Oakleigh Grammar hosts inaugural Pursuit of Excellence Awards

·

Oakleigh Grammar has recognised students at its inaugural Pursuit of Excellence Award ceremony held at the school’s Conference Centre and attended by students, staff, dignitaries and parents.

In a moving address, 2023 Alumni and recipient of an Academic Outcomes Award, Arthur Demetriou passionately implored students to give their senior years their best by having an end goal in mind. 

Oakleigh Grammar
Class of 2023 Pursuit of Excellece Award recipients. Photo: Supplied.

Arthur used tennis as a frame of reference. Tennis legends he said, had these attributes in common: “Work ethic, mindset, motivation, and determination. They know why they are there, what they are doing, and where they want to go… and it’s no different for each and every one of us… stop those thoughts in your head that say ‘I’m not smart, I can’t do it’… because they are plain and simply wrong… all your teachers… are here to help.” 

Imploring students to remember one of the seven habits (for highly successful people), Arthur said: “Begin with the end in mind so that you know where to start.”

Quoting tennis great Novak Djokovic, Arthur continued: “So what is the difference between number one and number 500? What goes on between the two ears and how dedicated, motivated and how brilliant we are.” 

Oakleigh Grammar
2023 Graduate Arthur Demetriou made an impassioned speech. Photo: Supplied.

Arthur who lives with cerebral palsy, concluded: “I could have made a million and one excuses, and they would have been plausible, so if I can strive for greatness, so can you.” Striking a chord with his audience, the applause was deafening.

Principal Mark Robertson said, “It’s important that we as a school celebrate achievement. Achievement is not just about the grades, but is recognising and celebrating the effort that goes into that final outcome. Hard work, dedication and perseverance are three key qualities… they’re qualities I believe will serve our class of 2023 very well into the future in their university life and into their careers.

Oakleigh Grammar
Principal Mark Robertson address students, staff and parents. Photo: Supplied.

Mr Robertson went on to thank Board Chairman Chris Damatopoulos: “He is fully committed to providing the resources and facilities to enable high achievement within our school. We are very fortunate at Oakleigh Grammar to have outstanding teachers who are committed to the endeavours of every young person in this school.”

Mr Damatopoulos asked the students to: “Remember the sacrifice your parents have made, remember your teachers and their commitment to you and… make a difference in society.”

Oakleigh Grammar
Oakleigh Grammar Chairman of the Board, Chris Damatopoulos congratulated 2023 Dux Noah Peoples. Photo: Supplied.

2023 graduates Noah Peoples (Dux), Aaron Neild (Dux Proximus), Jonathan Carmody, Arthur Demetriou, Eros Kene, Anastasia Konstantinidis, Maria Kourkoutzelos, Tony Pistikakis, Sivmeng Te, Charlotte Tsitas, and Satya Yellamelli, received Academic Excellence awards for achieving an ATAR of or above 80.

Current Year 12 students Arietta Apostolopoulos, Nicola Grigoropoulos and Jessica Peraic were recognised for achieving scores above 40 for subjects they completed in 2023 VCE examinations.

2023 graduates Emma Alexellis, Isabella Anastopoulos, Jonathan Carmody, Nicholas Doyle and Elena Georgiades received Excellence Awards for positive contribution to the school.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Albanese condemns anti-Semitism amid graffiti and protests on October 7 anniversary

PM Anthony Albanese has condemned anti-Semitic incidents that occurred as communities marked the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

Greek American John Martinis among scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics

Greek American physicist John Martinis has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, alongside John Clarke and Michel Devoret.

Sydney Olympic at a crossroads: Damon Hanlin on Belmore, finances and the future

As construction threatens its home, Sydney Olympic enters a new era - chasing stability, respect and results on the national stage.

Cypriot community gathers in Sydney to mark 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus

The Cyprus Community of NSW hosted a special commemoration on Sunday, marking 65 years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Sydney’s Lemnian community marks 113 years since the liberation of Lemnos

The Lemnian Association of Sydney and New South Wales “Maroula” marked the 113th anniversary of the liberation of Lemnos.

You May Also Like

From ‘greeklish’ to ‘engreek’: The new social media slang

The (new) social media slang is a polyphonic, symbolic language, a cryptic way of communication, which is difficult to decode.

La Trobe University partners with Delphi Bank to present new exhibition

La Trobe University is joining forces with Delphi Bank to bring you their new exhibition honouring the Greek-Australian migrant story.

New ‘miGRant’ survey helps to develop a better Greek language education in Australia

A new 'miGRant' survey has been announced which will help create a better Greek language education for Greek children in Australia.