By M Ladds
Murray has been an exceptional leader in the Andrean Community, and this has been evident in the responsibilities and leadership positions that he has held; Deputy Head boy, Head of Upper house, Captain of Cricket first XI, Vice-captain of the Rugby first XV, Vice-captain of the Athletics team and Grade 8 mentor.
In each of these roles, Murray has had a positive influence on those around him and he has demonstrated perseverance, commitment and dedication to bring out the best in all the areas he has served.
As Head of Upper House, Murray has been instrumental in all the successes that the house has achieved this year. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the boarding house, consistently setting a positive example for his peers. He was a major influence in encouraging the boys to participate in all the interhouse events from the interhouse plays, the blood drives and all the sporting events, always putting in his best effort, leading from the front and ensuring there was maximum participation from all the boys in the house.
Murray has been supportive and embraced the change in Upper this year which included working with a female housemaster. He would always encourage diverse perspectives which would assist him in making informed decisions. Murray’s genuine care and humility are stand-out qualities of his servant leadership, and he has fostered a culture of empathy, collaboration and growth in Upper House. He has led with integrity, courage and kindness.
Murray has been a superb mentor for the grade 8s. He encouraged meaningful relationships with the new boys and would often be found engaging with them concerning their daily routines and giving them sound advice. Murray, along with the dorm prefect, was instrumental in allowing the new boys to feel the essence of belonging in the boarding house, and he was influential in fostering a brotherhood amongst all the boys.
Murray’s new boy testified that, “Murray is a role-model and overall, a person who I admire. He has a good sense of humour, is a humble and great leader. Murray most importantly has been so kind to me this year, he has been understanding and the best matric mentor any grade 8 could ask for.”
As the Cricket first XI captain, Murray led with humility, kindness and care. He epitomises the concept of rewarding effort versus seeking accolades and outcomes. He brings out the best in College boys who identify with the depth of relationships and connectedness as opposed to the norm of social media. Even though the scoreboard has not been a true reflection of Murray’s leadership this year, his teammates know how he has kept the true College fire alive.
Murray also served as the Vice-captain of the rugby and athletics team this year, leading and encouraging the team on and off the field. He has been actively involved in many areas of school life, showing dedication and commitment to a variety of clubs and societies, namely The Astronomy Club; Transformation & Diversity committee; Plutus Society and he was part of the ‘Kitchen Chemistry’ team. He has recently completed the Gold standard of the President’s Award.
Murray’s leadership has been defined by his proactive attitude, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the boarders and in all the areas of school life that he has had an influence over and the opportunity to lead, whether it was in the classroom, on the sports field, in the boarding house or amongst the College prefects. His contributions have made a positive impact on all those that he has served. Murray is an absolute perfectionist, and he strives to leave any area of school life that he has been part of, in a better place than it was before.
Through Murray’s excellent leadership influence, achievements and contributions towards the school, he is a deserving candidate for the Leadership Honours award.
