Word From our 2021 Vice Captains

My name is Leigh Amores and I am a current Year 11 IB Diploma student. I am very excited to take on my role as the College Vice Captain in 2021. In my role next year, my main goals are to work closely with the Student Leadership Team, co-ordinate the assemblies and maintain a healthy morale at the College.

The extra-curriculars I enjoy, include House Plays, debating, dance, and I am involved in various committees.

I look forward to fully embodying my leadership role and hope that I can give support to anyone who needs it.

My name is Patrick Sowerby and I am the Somerset Vice Captain alongside Leigh for 2021. Looking back to when I first came to the College in Year 2, I would never have thought that I would become the person I am today. Somerset is a home away from home and I am honoured to be appointed to this position.

I was born in Adelaide which gave me the right to choose whichever State of Origin team I wanted. My Dad wasn’t happy with my choice to support Queensland, especially given the next 10 years of NSW disappointment. Growing up I was surrounded by extremely dedicated athletes including my Dad who swam the English Channel, my brother who’s found talent in almost every sport and my Mum who is an ironwoman. If you don’t know what an Ironman is its basically hell; a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and then a 42km marathon. To this day it astounds me how she can actually find joy in something that mentally and physically draining.

For me, I found my passion in the game of rugby. Having a family of athletes was part of the reason I played the sport, and also because I was almost 6ft at the age of 7. I have so many Somerset Rugby memories - from doing the Year 4 Rugby speech (and not being able to see over the lectern), to winning the Year 8 premiership and now to be part of the First XV side. Somerset Rugby has taught me about teamwork, toughness, respect and commitment. It has been a privilege to work alongside my coaches Mr Attoe and Mr Walsh, who have given me so much support through the years.

During my time at Somerset I have developed so many relationships with my fellow students and College staff. Seeing photos of our grade in the early days reminds me not only of our terrible haircuts, but of how far as a cohort we have come and the memories we have made along the way. I truly believe that this grade is special and will serve as very successful leaders of the school in 2021.

Somerset has provided all of us with the opportunity to be the best person we can be in all facets of life. Whether students are academic, sport, musical or community service orientated, Somerset has opportunities and supportive teachers that can help you along the way. Somerset gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself, whether that is going on a gruelling hiking camp or grinding your way through a ‘special’ Pula fitness session, there’s always somewhere students can strive to be better. Somerset has made me who I am today, and it will be an honour to serve the College in 2021. Next year I will aim to create opportunities for my younger peers to be challenged and will encourage a positive mindset in all facets of school life.