Duke of Ed Gold Award Ceremony, May 25th 2021

Duke of Ed Gold Award Ceremony, May 25th 2021

Duke of Ed Gold Awardees 2021: (l-r) The Headmaster Mr Tim Bowden, Daniel T, Sebastian P, Joshua P, Suraj N, William M, Matthew N, Mr Guy Dennis (Gold Award Leader), Ms Christina Vanden Hengel (MIC DEAS)

Last Tuesday, seven of our Trinity young men were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards by the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales. Hard-fought and highly prized, these awards mark the end of an ‘adventurous journey’ that the students have been on, starting when they committed to joining the Bronze DEAS in Year 9. Aston F (13Yo), William M (12WJ), Suraj N (12Mu), Matthew N (13Ke), Sebastian P (12He), Joshua P (12La) and Daniel T (12Ta), accompanied by their parents, Gold Award Leader Mr Guy Dennis, myself and the Head Master, met on Wangal land at Sydney Olympic Park with over 220 other young awardees who received their awards and commemorated this auspicious occasion.

Close to 15,000 young people participate in the three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award each year in New South Wales. Last week’s ceremony celebrated the wonderful energy of young Australians in their pursuits of service to their communities, personal development of skills and interests, investment in their physical health and the challenge of new experiences beyond their circles. Along with a bevy of inspirational words spoken by awe-inspiring ambassadors for the program, the Governor herself prompted us in the Gadigal words at the end of the National Anthem to “yirribana Australiagal” – to move ‘this way Australian people’ following the lead of our youth who fearlessly and compassionately demonstrate that humble service, a thirst for adventure and reaching for excellence are truly golden qualities.

On a personal note, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the Duke of Ed staff at Trinity, I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the spirit, curiosity and grit with which these Gold Awardees have tackled this commitment. The Duke of Ed team are thrilled for them and for those in the ranks behind them who get to learn from their positive example.

In the shadow of the Duke of Edinburgh’s recent passing, his words about the international award he established in 1956 bestow honour upon these seven young men and ring ever true:

“Gold awards are not easily gained. Young people growing up in this modern complicated world have many difficulties to face and opportunities for personal development are often limited. I hope that all those who take part in this Award will find added purpose and pleasure in their lives”

– HRH Prince Philip

Christina Vanden Hengel | MIC Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Waiting for the ceremony to begin (l-r) William M, Suraj N, Matthew N, Aston F, Joshua P and Daniel T.
The Honourable Margaret Beazley speaks with William M, Daniel T, Joshua P and Suraj N after the ceremony

Share this post