pic of Air Vice Marshal Mel Hupfield during this week's visit to Loyola Trade Training Centre
pic of Air Vice Marshal Mel Hupfield during this week's visit to Loyola Trade Training Centre
LOYOLA principal Robert Laidler recently welcomed Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfield, the Air Commander Australia, on behalf of the whole school.
The commander toured the school and the new trade training centre.
He met many of the students as they shared their experiences of their time at Loyola.
Air-Vice Marshal Hupfeld said he was impressed by the facilities and opportunities Loyola offered its students and he said he also enjoyed the atmosphere.
The hospitality students prepared a buffet lunch for the distinguished guest and his entourage and it was shared with students who have a keen interest in the Defence Force.
Air-Vice Marshal Hupfeld spoke about his experiences in the air force and the way he had made it his career.
The one piece of information that stood out in his speech was that he is continually amazed at the way "ordinary people do extraordinary things".
This is very true for the students of Loyola who see themselves as "men and women for others".
Through listening to the ways the military of Australia risk their lives each day for the security of this nation, the students have been inspired to think about the roles they play in society.
Before leaving the Air Vice-Marshal Hupfield presented medallions to Luke Knight and John Bundalian for outstanding leadership.
The boys were thrilled as these awards are rarely given to service men and women, let alone to civilian school students.
The visit will be remembered for a long time by the staff and students of Loyola.