I am Cameron Arthur and I am proud to have been the head prefect for Riroriro in 2021.

I think we can all agree on this: what a journey these past two years have been. A set of lockdowns followed by continuous covid guidelines has changed the way we view and respect the world around us. Through these tough times, we have lived the definition of perseverance.

Now it is time for me and all the other Year 13s to say goodbye to this chapter in our lives. Back when we were all in Year 7, all we wanted was for school to be over. But as we look back on the cherished moments created and the growth that everyone has made, there is no doubt in saying that our school journey has been a great one.

There is one phrase that summarizes my experience while at Hornby High School; be who you are. Our school's slogan of 'creative excellence' couldn't fit any better. Each person that I have met along the way had something that made them stand out from everyone else. Some may have strengths in academics, where others may excel in sport. Some of us may be great talkers, where others are great listeners. If there is one impact that I want to leave on this school, it is to show that being quiet is no barrier to making a difference. I want to remind everyone that there are no barriers to success. Success does not necessarily mean receiving awards and being recognised, but it is improving upon yourself and getting that one step closer towards your goal.

Hornby High School has been an environment where I could grow into the person that I am today. I started my schooling journey as a quiet boy who would get anxious at anything that involved other people. While I may still be quiet, this school has provided me with invaluable opportunities to grow academically, socially, and especially as a leader. Over this past year as head boy, I have learned that being a leader is not about being loud. Nor is it about getting your name out there. To me, being a leader has meant bringing others into the spotlight and striving to be a role model for the students in our school.

Each of us knows the burden of expectation and the amount of work that we each put into our daily lives. School has taught me that being human means we are all connected and that we each face the challenges of life together. The strange world that we have found ourselves in these last two years has taught us that we can be meaningfully connected even if it is not in a physical environment. We are all here to support and encourage one another into the person that this world needs today. While we Year 13s may be physically leaving, we will always be together in heart and I wish all the best for our future leaders and change-makers.

My school journey would not have been the same without the never-ending support from my teachers. I want to give a sincere thank you to the encouraging teachers who never failed to push and help us reach our true potential. The amount of time and genuine effort invested into your classes will remain in our minds and hearts in the future. A special thank you to Mrs Clemence for your sincere role as our dean and for showing that you genuinely care for our wellbeing and future. I would also like to thank Mr Sutton for his leadership over Hornby High School. Without your leadership alongside all of the other teachers and leadership team, we students would not be in the position we are in now. I also want to thank my family and friends who have reinforced my will to aim high during school. And above all, I want to thank my God who has given me all of these opportunities.

I would like to leave you with this: don't live to be someone else, for you will be disappointed. Live to be the best version of you, and in doing that, you will become the person that this world needs.

Thank you