Class Act 2024

By OBHS | Posted: Monday October 28, 2024

The Otago Daily Times Class Act initiative identifies and celebrates the excellence of young people in our province.

This year the Otago Boys' High School recipients are Fergus Oberlin-Brown and Benjamin Richards. Congratulations to these fine young men.

Fergus Oberlin-Brown

Achievements: Head Prefect (2024); tennis coach (2022-24); hockey coach (2023-24); sustainability group (2022-24); Town Belt Kaitiaki environment group (2023-2024); member of Albany Hockey Club division 2 men's winning team (2023); Albany Hockey Club division 2 mens' most valuable player (2023); Albany Hockey Club premier men's team (2024); OBHS 1st XI (2022-2024); OBHS 1st XI player of the year (2024); hockey blues (2022-2023); Otago Academy of Sport (2024); Otago tennis representative (2019-24); OBHS tennis inter-school team (2023-2024); OBHS tennis South Island tournament team (2024); Balmacewen Tennis Club division 2 men's (2022-24); OBHS tennis doubles trophy with Hugo Barsby (2023); tennis blues (2023 and 2024).

Role Model: Black Stick and former OBHS student Kane Russell.

Hopes for the future: Become a Black Stick and play overseas.

Benjamin Richards

Achievements: 600SVA service hours (2024); SVA silver badge (expected to reach gold award in 2024); volunteer leader at Waihola Youth Camps; Prefect (2024); Junior Blues A volleyball (2020-2021); most improved junior volley baller (2021); Senior Whites B volleyball (2022); Senior Blues A volleyball (2023); cricket Junior Premier Blue team (2020-21); 3rd XI cricket (2022-23); Rugby Senior Colts Blue (2022); 3rd XV rugby (2023-24); NCEA excellence-endorsed level 2 (2023); Morris Prize for creative writing (2023); history scholarship recipient (2023); studying politics through the University of Canterbury distance programme (2024).

Role Model: Saint Paul the Apostle

Hopes for the future: Wants to make a difference in others' lives and go on mission trips around the world.