Friends of Frogmore Lunch & Drinan Medal Award 2026
On Thursday 21 May, Mentone Grammar and The Mentonians Association were delighted to welcome 90 guests to the 2026 Friends of Frogmore Lunch and Drinan Medal Award celebration.
This year’s event held particular significance, as members of the Class of 1966 gathered to mark 60 years since their graduation. To commemorate the occasion, members of the cohort were presented with a special 60-year pin, recognising their lifelong connection to the School.
Despite the cold and overcast weather, guests enjoyed a warm and welcoming occasion. The lunch brought together vintage alumni, friends of the School and past staff, creating a wonderful atmosphere of connection and shared history. It was a valuable opportunity to reconnect, reflect and celebrate the enduring friendships formed through Mentone Grammar.
Principal Andy Müller delivered a key address, sharing updates on the School’s progress, recent developments and exciting plans for the future, including the development of a master plan for the Keysborough Playing Fields. This important project will help shape the future of this significant space and will be a focus of this year’s Giving Day. Guests were also inspired by Head Prefects Ella W and Ben C, who spoke with confidence, warmth and maturity, offering thoughtful insight into student life at Mentone Grammar today.
Many guests also took the opportunity to reconnect with the campus through guided tours led by Registrar Perniall Eklund Allen and Assistant Registrar Michelle Lewis. Their time and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated, offering guests a meaningful glimpse into the School as it is today.
A standout moment of the event was the presentation of the Drinan Medal to Professor John Hutson AO MBBS, MD, DSc, FRACS, FAA, from the Class of 1966. The award was presented by Jono Ponnusamy, President of The Mentonians Association.
Although Professor Hutson attended Mentone Grammar for only a short time, he spoke warmly about the lasting friendships formed during his years at the School, including his decades-long friendship with the late Glenn Bowes AO. Reflecting on both his time at Mentone Grammar and the honour of receiving the medal, Professor Hutson described the experience as deeply meaningful.
“It was a very humbling experience receiving the medal and meeting old friends,” he said.
The afternoon was a memorable celebration of connection, service and the enduring spirit of the Mentone Grammar community.
