Golden age for youngest DofE Award achiever at Christ’s College
08 May 2025
At just 16, Oscar Stove has become the youngest Christ’s College student to gain the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award.
In just two-and-a-half years, the Year 12 student has achieved the highest honour, recognising his determination to be adventurous, and be of service.
“It definitely has taken dedication as you have to complete a full year of service, skills, and sport for each level – Bronze, Silver, and Gold,” he explains. “You need to make the most of every opportunity to push yourself and step up to help others. In each endeavour, you discover more about your potential as you build belief in yourself and your capabilities.
“The Hillary Award empowers teamwork, and boosts your resilience and confidence while you undertake some amazing outdoor adventures. It has also helped me become more open-minded. It challenges you, pushing you outside your comfort zone, and encourages you to meet new people, and support others. Personally, I have grown as an individual and become more confident.”
Oscar cites the Silver Award camp as his most difficult – “but rewarding” – experience.
“My toughest challenge was completing the Silver camp, when we were snowed in every day near Boyle River,” he says. “We walked and cycled for more than 100 kilometres, navigating snow-covered mountains, and coping with the cold in tents as the snow fell. In freezing conditions, you have to develop the skills to survive and cope, sharpening your resilience.”
In all, he has completed three 10-day camps, gaining more from each outdoor adventure.
Oscar adds that he has also been “fortunate to board the Spirit of Adventure for 10 days at sea, inspiring me to tackle new tasks within an amazing environment”.
Equally, he values “being of service to others”, including sharing his skills as a trumpet player with the wider community through Chapel and Anzac services, Sparks in the Park, and visits to retirement villages, along with being a member of the Chapel Choir at College.
“It is another way to connect with more people through music. I have also volunteered at a local library and with Eco-Action. You get so much in return when you contribute to your community by sharing your talents, helping out, and improving your environment.”
A tap dancer and stage performer, Oscar has appeared in several productions, including Anything Goes and Mary Poppins. Alongside his involvement in football and swimming, and study, he has achieved his ATCL diploma in trumpet and hopes to gain his ATCL diploma in singing this year. In 2024, Oscar was also awarded his Gold Christ’s College Diploma with Academic Honours.
