50p
Rogers House Lifer
Below is an address delivered by Anthong Burkinshaw at the Lifer’s Dinner in June.
Good evening, everyone. Or in the wise words of our ‘Master and Commander’, Mr Snow, “Greetings”. On September 5, 2017, 10 new terrified Grade 9 pirates accepted the invitation to climb aboard HMS Rogers for an adventure of a lifetime.
Writing this speech has given me the chance to look back on these past four years, and the only word that came to mind to sum it all up was “Wow!” Whether it was Open Houses, Big Bros, Snow classics, celebrating not coming last in interhouse and all the highs and lows of being a teenager, I am eternally grateful to have gone on this voyage through Brentwood with these eight amazing guys, and I’d like to say a few words to each of you, who have helped me so much these past four years.
I’ll start off with the first person I ever met here and my first roommate, Nate. You were a great stroke-seat and an even better person and I really appreciated getting a calm, yet fun, roommate such as yourself.
Dylan is one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever met and the perfect BWell Captain; and I am truly grateful to call you a friend.
When I think of Mahir, so many things come up. Always ready with a good comeback or watching something new on Youtube, you are one of the smartest people I know and an awesome friend. I will really miss your sense of humour and, especially your amazing card tricks.
Another one of our cherished day students, Will, is always down for a good time and a really fun person to be around, even though you support the wrong soccer team.
Spencer is someone who, I think, has changed a lot since we first met. You started out as the Grade 12s favourite junior: since then you have grown into someone who is always calm, cool and collected, and I admire your leadership in the house.
Karl is a man whom I have a lot of respect for. Whether it is on the water, in school, or anything in between, I really admire how you give everything your all and I know that it will lead to great things in the future.
Gavin. Mr. Miada, a man with one of the sweetest rides in the school, and an even better laugh. I always enjoy spending time with you and Brentwood is a better place when you are here.
James, you are a fine leader, just an all around cool guy. I am very glad that I have been able to get to know you and thank you to you and Dylan for making Lit class enjoyable.
To the Rogers duty staff, Mr Griffiths, Ms Whitney, Mr Prokopchuk, Mr Hernandez and Ms Mullin, I can’t imagine many teachers who would willingly give up one night a week to sit in a boarding house with 50 teenagers making sure we stay quiet and do our homework, but you all did. So I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for making that sacrifice so that we can be at our best. To the RFAs past and present, for putting up with our shenanigans (especially Mr Filion) and for always being there for us to talk to, thank you. Last but definitely not least, Mr Thompson and Mr Snow. Thank you for looking out for us, helping us grow even if it meant giving out the odd house job; Rogers wouldn’t be what it is without you both.
Finally, to my fellow Lifers, we are almost there. It has been an honour to share this experience with all of you and I have no doubt that these four years at Brentwood will stay with you, whatever your next chapter is. So I will leave you with these words from Bob Marley: “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” Thank you.
Anthony Burkinshaw, Rogers ‘21
Good evening, everyone. Or in the wise words of our ‘Master and Commander’, Mr Snow, “Greetings”. On September 5, 2017, 10 new terrified Grade 9 pirates accepted the invitation to climb aboard HMS Rogers for an adventure of a lifetime.
Writing this speech has given me the chance to look back on these past four years, and the only word that came to mind to sum it all up was “Wow!” Whether it was Open Houses, Big Bros, Snow classics, celebrating not coming last in interhouse and all the highs and lows of being a teenager, I am eternally grateful to have gone on this voyage through Brentwood with these eight amazing guys, and I’d like to say a few words to each of you, who have helped me so much these past four years.
I’ll start off with the first person I ever met here and my first roommate, Nate. You were a great stroke-seat and an even better person and I really appreciated getting a calm, yet fun, roommate such as yourself.
Dylan is one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever met and the perfect BWell Captain; and I am truly grateful to call you a friend.
When I think of Mahir, so many things come up. Always ready with a good comeback or watching something new on Youtube, you are one of the smartest people I know and an awesome friend. I will really miss your sense of humour and, especially your amazing card tricks.
Another one of our cherished day students, Will, is always down for a good time and a really fun person to be around, even though you support the wrong soccer team.
Spencer is someone who, I think, has changed a lot since we first met. You started out as the Grade 12s favourite junior: since then you have grown into someone who is always calm, cool and collected, and I admire your leadership in the house.
Karl is a man whom I have a lot of respect for. Whether it is on the water, in school, or anything in between, I really admire how you give everything your all and I know that it will lead to great things in the future.
Gavin. Mr. Miada, a man with one of the sweetest rides in the school, and an even better laugh. I always enjoy spending time with you and Brentwood is a better place when you are here.
James, you are a fine leader, just an all around cool guy. I am very glad that I have been able to get to know you and thank you to you and Dylan for making Lit class enjoyable.
To the Rogers duty staff, Mr Griffiths, Ms Whitney, Mr Prokopchuk, Mr Hernandez and Ms Mullin, I can’t imagine many teachers who would willingly give up one night a week to sit in a boarding house with 50 teenagers making sure we stay quiet and do our homework, but you all did. So I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for making that sacrifice so that we can be at our best. To the RFAs past and present, for putting up with our shenanigans (especially Mr Filion) and for always being there for us to talk to, thank you. Last but definitely not least, Mr Thompson and Mr Snow. Thank you for looking out for us, helping us grow even if it meant giving out the odd house job; Rogers wouldn’t be what it is without you both.
Finally, to my fellow Lifers, we are almost there. It has been an honour to share this experience with all of you and I have no doubt that these four years at Brentwood will stay with you, whatever your next chapter is. So I will leave you with these words from Bob Marley: “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” Thank you.
Anthony Burkinshaw, Rogers ‘21