Not one but two named Dux as Li inspires students

(posted 11.12.09)

Year 12 graduates Alexandra Hand and Eloise Norman celebrated being named joint Dux – or Duces – of Matthew Flinders Anglican College for 2009 with very special guest, Mao’s Last Dancer, Li Cunxin.
 
For only the third time in Flinders’ 20-year history, two Duces of the College were recognised for their achievements at the Secondary Awards Night held on December 1.

Alexandra and Eloise were among hundreds of Flinders students awarded for their 2009 efforts with Academic Endeavour, Academic Excellence, Subject and Special Awards, Service and Sports Awards, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Alexandra took home the Year 12 English, Biology and French Awards, as well as Academic Excellence and Academic Endeavour Honour Colours. Eloise won the Scholars Award for the Love of Learning, Year 12 Physics, Chemistry, Maths B and Religious and Values Education Awards, as well as Academic Excellence and Academic Endeavour Honour Colours.

College Captains for 2010 – Nick Kanters and Eloise’s younger sister, Genevieve Norman – were inducted on the night along with the 2010 Prefects. Outgoing Captains Alex Tedman and Sally Morris presented their Valediction speech and led the Year 12s from the Flinders Sports Centre to loud applause from the audience.

Five staff were acknowledged for 10 years service to the College, and two Foundation staff members – Chris Bull (Head of Agriculture) and Nev Rowley (Director of Senior Schooling ) – were honoured for 20 years service.

Year 12 students William McInnes and Casie O’Meara were named Outstanding All Round Sports Boy and Girl for 2009.

The College Chorale performed the 20 Year Celebration Medley of Adiemus, Hallelujah and I Am Flinderian, the College String Orchestra showcased their talents with La Llorna, and the Wind Symphony presented outstanding musical items, including a finale of The Perfect Storm.

Li inspires Flinders community

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the Awards Night was the captivating presentation by guest speaker Li Cunxin, who inspired the Flinders community, and particularly the students, to seize every opportunity that came their way.

Li Cunxin was born into utter poverty in Mao’s communist China but was plucked from peasant life to train in Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy.

So began Li’s journey. He became one of the world’s best dancers and created a diplomatic row between the Chinese and American governments when he defected to the United States. He later made a successful career transition from ballet to finance and now lives in Australia with his Queensland-born wife.

Li’s tales of starvation and his desire to put food on his parents’ table were powerful messages to the Awards Night audience. He spoke of how one moment changed his life forever: when, as a young school boy, he was chosen from millions of children across China to train at the dance academy. At first Li “hated ballet with a passion”, and by his own admissions, was a weak student, however, he worked hard and rose to the top of his class. 

“Don’t take any opportunity, no matter how small, for granted,” Li urged. “Pour your heart and soul into it; give your utmost to make success out of opportunity.”

However, Li said, draw on strength, character, inspiration and motivation to face life’s challenges.

“If you want to achieve the ultimate, you are always going to encounter challenges. Rise up to the challenges and never lose vision along the way. Ultimately you will be successful.”

Li's inspirational journey

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