The Last Word

By Hamish Leyser | Posted: Tuesday October 17, 2023

Year 13’s, we sit on the threshold of a new beginning.

Our high school lives end in just a couple of weeks, and that is why I'm honoured to have the chance to be up here talking to you for the last time in my school career.

As our time here at OBHS comes to an end, I believe the Year 13’s are realising how privileged and lucky we are to have been OB’s boys, the boys in blue blazers.

This might be because you’ve just played your last sports game for the blue and white, or last class at school, last ever exam, maybe you’ve applied for uni next year. Whatever it was, I think we are all only just realising or will realise how lucky we are.

I think we can all agree that time has gone pretty fast these past few years, some of us might be wanting that time back, to go back to Year 9. But I just want us to look back on the great times high school has given us. Things like school camps, athletic days, cross countries and having all your mates in the same place at the same time. Although you may not have wanted to do some of these things at the time, they are the things we will remember when we look back.

Our time in high school has been a time of growth and learning. We’ve faced challenges, made friends, and discovered our strengths. We’ve learnt from our teachers, our experiences, and each other. Boys, we have grown not only academically but also as individuals.

As we prepare to leave Otago Boys', let’s remember that this is just the beginning of our journey. The world outside these walls is vast and full of opportunities. We will meet new people, have new experiences, and face new challenges.

I know we only have 3 weeks left, but Year 11 and 12’s can take this on board as well. Make the most of the time we have left.

Before you know it you're into the real world where 7am may seem like a sleep in for some of us. Where a 6 hour school day is half of someone’s shift and where we are no longer under our parents' wings. I know I probably sound like your parents right now, but time does go quickly boys, so make the most of it.

In true OB’s fashion I’ll end in a quote. This qoute is by Dr Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”