Historical information

The medal was presented to James Boyd, first Dux of Ballarat College in 1868 for his excellence in the Christmas Examinations. James passed his matriculation exams in the same year at 14 years of age. Known at school as Boyd 'Major', James went on to practise as a solicitor at Port Fairy. James attended many school functions throughout his life. Old Collegians re-presented this medal to James during the school's 50th anniversary celebration. The medal was re-presented in a silver plated box inscribed with the school crest and motto and the words 'Re-presented to / JAMES BOYD / December 1918 / on the anniversary of his Duxship of / BALLARAT COLLEGE / from Old Collegians.
The re-boxed medal was presented to James Boyd at Speech Night 1918. A recod of this event states, 'At the conclusion of the prize list for the year Principal Mr A S M Polson announced - 'Dux of the College 1868 - James Boyd'. When My Boyd arose from where he had been sitting amongst the boys, he met with a tremendous ovation. he was cheered again and again, the College boys sang their Jubilee song with the refrain, 'Ah, me! Ah, me! merrily we sang with glee / Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years ago, Oh!'

Significance

Significant, unique record of the school committment to academic excellence.

Physical description

Silver-plated round medal with Minerva head and words on front side, inscription engraved around edge and motif and words on reverse. ; medal is encased in brown leather covered, wooden box.

Inscriptions & markings

Front: Minerva head in centre / INGENIO / VIRTUTE / LABORE
Reverse: Standing lion with axe / MUNIFICENTIA / HENRICI / CUTHBERT
Around edge of medal: JAMES BOYD / BALLARAT COLLEGE / CHRISTMAS EXAMINATION MEDAL 1868