Abingdonian 2018

92 The Abingdonian For the final time I find myself penning a summary of the Green Army and all that has been going on in the house during the last year. As I hand over the reins of the house to Richard Pygott it is strangely poignant to think I won’t be doing this again. As is customary I begin with the Upper Sixth and include their leavers’ poem which illustrates hopefully what a versatile bunch of guys the leavers of 2018 are. As the Lower Sixth navigate their exams, well done to Connor Brown, Joshua Franklin, Qasim Naqvi and Angus Blomfield who have just been selected as school prefects. Connor continues to progress brilliantly with his rowing, trialling for the GB squad over Easter and, along with Henry Muller, hopefully having a successful summer for the 1st VIII. Worth particular note is the excellent work of the house mentors which include all the lads mentioned already along with Tom Harvey-Jamieson, Mohsen Ansari, Max Martin, Toby Pratt and Charlie Cardno. They have all been hugely reliable and supportive especially when it comes to looking out for the current third year and helping promote the house values. In addition the Lower School Assistants of Joshua, Angus and William Diver have been very reliable. Max and Toby have also had a very good year within the CCF showing strong leadership and teamwork. Both lads have done outstandingly well to receive a scholarship to Sandhurst after University, and Max has received the added accolade of being selected as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. Finally some super contributions to the Martlet have been made by Piers Mucklejohn and Alexander Thulin, while Drew Farwell continues to progress brilliantly with his shooting. They are an enthusiastic year group who spur each other on, and it is great to see so many already well on their way to making UCAS decisions as well as involving themselves in the EPQ programme. The fifth year are currently in the middle of exams, which is always a stressful time of year, but they have prepared well and I am confident of As the beast from the east leaves us with snow on the ground Another group of Upper Sixth are gap year or uni bound. It’s time to reflect on five or seven years past And look at the milestones that will be their last. First up we bid adieu to a true gent, Cam The final Green Army member of the Aitken clan, Next up is legend of the 2nd XV Bristol-bound with his PS4 is where Appsey will be seen. Josh B is rowing his way to history for his uni place, Mr Reliable will be difficult to replace. Harry deserves to be Cambridge-bound Managing land is where he will be found. While Kilimanjaro is no match for Clokey Core sport seemed a bridge too far for Tom C. The house will miss Scott and his cheerful grin. He’s a star of the science world or even teaching? Medicine for Ben with some squash for fun, Working out the science to live to 151. Computer science for Will is the key to big bucks - If that doesn’t work he can ref the FA Cup. Ish is heading to uni with white coat and rugby ball. Living life to the full at a lecture or in a maul. Choir boy Langley, gets things done with no fuss Just as long as mum doesn’t drop him at Freshers’ in the Big Red Bus! Classics at uni has Nick L’s confidence brimming. Let’s hope there is no core sport swimming! Adriano is destined to be a Tech king - He’s the next Zuckerberg in the making. Making good use of his charm will be thespian Muss, Schmoozing girls and going large with the minimum of fuss! Pavord’s going to set the uni world of Chemistry alight - Tell him a joke on a bus and you’ll get quite a fright! Four years of Oxford Classics will make Ben feel glad, Sipping a beer while ruminating over Homer’s Iliad. Hockey player Stoker is unafraid to think, As long as he and Pavord don’t meet for a Uni drink! Ewan will use what he learnt in his EPQ To get bought every drink and get to the front of the nightclub queue. For Tom W, the unbeaten season was not meant to be - A career in conservation after 3 years at uni? For all they achieved the Green Army cries ‘Well done’. Good luck with exams and summer festival sun. To those staff who have helped you along the way With revision, stress and break ups, we say Hip Hip Hooray! As your attention drifts to the summer festival and the first banging set Don’t forget to take with you your growth mindset! Now all that’s left for me to say to the class of 2018 Is wherever you go, remember the Army Green!!! Southwell-Sander’s House