At the AGM of the Old Graemian Union, President Sean Wiblin presented Ernie with this very special award on behalf of the OGU.

It was truly a special moment; one that reflects what feels like a lifelong commitment from Ernie to the OGU. After teaching at Graeme for three decades, his dedication has never wavered.

Mr Wiblin’s Speech:

“Mr Van Hille asked me not to make too big a thing about his dedication to the Old Graemian Committee… but, being the rebel I was in his science class, where he eventually kicked me out and sent me off to do art, I didn’t listen to him then, and I’m certainly not going to start now!

Mr Van Hille, or ‘Kernal’ as he is fondly known, quietly went about his business as a teacher at Graeme College for 33 years before retiring in 2009… buuuuuut someone clearly forgot to explain to him what ‘retiring’ actually means, because he hasn’t missed a day of school since! He still heads to his office most mornings and gets on with what we can only call ‘Ernie stuff’.

He joined the committee as Secretary in 1999 and, without too much song and dance, carried on in that role for the next 25 years. That alone tells you everything about the man’s commitment to Graeme College; especially considering he is, in fact, an Old Kingswoodian!

It is both a pleasure and an honour for me to present Mr Ernie Van Hille with the Honorary Life Secretary Award for his dedication to the Old Graemian Committee.”