A Tradition of Named Prizes
Each year, special prizes are awarded to boys who have displayed outstanding character, service and achievement. Among these are named prizes that honour the memory and achievements of old scholars and past staff.
The first named prize, the Smith Prize for History, was established in 1881 by local businessman Edwin Smith and is still awarded today. More than 60 prizes now bear the names of individuals and families within our community.
This year, our Foundation Executive Officer, Alice Turnbull, has been researching the names behind the prizes and working with individuals and their descendants to produce a citation card, which is presented to recipients along with their prize book and certificate. The named prize donors and/or family members are invited to attend an annual awards assembly, which provides a wonderful way to continue their connection with the College and/or celebrate the memory of a loved one. A few of these prizes are profiled here.
Clarnette Family Ethics Prize
Dr David Clarnette (PAC 1952), his two sons Thomas (PAC 1982) and Richard (PAC 1979) and grandson Jock (2011) established the Clarnette Family Ethics Prize in 2020. The prize is awarded annually to a Secondary School student who has made an outstanding contribution to the ethical awareness of the College community through ethical analysis, conduct, advocacy service or leadership, on campus or within the wider community.
The John Dunning Award for Integrity and Leadership - (Year 12 Special Prize)
The John Dunning Award was established in 2019 by Mr Bruce M Debelle AO, KC, in memory of his father-in-law Mr John Angus Dunning OBE and his late wife, Barbara, second daughter of Mr Dunning.
Mr Dunning was the Headmaster of Prince Alfred College from 1949-1969 and was a man noted for his integrity and fairness. Born in New Zealand in 1903, the son of a Scottish mariner and farmer, Dunning was educated at Auckland Grammar School, Auckland University College, and in 1924 during his studies at the University of Otago, he won a Rhodes Scholarship. Prior to his appointment at Prince Alfred College, Dunning was the Headmaster of The Scots College in Queensland.
Mr Dunning also excelled as a sportsman, representing New Zealand at an international level, playing Douglas Jardine’s touring Englishmen in 1933 and a tour of England in 1937, where he met King George VI at Lords. Mr Dunning died in June 1971 at the age of 68 with his wife, Gwen, and his daughters, Beverley and Barbara, by his side.
Arnold Davey Prize for SACE Dux of Year 11
Arnold Edwin Davey attended PAC in 1877 as a boarder from Angaston. His seven brothers also attended Princes. Arnold was a flour miller and grain merchant. He successfully milled and sold flour throughout South Australia and later New South Wales and Victoria. He developed trade with India Europe, Egypt, South America, America and the Far East. A well-read man, he took a keen interest in his church. He retired in 1915. While travelling through France in 1920, he contracted erysipelas and died at Nevers on 8 March.
Arnold’s three sons attended PAC, as did two grandsons and his great-grandsons, Roger (PAC 1955-1957), Andrew (1957-1959) and Edwin (PAC 1966-1967).
To find out more about establishing a prize in honour or in memory of a friend or family member, please contact the Philanthropy Team at foundation@pac.edu.au or 08 8334 1200.