The Southport School has named an old boy with links to Emerald in central Queensland as its ninth headmaster.
Current deputy headmaster Andrew Hawkins will take the reins from Greg Wain, who has held the position for 17 years, in 2021.
At 41 years of age, the former student is well-versed to follow in Mr Wain's footsteps and said he would have a focus on the future while continuing his predecessor's legacy.
Growing up in Emerald, Mr Hawkins became captain of the local primary school before heading to TSS as a boarder alongside his brother, a move that presented opportunities and undoubtedly set him on his current career path.
"I really enjoyed my time at TSS as a country boarder in the '90s, particularly given the endless possibilities being at a school like TSS presents to a young boy," he said.
"My dad left the family grazing property to work at Gregory mine in Emerald while mum ran Maria's Florist Shop for 25 years.
"I will always be grateful that my parents worked hard and invested in my future."
After graduating from TSS in 1995 as vice-school captain alongside former Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe as school captain, Mr Hawkins then moved to the UK where he worked as a PE assistant.
After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Education at the University of Queensland, he got work at Corinda High School and Indooroopilly High School.
He then moved to Brisbane Grammar School as resident master.
He then moved to TSS and eventually became the head of health and physical education, a boarding house master, and Dean of Students, before settling into his current role as deputy headmaster.
Mr Hawkins said the variety of positions gave him insight into the school's progress, which has seen it become one of the largest boys' boarding institutions in Australia.
"Since the introduction of the day houses in the '70s, the school's diversity has increased exponentially," he said. "We now have boys from Southport to St George, to Singapore and everywhere in between."
There has been resounding support from the entire TSS community and immense confidence in Mr Hawkins' ability to continue to drive the school's vision and culture in the coming years.
"In the process of leading up to the announcement that I will succeed Mr Wain next year, there has been a time of great reflection," he said.
"It has become very clear just how important TSS is to me and how strongly motivated I am to continue Greg's legacy of raising the academic performance of our school, improve our student health and wellbeing and of course assist families to raise good young men ready for society.
"I, along with my wife and four children, are excited about the next chapter and I thank my family for their unwavering support."
