The Ian Mackinlay Memorial Scholarship recipient: I. J. Mellis-Glynn
The Ian Mackinlay Memorial Scholarship is for a young man who has shown personal excellence in every field of endeavour, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in cultural activities. Essential values shown should include honesty, loyalty and integrity as well as strength and determination in tackling challenges.
The recipient should have shown a responsibility to the wider community, showing a combination of individual excellence, commitment to others and pride in being part of a team, and the 2021 recipient is Senior Prefect I. J. Mellis-Glynn.
Mellis-Glynn is a well-respected member of the School community for his humility, empathy, community-mindedness and genuine all-round talent.
His 2020 Cambridge International Examination results produced a 92% average over his 5 Advanced Subsidiary subjects. He also sat and earned a total of seven Scholarships, two at Outstanding level, he was an NZQA Outstanding Scholar and received Top in Subject for Scholarship Agricultural and Horticultural Science.
Mellis-Glynn has been a member of the Premier Advanced 1 Debating team, earning the captaincy and Performing Arts colours for the past two years. He led the team to a national title at the New Zealand Schools’ British Parliamentary Championships in 2020, back-to-back Auckland Premier Advanced titles in 2020 and 2021, and the Auckland Regionals title in 2021.
Mellis-Glynn has been a member of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Team as a Form 6 and Form 7 student competing at international competitions, which have been held online due to the global pandemic. This year he was named the fourth equal best speaker at the Asia World Schools Debate Open and the sixth equal best speaker at the World Schools’ Debating Championships.
Mellis-Glynn has also been an active member of the Distance Squad, Gold Duke of Edinburgh programme, and the Interact group. He has worked effectively with the School and wider community, exhibiting a strong work ethic and a devotion to high standards. In particular, he has been a senior prefect this year who has shown strength of character and personal integrity.
Mellis-Glynn is a mature, independent young man who has demonstrated personal excellence and commitment to his studies and debating, acted with community mindedness as student representative of the Board and embodied the School’s values. He is a worthy recipient of the Ian Mackinlay Memorial Scholarship.