Perhaps an exam let you down ie Methods, and you are starting to doubt whether an entire years of work was really worth it. All those sacrifices and parties we could never attend. Well don't worry there is hope, whether success comes now or later it will reach us all, there is always someone who has had it worse than us, what defines us is the way we get back up and move forward please read:
Matt was an excellent scholar from the moment he entered Scotch, maintaining consistently high grades and setting very high standards for himself. He was also a talented athlete.
In June 2007 Matt suffered an accident in a football game which left him a quadriplegic. He was taken to the Austin Hospital where he spent several months undergoing intensive medical treatment and ongoing care. Later he was moved to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre for physiotherapy and the development of vital life skills.
While in the Austin and the Royal Talbot, Matt’s friends provided him unstinting support and affection. They formed a roster of visits so he was never alone for very long. In the early stages they fed him, played games with him and provided typical teenage company for him. Through all this time Matt remained positive, good-humoured and a great mate to his friends.
Rather than letting his studies fall fallow, Matt was adamant that he would continue his VCE and complete it in the same two years as his year group. Teachers visited him every week to teach him and assess his work. Even when he could not hold a pen, Matt had someone else write for him. When he could hold a pen, he would persevere by writing slowly, every action requiring conscious commitment.
Throughout Term 4 of 2007 Matt attended school, initially for an hour every few days, to reconnect with his friends and teachers. He completed his Methods 3-4 subject while at the Royal Talbot, learning to hold a pen again and writing very slowly. It is a testament to his intelligence and perseverance that he achieved a study score of 47 (out of 50) for Mathematical Methods.
The staff at the Royal Talbot Hospital was struck by Matt’s determination to learn new skills, keep up his studies, remain optimistic, and pursue his own dreams. They commented many times that he showed a tenacity of spirit that few others could hope to match.
In 2008 Matt returned to Scotch full-time. He was a prefect, organised the communications team for various sports events, and raised thousands of dollars for spinal research (early in 2009 Matt presented a cheque of $13,500 to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Hospital for ongoing vital work undertaken for those in wheelchairs).
While undertaking a full VCE programme, Matt organised a goal-kicking competition where boys were encouraged to wear their football club colours and kick as many goals as possible from various points of the oval. He invited James Hird, former captain of the Essendon Football Club, to visit Scotch for the final of the goal-kicking competition. Matt also spoke at Mission Week about making the most of our lives and not being daunted by the challenges that come our way. He spoke very movingly of his own faith and his commitment to use his talents for the benefit of others, and not just himself. He spoke at various assemblies, encouraging boys to use their gifts and to make every day special.
At the end of 2008, Matt achieved the highest possible ENTER of 99.95 and was co-dux with three other boys. Most people do not know that he took over five hours to complete his English examination due to the extent of his discomfort and pain. Although exhausted by the end, he completed it to an extremely high standard.
Matt is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) at the University of Melbourne.
Matt was a young man of character and strength prior to his accident. After his accident, his indomitable will, strength of purpose, compassion for others, and pursuit of excellence were only enhanced, and not diminished. He inspired all Scotch Collegians last year; younger boys spoke of his good humour and gentle goodwill. Older boys admired his drive to succeed at everything he did. Teachers admired him for his tenacity, intellectual integrity, his maturity, and optimism. Matt is a most worthy recipient of the Perelberg Award and a living tribute to all the qualities that the Perelberg family hold so dear, in memory of their son, Ashley (’92). GS
Home
Help
Search
Login
