Let kindness be your superpower

The Head's final Christ College Prize Day was always going to be a particularly memorable occasion, but his choice of guest speaker for 2026 made it even more so. Since the very first Prize Day at Christ College, guest speakers at the annual Prize Giving have had letters after their names or decades of experience in their chosen profession. This year's guest speaker on Prize Day 2026 was therefore a radical choice and an historical change.

Having left as recently as 2022, Rusiru Kodithuwakku (School House 2015-2022) did not fit the traditional pattern of distinguished guests. Instead, after giving out the year's prizes, he shared personal words about his recent life at school and its effect on his experience of life in the world beyond. His reflections resonated with guests, parents and staff alike but, more importantly, they held real meaning for current pupils - many of whom first knew Rusiru as a Sixth Former. And it's not often the guest speaker can congratulate his brother on the Prize Day stage. 

We feel sure that, in one way or another, his words will similarly have significance for Old Breconians of all generations - whether the memory of double somethng or other on a Friday afternoon, free time sacrificed in the name of House Music, or being encouraged to try out new opportunities. With Rus's permission, we are able to share his words in full. We hope you enjoy them as much as the audience did on the day.  

Good afternoon, everyone. First of all, I want to express how much of an honour it is for me to be standing here, addressing you all today. Eleven years ago, my younger Year 7 self could never have imagined this moment, delivering the Prize Day speech as a guest of honour. I am incredibly grateful to Mr Pearson for this opportunity.

Having left CCB 4 years ago, my love for the school has not faded in the slightest. In a sense it has almost grown in its fervour as I look back upon my time here and realise how idyllic those years were. I will take any opportunity to come back and you will find me walking through these beloved grounds reminiscing on a lifetime’s worth of memories made during my seven years here. I often wonder what made it so special. And then, like an old film flickering through its frames, the everyday rhythms and defining moments come back into focus. With it, come familiar sounds: the echoes of the chapel bell ringing in the distance; a chorus of 400 voices singing hymns with the utmost pride and volume; cries across a cricket pitch on a summer’s day drifting through the classroom block windows.

Then come the moments that could only belong to CCB. The countless breaktimes and lunchtimes sacrificed in the name of House Music; the hours poured into drama rehearsals leading up to that euphoric feeling as the curtains close on another production; more singing on the away bus to our sports fixtures; the look of wry amusement on our Alway Houseparent’s face upon seeing us return from winter rugby sessions caked in mud and soaked by the Brecon rain. And then there were the moments we wished away at the time but now carry a surprising fondness, such as the double Maths lesson on a Friday afternoon that seemed an eternity long.

Together, these memories form the tapestry of school life that has stayed with me long after I’ve left, and they are what make this place feel like home whenever I return.

But no home is without its people. And it is the people who truly shaped the environment in which we grew up. The friends who shared every struggle, setback and triumph - in the classrooms, the sports pitches, on stage and in life as we navigated our formative years together. The teachers who guided us to find the potential they saw in us before we saw it in ourselves. Houseparents whose doors were always open and whose care made the boarding houses a true home.

Looking back, CCB gifted us with a community that felt more like a family than it did a school.

The memories, and sense of community are what first come to mind. Yet alongside these, CCB provided us with something equally valuable: an education that was well-rounded, brimming with adventure and one that prepared us for life beyond those Phillips gates.

I quickly realised and appreciated how much CCB had prepared me for my future in my first year of studying Medicine at university. What felt like a gargantuan mountain to climb soon became a manageable and enjoyable hike, each step exercising the soft skills I had unknowingly built throughout my years here. CCB cultivated the confidence to step into unfamiliar environments with ease, the ability to balance competing commitments, the resilience to persevere through gruelling periods of study, and the willingness to throw myself wholeheartedly into opportunities beyond my comfort zone.

It was not any single lesson, exam or qualification that prepared me. It was simply the breadth of experiences and opportunities that CCB encouraged us to embrace. Whether on the sports field, on the stage or in the classroom, or in everyday school life, the countless opportunities to lead, serve and contribute to our community honed my development as a person and shaped my understanding of who I wanted to become.

And so, what would I have said to my Year 7 self, sitting in this hall eleven years ago with all of my school days to come? Simply, say yes. Say yes to the things that frighten you a little, that get your heart beating a little faster, that ask more of you than you may think you can give. Because I can guarantee you will surprise yourself. Because so much of the richness of life is found in that space between comfort and discovery. Discovery of self, of others, and the world around you.

From speaking to so many people at university, one thing we have all realised is the vital role your childhood and school days play in the path that you walk in your future. You lay the cobblestones down long before you walk the road. And the more things you try and do in your school life, the more passions you discover, the more rocks and pebbles you will collect to lay down your path with, and the more places you will be able to go.

So try out that sport that you’ve been avoiding. Audition for that part in the production. Pick a musical instrument that appeals to you and learn it. It could be as simple as talking to the person next to you, or in your hub, or in your year you haven’t met yet. Take the chance. Whatever it may be, try that thing that you initially thought, hmm, not for me. Because it is the moments you feel like shying away from that will shape you the most. They are the moments that spark new interests, uncover new passions, and may help you discover your sense of purpose. And when your passions begin to guide that purpose, one day, your work will feel like play.

So to the current pupils of CCB, take full advantage of everything that CCB offers. Be a jack of all trades, put so many feathers in your cap that people mistake you for a peacock. Try, fail, persist, and realise the person you can become.

And to the Leavers, I want to leave you with several sentiments.

Firstly, know that it is never about your accolades, achievements, your status, or wealth, but always about your character. Be kind, and let that be your superpower. Because human connection is our most precious commodity. In a world that can often feel rushed and transactional, choose to be someone who makes others feel seen. Converse not out of necessity but with intent to spark connection. You can never underestimate the value of small gestures that are small to you but mean everything to the person on the receiving end. So always ask the cashier how their day is going and always smile as you walk past someone. Always smile.

I will never forget a question that Mr Pearson left us with on the night of our Prefects' Dinner. He asked us all, “What weather do you bring?” And I believe that it’s a very insightful question into your or anyone’s character. Be the person that brings sunshine and blue skies to the people around you.

Secondly, be curious. Learn to look at the world around you with the eyes of a child and you will see wonder in everything. Be curious. Ask questions. Ask why? Always ask why. Seek your truth, but be content with not always knowing the answer. Read more. Read poetry, read fiction, read the stories of others so you may understand your own more deeply.

Leavers, as you embark on your journey into the adult world, do so with grace, humility, courage, and honour. And as you aim for the stars, always remember to show gratitude to the people who helped you get to where you are. I would not be an ounce of the person I am today if it weren’t for my teachers, past and present, and most of all, my parents - I am a reflection of the best of you.

And so, as I leave this stage, I want to hear the loudest round of applause – not for me. For this half of the room. For the parents, carers, and family who have sacrificed more than words can explain so that you all may be sat here today. So here’s to all the people whose shoulders you stand on, your parents, your teachers, each other. Thank you very much.

During his time at Christ College, Rusiru Kodithuwakku (School House 2015-22) was the embodiment of a true all-rounder, contributing to all areas of school life culminating in his role as Head of School in his final year. An avid cricketer, he captained the 1st Cricket XI for two years and was a stalwart in the 1st Hockey XI for four years. With a passion for acting, he played significant roles in school productions and gained numerous awards for his performances in the annual House Speech and Drama competitions. After seven years at Christ College, Rusiru left to study Medicine at Cardiff University. He is currently President of the Cardiff Sri Lankan Society and set to pursue an intercalated degree in emergency medicine and pre-hospital care before his final year of medicine.