“Helping one person may not change the world, but it may change the world for one person.” That was the inspiring quote delivered by 2025 Head Boy, Luka Mahy, during his opening address to AC’s student body yesterday.
Luka sent a powerful message, urging students to unite as family, lift each other up, celebrate unique strengths, and strive to be 1 percent better each day—so that Aquinas can be the best it can be for everyone. (📖 Read his full speech below.)
Ka pai, Luka! We look forward to hearing from Head Girl Monique Faire in the coming weeks.
February 3 Speech by 2025 Aquinas Head Boy, Luka Mahy
“Good morning Aquinas staff and Students,
It is a true privilege to stand before you as the head boy for 2025…
I’ve spent the last 6 years of my life at Aquinas, a journey that has shaped me into who I am today. From starting at this school as a little Year 7, to now being one of those seniors and leaders of the college, I’m proud to call Aquinas my home. Through house competitions and being a member of many sports teams, I have learnt what it means to show the Aquinian spirit, and along with the amazing support of my peers and teachers, I feel proud to represent this school, and give back to the community that has taught and given me so much. I thank those who have played a part in my Aquinas journey and all they have done for me, and it is my hope this year that I will play a small part in each of your own Aquinas Journeys.
I would also like to acknowledge, in her absence, Monique and the other talented young leaders as a part of the student exec. As we begin our final year at highschool and step into our new roles, we will face challenges and moments that test our character, but we will also experience times of growth, achievement and fulfillment. I have no doubt whether you are in a formal leadership position or not, that you will all do great things and continue on a lasting legacy at Aquinas.
AC has always felt like a big family to me, and one of the values I hold closest to my heart is the idea of Tuakana Teina, translated in English to the bond between an elder sibling and a younger sibling. I feel as though it is the relationships that we form at school that makes it a place where our learning can flourish and we are able to succeed at whatever we put our minds to. Whether it is your first year beginning your journey at this school, or a year 13, in your last year at college, we are all a part of this family and it’s our responsibility to look out for one another.
As this year’s focus for our college is the touchstone of Family, I would like for us to continue to strengthen our community feel and aim to support and encourage those who may be different from yourself. I would like for us to not only acknowledge this, but put it into action in our everyday lives. That means making an effort to welcome diversity and embrace those who may not yet feel welcome at our school.
Aquinas is a school that already finds success and excellence in many areas: academics, sports, the arts, and building young leaders, but there is always room for growth and improvement. Instead of aiming to make big changes to your life that may seem unrealistic or too difficult, I want you to focus on the little things that make you 1% better each day. These could be things like helping an international or new student find their way around the school, including the quiet person in your class, or even just giving someone who may seem down a smile as you walk past them. These might seem like small gestures, but they can change someone’s entire day, and over time, they shape the culture of our school.
As I was writing this speech, I came across an analogy that I feel captures this perfectly. Imagine a jar filled with stones. These stones represent the key parts of our college– our special character, our academic and sporting success, and our artistic and cultural talents. The jar looks full, but then we pour in small pebbles. These pebbles fill the gaps between the stones, representing our tight-knit community, and the values that bind us together. The jar seems full again. But then, we pour in sand, filling the smallest spaces left. This sand represents the little things—small acts of kindness, moments of support, and gestures of inclusivity that make our school truly whole. Even when it seems like we are doing well, there is always room for the little things, and it is these small actions that make Aquinas’ jar even more full.
So as we go forward this year, let’s commit to lifting each other up, and not putting others down, celebrating our differences, and our own unique strengths and continue to spread positivity, so we are able to make Aquinas the best it can be, for everyone. Let’s all aim to be 1% better each day and before I go, I want to leave you with a quote that resonated with me… “Helping one person may not change the world, but it may change the world for one person.”
I am excited for 2025 and what it will bring, and I look forward to working with you all this year.
Thank you.”