Introducing St. Andrew’s Prefects for 2021-2022
The new slate of Prefects has been announced to a virtual crowd of students, faculty, and staff members.
In previous years, the new student leaders would have been called to the stage in Ketchum Auditorium to be handed their Prefect tie and badge from the outgoing Prefects. They would stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as the rest of the School applauded.
The COVID-19 pandemic has all students, faculty, and staff at home in isolation, but Head of School, Kevin McHenry, hosted a virtual assembly on May 13 to announce the new school leaders, the same as he did last year.
“I truly wish that we were all together here as an in-person community to celebrate the announcement of our 2021-2022 Prefects,” Mr. McHenry said. “It’s always a highlight of the school year to witness the high-fives and the hugs as the student body erupts after each Prefect is named.”
Mr. McHenry commended students, faculty, and staff on their resilience over the school year as we have all adapted to the weeks of in-person classes and the periods of isolation and distance learning.
“I continue to be extremely proud of the resilient effort that is made by all members of our community this year: students, faculty, staff, parents. We’re even stronger for this experience.”
He praised the outgoing Prefects for setting an overwhelmingly positive tone for the year. He read the names of the 2020-2021 Prefects, accompanied by a slide of the group posing in front of Memorial Chapel: Alex Ventin (Head Prefect), Paul Petrozza (Deputy Head Prefect), Braeden Donnelly, Benjamin Goring, Eddie Jia, David Kurp, Gordie McDonell, Caden McHenry, Lochlan McTeague, Jack Rankel, Nolan Rush, and Ty White.
He then congratulated the 42 boys who put their names forward to be considered Prefect, one of the most challenging forms of leadership at the School. “Congratulations for taking a risk to show how much you believe in both yourself and your school,” Mr. McHenry said, encouraging them to continue seeking leadership opportunities in the coming year.
After Upper School students, staff, and faculty cast their ballots, 14 boys were chosen, seven boarders and seven day boys. Typically, 12 students are elected Prefects, but the race was so close this year that two more students were added. Only three votes separated the eleventh Prefect from the fourteenth. Mr. McHenry announced each new Prefect in random order and read portions of their application letters.
Here are SAC’s 2020-21 Prefects, in random order, accompanied by excerpts from their candidate application letters:
David Buckley
I joined SAC in Grade 9, and from the first day I stepped on campus as an Andrean, I knew I wanted to be a Prefect. However, my path was unclear. I was so excited by all that was available that I couldn’t decide what I wanted to get involved in, so I made it my mission to try it all. I now know one thing more than ever. With every song, every play, every trip, and every opportunity I have to lead, I will always strive to inspire, teach, learn, and most importantly, lead with integrity.
In previous years, the new student leaders would have been called to the stage in Ketchum Auditorium to be handed their Prefect tie and badge from the outgoing Prefects. They would stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as the rest of the School applauded.
The COVID-19 pandemic has all students, faculty, and staff at home in isolation, but Head of School, Kevin McHenry, hosted a virtual assembly on May 13 to announce the new school leaders, the same as he did last year.
“I truly wish that we were all together here as an in-person community to celebrate the announcement of our 2021-2022 Prefects,” Mr. McHenry said. “It’s always a highlight of the school year to witness the high-fives and the hugs as the student body erupts after each Prefect is named.”
Mr. McHenry commended students, faculty, and staff on their resilience over the school year as we have all adapted to the weeks of in-person classes and the periods of isolation and distance learning.
“I continue to be extremely proud of the resilient effort that is made by all members of our community this year: students, faculty, staff, parents. We’re even stronger for this experience.”
He praised the outgoing Prefects for setting an overwhelmingly positive tone for the year. He read the names of the 2020-2021 Prefects, accompanied by a slide of the group posing in front of Memorial Chapel: Alex Ventin (Head Prefect), Paul Petrozza (Deputy Head Prefect), Braeden Donnelly, Benjamin Goring, Eddie Jia, David Kurp, Gordie McDonell, Caden McHenry, Lochlan McTeague, Jack Rankel, Nolan Rush, and Ty White.
He then congratulated the 42 boys who put their names forward to be considered Prefect, one of the most challenging forms of leadership at the School. “Congratulations for taking a risk to show how much you believe in both yourself and your school,” Mr. McHenry said, encouraging them to continue seeking leadership opportunities in the coming year.
After Upper School students, staff, and faculty cast their ballots, 14 boys were chosen, seven boarders and seven day boys. Typically, 12 students are elected Prefects, but the race was so close this year that two more students were added. Only three votes separated the eleventh Prefect from the fourteenth. Mr. McHenry announced each new Prefect in random order and read portions of their application letters.
Here are SAC’s 2020-21 Prefects, in random order, accompanied by excerpts from their candidate application letters:
David Buckley
I joined SAC in Grade 9, and from the first day I stepped on campus as an Andrean, I knew I wanted to be a Prefect. However, my path was unclear. I was so excited by all that was available that I couldn’t decide what I wanted to get involved in, so I made it my mission to try it all. I now know one thing more than ever. With every song, every play, every trip, and every opportunity I have to lead, I will always strive to inspire, teach, learn, and most importantly, lead with integrity.
Lucas Fong
If someone were to tell me five years ago that I would be applying to be a Prefect, I wouldn’t have believed them. My philosophy was that it wouldn’t be worth applying for a leadership position or sports team if I didn’t stand a chance at getting it. In my Grade 11 year, I was presented with several new opportunities that I never hesitated to take part in and hope to encourage younger students to do the same throughout their time at the School.
Rowan Kimens
Before sitting down to write my Prefect application, I took some time to think about what it means to be a good leader. My belief is that a good leader works towards making others around them better and supports the success and betterment of the collective more than any individual. He is capable of creating an environment where everyone feels included and feels free to be themselves and has the integrity of doing the right thing, even when there is no one watching.
Kyle Murphy
Throughout my time at St. Andrew’s, I have had many experiences that opened my eyes to how important the Prefects are to the St. Andrew’s community and how much impact and responsibility comes with holding that title. Being a Prefect is more than having a crest and a title. It means giving back to the School what it has given to you; it means recognizing that small moments can impact a student’s life; it’s being a role model, a big brother or a leader in the big, and especially in the small moments.
Vincent Virgilio
As a new boy, it can often be overwhelming when determining what pathway you want to venture on simply because SAC offers so many options. I found myself in the same position when I entered the Upper School. I was hesitant about almost everything from sports, course selection, and which leadership committee to apply to, to name a few. The only thing I was sure of was that I wanted to be a Prefect. My goal as Prefect would be to inspire as many young Andreans as possible. I want to show them that you can be so much more than just an athlete, musician, artist, academic, or whatever your passion is.
Jonathan Shen
Prefectship is the most prestigious leadership position at our school, and the position requires strong values and a broad scope of skills and capabilities. Since Grade 10, I have played an active role in advancing the Social Justice Council’s goal of encouraging the school community to celebrate the diversity of the student population. Even when I am not under the spotlight, I still hold myself accountable to our school values, as I hope it would serve as a model of integrity and honesty for younger students.
David Ezeude
Over the three years I spent in the SAC community, I’ve learned from my teachers, peers, and older students, and I have deduced that there is no set-in-stone perfect example or definition of a complete man. I aspire to uplift my fellow Andreans to become their version of the complete man and inspire other students to follow. If I am given the privilege of being a Prefect, I will continue my commitment to this community and use everything I’ve learned to continue my goal of becoming my version of the complete man; an affable person who treats everyone with respect, shows kindness without reward, and acts as a role model for others.
Michael Chen
When I was selecting schools in Grade 8, I chose SAC because of our focus on the well-rounded citizen. I was never someone with just one interest; I found myself loving sports, learning, and the arts. The process of participating, organizing, and teaching others is what made me realize how difficult leadership can be, especially when there were hiccups. But fighting through those hurdles, balancing several pursuits, and helping others are what made me realize the importance of leadership.
Colton Phillips
I grew up with an older brother, who I held in the highest regard. He was everything I wanted to be: an athlete, a scholar, a role model, a leader, and, most importantly, a complete man. I finally said enough is enough, and I stepped out of his shadow. Like a plant, leaving the shade and meeting the sun for the first time allowed me to grow. Being able to identify your unique differences allows you to find how to be successful. I believe I differ from others in the following traits: perseverance, kindness, and my own style of leadership. I strive to embody these traits in every aspect of my life.
Kade Hennessey
To me, a Prefect is a student who lives by and embodies the mission of the School by being a “complete man and well-rounded citizen” daily. A Prefect leads by example and always develops his character by ensuring that he is a role model for all students, no matter how similar or different their interests may be. Prefects can create an inclusive environment at SAC where everyone feels a part of the brotherhood. After seven years at this amazing school, it is now time for me to fully give back to the brotherhood and community at SAC so I can do for them what previous Prefects and model Andreans have done for me.
Daniel Iwai
I joined the SAC community in Grade 5, when former Prefect, Adam Sinclair ’15, helped lead the way for me. Adam was always showing me the ropes and making me feel like I belonged at SAC. He was a big brother to me. It can be a scary thing moving schools, which is why going into Grade 12, I want to have the opportunity to be that “Adam Sinclair” and help guide the new boys to become familiar with the School, from new boy orientation day onward. This school has given my five brothers and me endless opportunities that only SAC could offer, and as a Prefect I would continue to be the best big brother I can be to give back to this wonderful place.
Matthew Olejarz
My journey at SAC started as a shy student with limited extracurricular activities and community involvement. Since then, I have continued to be a dedicated student, developed into a strong athlete, a talented musician, and an involved citizen. The ultimate purpose of a leader is to motivate, cheer on, and bring out the best in others. During my time at SAC, I have been inspired by countless teachers and students. As a Prefect, I would strive to do the same for others and help them achieve their greatest potential. St. Andrew’s College is truly not an ordinary place. It has been, and always will be, a privilege to be an Andrean.
Spencer Thomson, Deputy Head Prefect
When I first came to St. Andrew’s in Grade 6, the Prefects seemed unimaginably accomplished. Their presence loomed above my 11-year-old self, with their special patches and silver ties. I struggled to grasp what it meant to be a Prefect. I had heard speeches at the Academic Assemblies about the Prefects being great leaders and representing the school. But as a younger student, I did not really know what that meant. As I grew closer to the Prefects in age and experience, they became more human and approachable, and the position of Prefect seemed less out of reach. The realization that the Prefects have all had paths and setbacks similar to mine has given light to a position that I had never truly understood until now. The Prefects still have their special crests and silver ties. I still look at them with the same 11-year-old wonder and desire to be like them. But now I am prepared, qualified and ready to fill their shoes.
Henry Paluch, Head Prefect
Imagine putting a placemark in Google Earth on the one location you feel most drawn to. At the age of 16, this placemark seems to have shifted, like earth’s meandering magnetic pole, to St. Andrew’s College. When I am at the center of campus, I feel safe, I feel that I am not alone, and I feel that there are others who are here to help me. I know I am home when the sun filters through the chapel windows in the mornings, while we all bow our heads and the heaters creak and pop. I know I am at home when I hear the crack of the starter pistol at the beginning of the annual Cross-Country Run. I feel most alive during Highland Cathedral when the drones meld with the sound of the organ. In my graduating year, I hope to help younger students feel the way I do when I am at St. Andrew’s: safe, included, and supported. I would like to help them see that they are a part of a community that fosters inclusivity, kindness, and achievement. Even in the wake of COVID-19, I would like to help them realize they have a home at St. Andrew’s College.
Visit our SAC YouTube channel to watch the entire announcement here and learn more about the accomplishments of each new Prefect.
If someone were to tell me five years ago that I would be applying to be a Prefect, I wouldn’t have believed them. My philosophy was that it wouldn’t be worth applying for a leadership position or sports team if I didn’t stand a chance at getting it. In my Grade 11 year, I was presented with several new opportunities that I never hesitated to take part in and hope to encourage younger students to do the same throughout their time at the School.
Rowan Kimens
Before sitting down to write my Prefect application, I took some time to think about what it means to be a good leader. My belief is that a good leader works towards making others around them better and supports the success and betterment of the collective more than any individual. He is capable of creating an environment where everyone feels included and feels free to be themselves and has the integrity of doing the right thing, even when there is no one watching.
Kyle Murphy
Throughout my time at St. Andrew’s, I have had many experiences that opened my eyes to how important the Prefects are to the St. Andrew’s community and how much impact and responsibility comes with holding that title. Being a Prefect is more than having a crest and a title. It means giving back to the School what it has given to you; it means recognizing that small moments can impact a student’s life; it’s being a role model, a big brother or a leader in the big, and especially in the small moments.
Vincent Virgilio
As a new boy, it can often be overwhelming when determining what pathway you want to venture on simply because SAC offers so many options. I found myself in the same position when I entered the Upper School. I was hesitant about almost everything from sports, course selection, and which leadership committee to apply to, to name a few. The only thing I was sure of was that I wanted to be a Prefect. My goal as Prefect would be to inspire as many young Andreans as possible. I want to show them that you can be so much more than just an athlete, musician, artist, academic, or whatever your passion is.
Jonathan Shen
Prefectship is the most prestigious leadership position at our school, and the position requires strong values and a broad scope of skills and capabilities. Since Grade 10, I have played an active role in advancing the Social Justice Council’s goal of encouraging the school community to celebrate the diversity of the student population. Even when I am not under the spotlight, I still hold myself accountable to our school values, as I hope it would serve as a model of integrity and honesty for younger students.
David Ezeude
Over the three years I spent in the SAC community, I’ve learned from my teachers, peers, and older students, and I have deduced that there is no set-in-stone perfect example or definition of a complete man. I aspire to uplift my fellow Andreans to become their version of the complete man and inspire other students to follow. If I am given the privilege of being a Prefect, I will continue my commitment to this community and use everything I’ve learned to continue my goal of becoming my version of the complete man; an affable person who treats everyone with respect, shows kindness without reward, and acts as a role model for others.
Michael Chen
When I was selecting schools in Grade 8, I chose SAC because of our focus on the well-rounded citizen. I was never someone with just one interest; I found myself loving sports, learning, and the arts. The process of participating, organizing, and teaching others is what made me realize how difficult leadership can be, especially when there were hiccups. But fighting through those hurdles, balancing several pursuits, and helping others are what made me realize the importance of leadership.
Colton Phillips
I grew up with an older brother, who I held in the highest regard. He was everything I wanted to be: an athlete, a scholar, a role model, a leader, and, most importantly, a complete man. I finally said enough is enough, and I stepped out of his shadow. Like a plant, leaving the shade and meeting the sun for the first time allowed me to grow. Being able to identify your unique differences allows you to find how to be successful. I believe I differ from others in the following traits: perseverance, kindness, and my own style of leadership. I strive to embody these traits in every aspect of my life.
Kade Hennessey
To me, a Prefect is a student who lives by and embodies the mission of the School by being a “complete man and well-rounded citizen” daily. A Prefect leads by example and always develops his character by ensuring that he is a role model for all students, no matter how similar or different their interests may be. Prefects can create an inclusive environment at SAC where everyone feels a part of the brotherhood. After seven years at this amazing school, it is now time for me to fully give back to the brotherhood and community at SAC so I can do for them what previous Prefects and model Andreans have done for me.
Daniel Iwai
I joined the SAC community in Grade 5, when former Prefect, Adam Sinclair ’15, helped lead the way for me. Adam was always showing me the ropes and making me feel like I belonged at SAC. He was a big brother to me. It can be a scary thing moving schools, which is why going into Grade 12, I want to have the opportunity to be that “Adam Sinclair” and help guide the new boys to become familiar with the School, from new boy orientation day onward. This school has given my five brothers and me endless opportunities that only SAC could offer, and as a Prefect I would continue to be the best big brother I can be to give back to this wonderful place.
Matthew Olejarz
My journey at SAC started as a shy student with limited extracurricular activities and community involvement. Since then, I have continued to be a dedicated student, developed into a strong athlete, a talented musician, and an involved citizen. The ultimate purpose of a leader is to motivate, cheer on, and bring out the best in others. During my time at SAC, I have been inspired by countless teachers and students. As a Prefect, I would strive to do the same for others and help them achieve their greatest potential. St. Andrew’s College is truly not an ordinary place. It has been, and always will be, a privilege to be an Andrean.
Spencer Thomson, Deputy Head Prefect
When I first came to St. Andrew’s in Grade 6, the Prefects seemed unimaginably accomplished. Their presence loomed above my 11-year-old self, with their special patches and silver ties. I struggled to grasp what it meant to be a Prefect. I had heard speeches at the Academic Assemblies about the Prefects being great leaders and representing the school. But as a younger student, I did not really know what that meant. As I grew closer to the Prefects in age and experience, they became more human and approachable, and the position of Prefect seemed less out of reach. The realization that the Prefects have all had paths and setbacks similar to mine has given light to a position that I had never truly understood until now. The Prefects still have their special crests and silver ties. I still look at them with the same 11-year-old wonder and desire to be like them. But now I am prepared, qualified and ready to fill their shoes.
Henry Paluch, Head Prefect
Imagine putting a placemark in Google Earth on the one location you feel most drawn to. At the age of 16, this placemark seems to have shifted, like earth’s meandering magnetic pole, to St. Andrew’s College. When I am at the center of campus, I feel safe, I feel that I am not alone, and I feel that there are others who are here to help me. I know I am home when the sun filters through the chapel windows in the mornings, while we all bow our heads and the heaters creak and pop. I know I am at home when I hear the crack of the starter pistol at the beginning of the annual Cross-Country Run. I feel most alive during Highland Cathedral when the drones meld with the sound of the organ. In my graduating year, I hope to help younger students feel the way I do when I am at St. Andrew’s: safe, included, and supported. I would like to help them see that they are a part of a community that fosters inclusivity, kindness, and achievement. Even in the wake of COVID-19, I would like to help them realize they have a home at St. Andrew’s College.
Visit our SAC YouTube channel to watch the entire announcement here and learn more about the accomplishments of each new Prefect.
We are committed to building a sense of belonging in our community.
By dedicating ourselves to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, we will foster and accept the unique individuality of each of our citizens, ensuring all members feel valued and respected.
"Dedicated to the development of the complete man, the well-rounded citizen." | © 2024 St. Andrew's College. All Rights Reserved. 15800 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON L4G 3H7 Canada
