, on Duke of Edinburgh tramps, teachers, other boys and I shared late-night campfire chats about life and had competitions to see who could stay in freezing streams the longest. I’ve been part of some great cricket teams over the last five years, with my grandfather always supporting me on the sidelines. I’ve also been part of the school production this year and in 2021. I remember doing a pre-performance huddle with the cast and crew on closing night earlier this year. Many of us had different interests, were of different ages and came from different backgrounds, but we had forged lasting friendships. I especially enjoyed developing my character, the raunchy King Duncan. I always used to rehearse my lines in the shower and say things like “Put him in chains, take him to the tower!” and “You will burn for witchery,” which started to drive my family up the wall.

After all the wonderful experiences I’ve had at HBHS, a key lesson I’ve learnt is that you should seize opportunities that come your way and have new experiences. This will allow you to grow as a person and better understand who you are, and it’s something you can do at any stage in life. For example, volunteering at the Multicultural Manaaki Centre allowed me to discover my passion for connecting with people from different cultures. Now, I want to pursue a career that involves cross-cultural relations. Also, if I hadn’t pushed past my nerves and auditioned for the production, I would never have made so many great friends and improved my confidence on stage. One thing always leads to another, so take a chance, get out of your comfort zone, try something new, and it might end up changing your life.

In addition to the value of trying new things, the second lesson I have learnt is that you should always put your best effort into everything you do, and never do anything half-heartedly, as it will prevent you from reaching your full potential. Oli Mathis didn’t become captain of the New Zealand Schools Rugby team by chance. Daniel Dizon and Josef Gillgren didn’t make the Waikato Regional Debating team because they could argue, Sean Lurman didn’t become a world champion guitarist by playing Guitar Hero, and Thomas ter Beek certainly didn’t get Top in New Zealand for AS English by skimming over his notes before the exam. Ours is a school of champions, in fact, we have too many champions for me to name in a single speech. Putting your best effort into what you do, just like these boys have done, will unlock your future success.

At this point in my speech, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has made my journey at high school so wonderful. Firstly, to my teachers. Teachers at our school consistently go the extra mile and bring their subjects to life in enjoyable ways. In Spanish class, for example, I’ve learnt how to make Argentinian tea, or Maté, done salsa dancing and heard stories about explorers of the Amazon rainforest. One class I also have many memories from is Year 9 English with Dr Williams. On one of my first days at school, a few boys came to class late, so sir started playing the song “Sorry” by Justin Bieber. The boys had to choose between freestyle dancing or getting a litter detention. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such awkward dance moves. Many teachers at HBHS have been excellent role models for me, and have helped me in my personal development. So, to all my teachers, thank you, I will forever be grateful for the impact you’ve had on my life.

I also am incredibly grateful to all my fellow Year 13s for making my five years at high school the best years of my life. It’s easy to think that the only student leaders at our school are the Top 6, Prefects and Lion Mentors, but I think every Year 13 is a leader and a role model in his own right, it doesn’t matter whether you wear a black or white shirt to school. I would also like to extend a huge thanks to the Prefect group of 2023. You are a very diverse group with varied strengths, and it has been a pleasure to work with such driven yet genuine and caring individuals. Special thanks to those of you who have volunteered to cover for someone’s Saturday detention duty at late notice, arriving at school at 7am on the weekend isn’t as fun as you might think.

I could not under any circumstances give this speech without thanking the rest of the Top 6. I could trust you guys with anything. After being named Head Prefect this year, I was admittedly nervous as I had a huge job ahead of me. However, the quiet work you do every day has meant that I have almost never felt overwhelmed. Firstly, I’d like to thank the three Deputy Head Prefects. Josiah, you are possibly the most purposeful and virtuous person I’ve ever met. I’ve learnt so much about leadership and being a better person from you this year. Connor, you are always humble and open to trying new things, and you have done an excellent job in your role this year. Sam, you work harder than anyone I know and you have always been by my side, I can’t wait to see what your future holds. Now to the Captains of Art and Sport. Alex, you are a shining star of brilliance, and I’ve always looked up to you and the things you have achieved, success seems to be second nature to you. Finally, Tama, you are one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. You can bench press 130kg with ease and you constantly perform random acts of kindness, like saving me a computer in study class before they all run out.

As I come to the end of this speech I’d like to say a few final thank yous. Thank you to the Executive team of Mr Bair, Mr Thompson, Dr Williams, Mr Baker, Mr Kirkham, Mr Hotham and of course, Mrs Hassall. You are all great people and when I walk down the Executive corridor I often hear a lot of laughing and banter. These people who lead our school are not only exceptionally dedicated, but it is genuinely enjoyable spending time with them and they have built a unique culture at HBHS. I’ll miss having chats with all of you. I’d like to give a special thanks to Mr Hotham, who has expertly guided me throughout this year. Your leadership seems effortless, and you are one of the strongest and most caring people I’ve ever met.

Now I’d like to thank Mrs Hassall for everything she has done for me and our school. It has been an enormous privilege to have served as Head Prefect during her last full year at HBHS. When we’re young we often dream of growing up and changing the world somehow. I think Mrs Hassall in her role as Headmaster has changed the world. She has led tens of thousands of boys into manhood and helped us find the potential hidden inside each of us. The Top 6 and I meet with Mrs Hassall and Mr Hotham every week and these meetings have allowed me to get to know her quite well. I can tell you this with 100% certainty: Mrs Hassall cares about every single boy at this school. Personally, I don’t think Mrs Hassall views her role as a job, instead, she sees the school as her family, and she feels responsible for all of us. Mrs Hassall is a quiet leader, in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a discussion with her about her own personal achievements. Her ability to deeply listen to others and understand their perspective stands out to me, and I believe it is part of the reason why she has made this school so great, as she has considered what is best for everyone in our community. So, thank you for everything you have done for this school and also for me, Mrs Hassall. For as long as I live I will always remember my years at high school and the influence you had on me.

Finally, I couldn’t end this speech without thanking my family. Thanks to my parents, Adele and James, and to my sister, Claire. Mum and Dad, thank you for instilling your values in me and providing me with endless selfless love and care, you are the best parents I could have ever dreamed of. Also, thanks to Claire for our healthy sibling rivalry, and for always being keen to do rugby passes with me on the lawn when I need a breath of fresh air.

I would like to wish all the Year 13s well in your future lives. You are all great young men and I know you will make our school proud. You should feel confident that this school has provided you with the strength of character to live meaningful and successful lives. I hope to cross paths with many of you in the future and I look forward to seeing you again in 2033 at our 10-year reunion! 

Hamish "Hamdawg" McKelvie

Quote: "T.A.B. - together as brothers" - Señor Renna

Favourite Memory: Grooving to Punjabi Dubstep in Year 12 Maths, and playing King Duncan in the school production…

Future Ambition: Backpack across South America and have the same romantic success as Sam Priest…