When John Wall (OM 1947) made his bequest to Melbourne Grammar School as a founding member of the Witherby Tower Society, his wish was to support a student who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend the school. This year, Year 7 student, Edward Du, is the inaugural recipient of the John Herbert Wall Scholarship, fulfilling this vision of greater access to education.
“It was such a relief when we got the news that I had been awarded the scholarship,” says Edward, who travels 40 minutes each way by train to reach Wadhurst from his home in Springvale. “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to come to Melbourne Grammar.”
Edward held the role of School Captain at his primary school while working towards his outstanding academic record. A keen sports player and talented pianist, he is the only student from his primary school now attending Melbourne Grammar apart from his brother Albert, an outstanding Year 11 student who is also a scholarship recipient.
“It’s a little different to my old school,” Edward says. “I’m learning a lot here. I really enjoyed the orientation program and camp at the start of the year. They were helpful especially for boys like me who didn’t know anyone. I quickly made lots of friends.”
Edward’s father, Mr Ninh Du, who arrived in Australia as a Vietnamese refugee at just 14 years of age, says sending his children to a school like Melbourne Grammar was once unimaginable. “When we got the call to say Edward got the scholarship we felt unbelievable joy,” Mr Du says. “I never would’ve dreamed that my boys would go to a private school. My father was ecstatic as well, knowing his grandchildren are getting such an excellent education.”
“I think education is the foundation of a person,” Mr Du adds. “Not only academically, but in terms of human values and principles. My hope for my boys is that they’ll become responsible and caring people. If you’re a good person, you’ll be good at whatever you choose to do.”
For Edward, becoming a dentist is the goal once he completes his education. “I think our city has some of the best healthcare and dentistry, but I want to give back to my local community,” he explains.
The John Herbert Wall Scholarship will support students like Edward in perpetuity, continuing Mr Wall’s support of the School that included involvement with the Old Melburnians Masonic Lodge, attendance at reunions and events, and other charitable donations. In line with Mr Wall’s vision, scholarships like his will not only transform the lives of the students they support, but also add to the diversity of our student body – one of the central values of our School as a whole.
