Tony Lawler (Class of 1969)
Tony Lawler had an unusual start to his journey at Mentone Grammar, joining fifth grade in 1962. Accustomed to the strict instruction of many teachers of his time, Tony was instead greeted by a gregarious Mr Bryson who had a passion for performing arts. The class performed many plays but, most notably, was their rendition of William Tell – using real bow and arrows!
Tony was determined to make the most of his education by embracing the opportunities that were offered to him. From Captain of School House to ‘Corporal of the Year’ in cadets, he threw himself into new challenges with great enthusiasm and was recognised for his leadership abilities.
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SCHOOL?
I was a keen sportsman and played in the firsts football team. I also played tennis because it fitted in with my timetable of sailing yachts, and I was also very, very keen on cadets. Debating was another interest of mine and our house (School House) fortunately won the debating contest the year that I was captain, so that was great.
WHAT IS A FAVOURITE MEMORY?
In the early days, Shoreham was like going to a scout camp so that was fantastic. A humorous memory that sticks in my mind is the last day of Year 12. We wore boaters to school every day, and on that last day, we jumped on our boaters, put them in a big bin and burnt them in a bonfire – and that was very pleasurable!
WHAT IMPACT DID MENTONE GRAMMAR HAVE ON YOU?
Mentone Grammar made me do the best I possibly could and so I did exceptionally well in Year 12. I was fortunate to receive a Commonwealth Scholarship and I went on to study law and economics, and marketing and statistics. I first became a solicitor, and later moved into business and used the marketing and statistics side of my studies.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS?
Make the most of Mentone Grammar and all it has to offer. You only get one go at it so make the most of that go and do the best you can.
1969 Football First XVIII
Friends of Frogmore Lunch 2024