INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY 041 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 COLLEGE CAPTAIN ELECT George Lahoud College Captain Elect 2025 Robert Frost had a famous quote: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference” February 1st 2018. The first day of year five. For most of us here at St Patrick’s College, it was the first day we put on the blue cap, blue tie and grey shorts. But for me, on that first day of Year 5, I wore long grey pants, a maroon tie, and a dark blue hat during recess and lunch. If you would have told that same boy from Christ The King Bass Hill Primary School, that in 7 years he would be standing on stage, addressing the St Patrick’s community as the next College Captain, he wouldn’t have believed you. Life moves fast. I was finishing Term 3 of Year 6 at my primary school, set on attending La Salle High School in Bankstown, with lifelong friends and plenty of familiar faces. Until, unexpectedly, I was offered an opportunity to be enrolled at St Patrick’s College. It’s moments like these make me look back and wonder, “What if I didn’t take that opportunity?” At 12 years old leaving everyone and everything I knew behind to come to St Patrick’s made no sense to me. But now, as I stand here, I’m reminded that life’s greatest blessings often come from the choices that feel the most uncertain, and for that I thank God always. Robert Frost had a famous quote: “Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference” It was the last great Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius that wrote “Accept the things to which fate binds you and love the people with whom fate brings you together but do so with all your heart.” And so it is with great honour that I stand before you and accept the role of College Captain for 2025. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity given and support shown to me by my peers, teachers, Dr Lavorato and family throughout my journey at St Pats, and I am privileged and honoured to lead the class of 2025 as we enter our final year at this great College. I’d like to begin by thanking my parents. Mum, Dad, you have both been amazing role models for me over the years, and it is your unconditional patience, love and support that has shaped me into the person I am today. I truly would not be standing here without you. It was your acute judgement that led me to this school setting where I would be challenged to become the student and leader that I am today. I thank the cohort of young men who nominated me for this position. I am deeply honoured and grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by nominating me to represent you. I am here to support, lead and advocate for each and every one of you, whether you nominated me or not. I would also like to congratulate Joshua Malone and Gideon Benedict on their appointment as Vice Captains for 2025. They are two of the most exceptional young men that I know, and I am excited to work with them in the year ahead. I also want to acknowledge and congratulate the entire 2025 student leadership team, whose dedication I am blessed to have by my side, as we prepare for what will undoubtedly be a challenging, yet rewarding year to come. It would be remiss of me to not recognise the exemplary work of the outgoing College leaders. Michael, Charbel, Christian and the entire leadership team, who have each done a brilliant job and set a high bar. To all the boys in the class of 2024, I wish you all the best as you move beyond these school grounds. I hope that if there is one thing you take with you as you become old boys, it is our sense of community, knowing you will always be welcome and a part of the St Patrick’s family. To all the young men of St Patrick’s College, I encourage you to back yourselves. Don’t be afraid to set ambitious goals and push yourself to work hard and get involved. The earlier in your school journey you come to realise this, the more you will truly appreciate and enjoy your time at school. Following what Robert Frost inspires us to do, choosing “the road less travelled”. Take a risk, try something different and see if that makes the difference in your story. This in all aspects of school life, both the academic and the cocurricular. To the student body, I close by encouraging each and every one of you to share your light with others as this only makes it shine brighter. That is what we need from each other, at this time of year and always. And finally, to the class of 2025, as we prepare to receive our black ties and begin our HSC journey, I hope that together we can make the coming year one we never forget. Gideon, Josh and I are looking forward to walking alongside you, doing our best to serve you all as we endeavor on this leadership journey. I can’t promise you things will be easy, but what I can promise, is that this team and I really do have your best intentions in mind. With that said, lets cherish our time left, and finish our journey at the college on a high. Luceat Lux Vestra! Mr And Mrs Lahoud With Their Son, College Captain Elect George
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