Before I begin this address, I would like to start by formally acknowledging you all here this evening. My name is Isaac Ottrey, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to address you as the Head Prefect for 2022.

For a number of us here tonight, both boys, parents, and staff, this prizegiving marks the end of our time here at this grand school. This occasion fills me with a slight sense of sadness as I’ve come to realise that this is the final time that Year 13 students and their families have the opportunity to come together and celebrate the successes of those who have excelled.

Throughout the past five years, countless friendships and memories have been formed by both boys and parents on the sidelines of sports fields, in the classroom, and in various theatres, the list goes on. For some it might be those cold winter mornings playing sport with mates, for others it might be their experiences at the Mount Aspiring camp. But on many occasions these fond memories were made by just simply having a conversation and sharing a laugh with others. For me this is just one of the many things which makes Otago Boys' such a special school.

I started my time at Otago Boys' five years ago as a reserved and quiet year nine hostel boy, originating from a sheep and beef farm near Tapanui. In all honesty, I didn’t want to come to Otago Boys'. I was afraid of leaving home, I was afraid of the numerous unknowns, and I was certainly afraid of the challenge that lay ahead of me. I spent all summer stressed about what the hostel and school would be like, who my mates would be, and more importantly whether I’d actually even cope. At home, growing up in the small rural community of Tapanui, I didn’t have to worry about these things. I lived in a familiar and comfortable environment, where I was fortunate enough to have some very close mates.

On my first day at the hostel, my parents literally had to drag me out of the house and into the car. Pulling up to the hostel I was sick to the stomach. With tears streaming down my face, I reluctantly carried my bags into the hostel, which was to be my home for the next five years. But after my parents left, a switch was flipped. My nerves disappeared, and I instantly knew that I belonged to something truly special. I’d suddenly made new mates and was already feeling comfortable in the foreign environment.

I’ve never quite understood why this was the case, but looking back on these memories, I believe it comes down to the school's ability to encourage boys to challenge themselves, and not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones. The school has taught us to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. This not only aids us during our short time here, but it also provides us with the best chance of success once we’ve stepped through the archway for the final time.

2022 has undoubtedly been a year full of challenges, and for many of us has certainly placed us right out of our comfort zones. Throughout the year we’ve been faced with various restrictions, and not to mention countless adversity which has certainly taken its toll on many of us. But day in and day out the staff and boys still showed up with a smile on their face, willing to make the most of difficult situations. For teachers, this certainly hasn’t been easy. With the threat of classes falling behind due to prolonged periods of illness being at the front of their minds, as well as being faced with the potential of their own lives being impacted by the virus. In spite of this, you have still managed to get students to a point where they are in the best position to achieve their individual academic goals. So, on behalf of the boys I commend and thank you.

A few short years ago in 2018 we, our current Year 13's, began our journey here at Otago Boys'. Our first day involved us being traditionally welcomed through the archway, and being exposed to the special and unique cultures which the school holds close to its core. We walked around the school like we were tourists in a foreign country, perplexed as we tried to navigate our way to our next class. The junior school provided us with guidance and support as we began our journey ‘out of the sand pit’ as Mr Hall likes to call it. Friendships were formed, memories were made, and the odd disagreement was had. But at the end of the day we were somehow always closer than the day prior.

After a very short two years wearing the ‘greys’, it was now our turn to don the prestigious blue blazer. For many, the opportunity to wear the blue blazer came with a great sense of honour and pride, as we were now seniors of the school. With this came an abundance of opportunities and responsibilities, as well as expert teaching and learnings to assist us in our journey through NCEA, but in life as well. With this specialist guidance from our teachers, parents, and peers, the platform has now been laid. We are now ready to leave behind the security of Otago Boys', and venture out into the big wide world to pursue our chosen career pathways.

It's now at this moment that I would like to take the opportunity to thank a few people. Thank you to all members of staff for your continued devotion to the school. The endless time and effort that you put into teaching, coaching, organising trips, and supporting boys often goes unnoticed, but I can assure you that it's greatly appreciated. To the senior leadership team of Mr Hall, Mr King, Ms Gorman, Ms Marr, and Mr Mahutariki, thank you. The immense time and effort you put into the running of this school is admirable, and is a testament to the ongoing success of boys in this school. To Aaryan, Thomas, and the rest of the prefect team, thank you. Your hard work and support this year has been second to none, and it has been nothing but a privilege to have worked alongside you guys this year. To my parents Hamish and Sarah; your ongoing support and encouragement this year has been instrumental. Dad for your words of wisdom, and Mum for your reassurance and advice when I was struggling with something.

From the day I started my time here at Otago Boys' I’ve always admired how proud we students are of our school. I’m continuously left in awe at how willing boys are to work hard and carry themselves well, in order to uphold the rich history and traditions of this proud school. Being an OB’s boy is something that should never be taken lightly. It fills me with an enormous sense of pride to have called this school home for the past five years. Having the privilege to learn and grow alongside boys who I now call brothers has been truly special, and is something that I’ll always hold dear to me.

It's going to be difficult to walk through the archway for the final time tomorrow, but it's time to turn the page and start a new chapter. Because as Dr Seuss once said “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Thank you.

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