Deputy principal, Mike King crossed the finish line through an arch formed by the students, as they cheered him on.

Mr King was a marshal at the very first Tri Challenge in 1992, then he was part of a teacher team for the next two years, before deciding to take it on as an individual. 

He has competed every year since, with this year being his last race. He thought it was a good metaphor; crossing the line and ending his career at the same time.

The tunnel at the end of the race followed an inspiring speech made by three of his students during the Year 12 Formal Assembly the day before.

As deputy principal, Mr King was teaching only one class; Year 11 legal studies

Bryce Lacey, Blake Steadman and Mason Parker told the crowd about learning from the “Legal Eagle” Mr King, before presenting him with a statue of an eagle to remember them by.

“It has been a very emotional week,” Mr King said, a bit choked up by how appreciated he is by the students.

“This school has a culture of a school community mindset, instead of a place you just go to school.” 

Mr King started teaching economics and geography at Macksville High School in 1978. 

He came to Gloucester in 1991, as the head teacher for social science.

He immediately began preparing the legal studies students for the NSW Law Society Mock Trial Competition. 

The school has competed in 81 mock trails with a seventy percent success rate. A legacy that Mr King is happy to have achieved. Principal Pat Cavanagh said Mr King will be missed by both the students and the staff.