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FORMER Herioter Poetry Medal of Honour for Justin

PUPIL NEWS Jack Aitken (1968) was inspired to submit his poetry, having read the Setting Poetry Alive Justin D'Agostino (1990), global CEO of renowned

international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, has been
article by Tom Cunningham (1964) in the last edition of Quadrangle. Like Tom, Jack was
CONTINUED also taught by Mr John Walker (1951) and his poetic works, titled The River, are beautifully awarded the Medal of Honour in Hong Kong's 2021
evocative. We are delighted to publish the piece for all Herioters to enjoy: Honours List.
Justin is commended for "his dedicated and valuable
contribution to the development and promotion of
arbitration and dispute resolution services."
The River
Justin told Quadrangle that he was thrilled with the
My birth is just a trickle honour which was a recognition for the efforts of
Seeking for a place to go. many loved ones and colleagues over many years:
I look for undulations "Our firm has been in Hong Kong for almost 40 years.
That won’t restrict my flow This honour is on behalf of so many of my colleagues,
In soggy soil I make my way past and present, who have helped to shape the
Drawing water from the ground international business environment and strengthen
Few are those who see me and develop our local communities through pro bono
I widen, and, where land is flat
Or even hear a sound I widen, and, where land is flat and charitable work over those four decades."
I am a burn My progress may be slow
‘Neath my surface fish swim Justin learned of the death of much-loved former staff
Through age old stone and fissures Amid the reeds below member, Rosemary Simpson, shortly after the award
I gather strength and speed I notice cattle by the bank of the Medal of Honour was gazetted. Miss Simpson
Pushing out along my banks And fields of ripening corn was a huge influence on the lives of many FPs,
With no one to take heed I see the paths where people walk including Justin, at school and beyond, and he wanted
I travel on untroubled The outline dark and worn to recognise the special place she held in his family.
Where e’re my path may lay I am a river Justin assured us that he will raise a glass to both Miss
Small pools are but a resting place Simpson and the Medal of Honour when he is able to
As I descend through rapids
As I go on my way visit his family in Edinburgh as soon as travel
I find that I am used
I am a stream restrictions between Hong Kong and the UK ease.
By those who wish to challenge me
As I meander through the hills Competing in canoes
I find to my surprise Anglers stand with rod in hand
Other streams will join with me While others stand and watch
To help me grow in size From bridges and from towpaths
As my banks get wider They hope to see the catch
I look around and watch I am a river
Riding the waves As wildlife drinks my water
I pass the fields beside my banks
And little ducklings hatch
And see the growing grain
I am a mainstream
Phoebe Strachan (2014) was the highest-ranked Scottish competitor in When discussing the surf, Phoebe said: "It was pretty tricky conditions – In green fields sheep and cattle graze
the British Surfing Championships, putting in a superb performance the waves were quite big but it was real fun. It went from a blizzard to Hidden from the naked eye In sunshine and in rain
which placed her fifth overall in the women's division at Thurso East in sun. I got good waves and was delighted to get the highest score on the My bed is sand and rock I enter land surrounded
April this year. Saturday in the women's division." Some boulders break my surface By industry and dwellings
The John O’Groat Journal commended her for being “the highest ranking At the end of the competition she was number three in the highest wave tally. My road they try to block See children playing by my shores
a female surfer from Scotland has ever achieved”. My waters flow around them Their voices loudly yelling
Well done, Phoebe.
As I travel on my way I am a river
Through natural erosion
My journey’s end is now in sight
I will wear them all away
The estuary awaits me
I am a mainstream
Number 1 for Nick When storms release their fury My waters now polluted
By those who leave their debris
Nicholas Scott (2006) was ranked number one in Great Britain for Of wind and rain and snow I cast my gaze up to the sky
his application to become a Neurology registrar. Their presence gives me power And pray to God above
“My strength and depth to grow”
This success opens some fabulous opportunities for Nick who told That those who walked beside me
Through narrow fissures I explode
Quadrangle: Will think of me with love
O’er rocky crags I fall
I am no longer river
“It has been my dream to work in clinical neuroscience since I left Ripping trees out by their roots
I am the sea.
school. I am delighted and honoured to be recognised in this way. Whether large or small

I look forward to exciting challenges ahead.” I am a river Jack Aitken (1968)