470 Strong

24 October 2013Aidan C

Editor’s note: Aidan C, Assistant Head Prefect, delivered this address to his fellow students in September. Aidan is a 3rd generation Brentonian. His grandfather, grandmother, uncle, father, mother, and sister have all houseparented, taught at and/or attended Brentwood. Brentwood is in Aidan’s blood! Hi, my name is Aidan and I love this school. I have lived around Brentwood my whole life. I was raised here; it’s my home. So, if you are having any trouble settling into the school, you can just come to me and I’ll try and help show you what an amazing place this is. Sure, some rooms are too small, some floors are too creaky, and Alex House will always be haunted, but look at where we are. We are in a state-of-the-art theater on our beautiful oceanfront campus and we only have 470 students. 470 students for this, Crooks Hall, the new Centre for Art and Humanities, and all of the other state-of-the-art gyms, modern houses, and a rowing center worth millions. Guys, this is not normal for a school of 470. How do we do it? It’s because so many past Brentonians call this home, and people strive to make their home more welcoming. We do this because we are all, in a special way, family. We are not a school of individuals; we are a school of 470 strong, woven together with endless bonds. You have the little Grade 9s who can barely tie a tie, the Grade 10 becoming young men and women, the Grade 11s meeting a huge academic challenge, then all of a sudden you reach Grade 12. All of my high school years have been here. Three years and now this; it’s gone by so quickly, and although I’m nervous, I’m excited. I’m excited for this year and, as Assistant Head Prefect for Athletics, I want you all to be as well. I want you to want to go and support your school at every event: Brentwood vs. whomever, I want you to want to go and cheer them on with school spirit. As I said, we are not a school of individuals, we are a school of 470 strong, and there is no way to be successful if we stand as individuals. So go out and watch a Grade 9 boys’ rugby game in the pouring rain, or a junior girls’ volleyball match in a noisy gym. Endure the cold winter walks to the gymnasium, and no matter what, support. Even if you don’t understand the sport, cheer them on. Because when your time comes, you will get the same. 470 strong. That’s how we will win, supporting each other at EVERY event. I’m really excited for this year and I hope you all are too. Aidan C, Whittall ‘14

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