FROM THE PRINCIPAL 

Vale – Merrick Edelston 

It is with enormous sadness that I inform the school community of the passing of Year 11 student Merrick Edleston.

For much of this year Merrick battled bravely against leukemia only to pass away on Sunday October 17. Merrick’s friends gathered just prior to his service and wrote some very heartfelt words………

Merrick joined Lilydale High in  2017 from Sevillle Primary School and immediately made an impression on his teachers with his wonderful quirky personality. His group of  friends greatly admired his strength which they saw as a true testimony to his character. To them, Merrick may have just been one of the realest people they’d ever known.  He didn't care how he was seen or viewed by others, he'd walk around in public wearing a suit and with his nails done. That is what we will miss the most about Merrick - he realised that living life to the fullest involved expressing himself how he wanted to. Even just by being himself he managed to erupt all of his friends into stomach hurting laughter.

The truth is that Merrick was a role model for everyone he had formed a relationship with. We think that everyone can learn something from him, whether that's keeping true to your character or simply being honest with yourself and the people around you. Anyone who truly knew Merrick for the person he was would know that he would hate all this attention on him for such a sombre reason.  He would rather we celebrate the life that he lived.

We all have Merrick’s family in our thoughts at this difficult time.

Wendy Powson

Principal