Vol 22 No 3            23 September 2016

It's not every day that you get to spend a few hours with an Olympic sailing champion but last Friday that is just what we did at The High School.  We were impressed beyond words by how our past pupil Annalise Murphy (HSD, 2002-08) gave so freely of her time, speaking at length and frankly to more than 700 pupils, friends, teachers, and parents who sat quietly together listening as Head Girl, Aela O'Flynn (6MG) and sailing enthusiast, Chloe Holmes (3R) skillfully interviewed her about future plans, ambition, and life as a High School pupil.   We were joined too by Annalise's parents, Cathy and Con, brother Finn and sister Claudine - also past pupils - who are all still reeling from the excitement of winning at Rio just four weeks ago.
While the HSD orchestra string section played Rod Stewart's wonderfully apt 'We Are Sailing', and flags waved in the air, there was more than bright morning sunlight streaming across the faces of the pupils gathered there; there was inspiration.  
That was especially true for our current up-and-coming sports stars for whom she is a towering role model so it meant so much when Annalise took the time to meet them individually and let them hold their Olympic medal.  The effect was immediate and tangible. 
It was a pleasure to spend the morning with Annalise and her family, and we hope to do so again very soon. 
If you would like to listen to the interview, you can do so by clicking the button below.