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Personifying the three pillars of giving – time, talent, and treasure – philanthropist, mentor, and businessman Marcel Gray plays an integral role in ��ɫֱ��’s College life.

From College Prefect to long-term benefactor, the Rolleston House Old Boy continues to be of service to the school.

Wanting to acknowledge his deep commitment and outstanding support, Marcel has been presented with the prestigious Senior Honours Tie by ��ɫֱ��’s College Old Boys’ Association President Blue Henderson during Assembly.

A champion Maadi rower in his own time, Marcel remains strongly connected to the College rowing programme, empowering the success of generations of young sportsmen. He is also responsible for the building of the striking, purpose-built College Rowing Shed at Lake Ruataniwha. Equally, he has made a significant contribution to the multi-functional sports centre, Upper West, with one of the rooms named in his honour.

Marcel also mentors and supports students through their business studies, opening the door to post-College careers, and has served on the ��ɫֱ��’s College Old Boys’ Association Committee. He continues to back College infrastructure projects and a wealth of school programmes, always ready to step up to benefit each boy.

The Deputy Chairman of Foodstuffs South Island, Marcel is the owner-operator of a large Pak'nSave supermarket in ��ɫֱ��church.

After accepting the accolade, Marcel has shared how much it means to be part of the College community, and the significant impact of walking through the school gates for the first time.

Having recognised that he was not “performing to my full potential” as a teenager, he convinced his parents that he needed a “reset to ��ɫֱ��’s College”.

“I still remember that first day,” he says. “Walking through the gates of ��ɫֱ��’s College, being greeted by smiles, and feeling at ease to be myself, and welcomed into my dayboy House – Rolleston. I had found my ‘happy place’. This is what ‘belonging’ feels like.

“Belonging is not just about fitting in; it’s about feeling valued, accepted, and connected. It’s essential for our happiness, wellbeing, and growth, especially in a school environment. When students know they belong, they are more engaged in their academic learning, more likely to participate in activities … and more likely to support their peers in challenges and triumph.”

He adds that “belonging is about creating spaces where everyone can express themselves without fear of judgment”.

“Belonging creates the ‘want’ – wanting to do better in the classroom, or on the sports field or simply wanting to come along to school on a Saturday afternoon and support the 1st XV on Upper, or dropping into the new school gym to watch the senior basketball team play, attending the annual school production, or wanting to travel down to Twizel to see the mighty rowers perform on Lake Ruataniwha at the Maadi Regatta.

“Each of you – with your individual talents – adds a unique thread to the vibrant tapestry of our school community. We need every boy to be at his best, which lifts us all to higher excellence. When each of us feels that we belong, we can achieve incredible things – not just as individuals, but as the ‘��ɫֱ��’s College school community’.”