For over seventy years, Shiplake College has proudly watched its alumni—our Old Vikings—go on to achieve remarkable things in their personal and professional lives. This year, we are thrilled to continue that tradition by announcing the winners of the Old Viking of the Year 2024 Awards, recognising those who have exemplified the College’s core values: Inclusive, Individual, and Inspirational.

These prestigious awards honour Old Vikings who have made outstanding contributions in their fields over the past year. From rising stars to seasoned professionals, our winners have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. We are proud to introduce the four exceptional individuals who have been recognised for their contribution during 2024:

Ones to Watch (OVs Under 30)

This award is open to recent Old Vikings aged under 30 years old who are in the early stages of their career or area of talent and showing promising signs for the future. This could shine a spotlight on a young entrepreneur or someone on course for stardom or success in an area such as sport or the creative arts.

Winner: Carl Harris (16S)

Carl Harris has been recognised for his professional skills in architecture and success as an entrepreneur. In a professional capacity as an Architectural Assistant, Carl is highly skilled in visual presentation and practical application of his knowledge. Carl has undertaken challenging projects of high complexity and demonstrates an advanced level of leadership and organisation. Along with his architecture career, Carl is a dedicated entrepreneur, running his appliance repair business, Prompt and Precise, as well as marketing for his mothers business and working as a restaurant manager. The number of jobs he manages to juggle demonstrate his "can do" attitude and sheer hard work. His work ethic is to be admired and his colleagues have no doubt that in time Carl will be heading up a highly successful business empire in whatever walk of life he chooses to work in.

Business and Industry

This award aims to recognise alumni who are initiating and contributing to new ideas, solutions and business opportunities, or achieving entrepreneurial excellence, demonstrating growth, impact or commercial success. This could be within any industry sector.

Winner: Conor Crowe (17O)

Conor Crowe (17O) has been recognised for his entrepreneurial success in his business Polar Media House. After leaving Shiplake in 2017, Conor set up his own content creation agency, Polar Media House where he continues to produce material for a wide variety of businesses alongside his teaching job. Polar Media House has often provided work experience or contract work for Old Vikings to help them enhance their photography, media and business skills learnt at the College. Conor's nomination highlighted how he is always ready to help others, professionally or personally, and his success with Polar House Media makes him a worthy recipient of this award.

Sporting Achievement

This award is for Old Vikings who are demonstrating achievement or contributing to any sport, at a local, national or international level.

Winner: Charlie Moss (23S)

Charlie Moss has been recognised for his dedication and success in Rugby. Charlie has always dedicated his life to sport and particularly building upon his rugby career. His commitment to the sport sees him currently living independently in Montpellier, France and playing for Montpellier Rugby Club on a professional contract. Charlie's hard work and dedication to always put in his best effort and has led to many personal achievements. For example, playing U18s and U20s for Scotland in The Six Nations. Charlie’s commitment to his sport, his self-discipline, and his drive to succeed are an inspiration to all who know him.

Arts and Media

This award recognises Old Vikings who are working in or involved in arts and culture. Nominees may be demonstrating ingenuity, influence or creativity in areas such as art, drama, design, media (including YouTube and social media), video, TV, and music.

Winner: Ed Pinker (09O)

Ed has been recognised for his success as an actor in the Film & TV industry. Now plying his trade in Toronto, Ed's acting career is going from strength to strength, appearing in Netflix hits like “Locke and Key” and critically acclaimed “The Handmaid's Tale”. Earlier this year, Ed was selected for a highly competitive place for the actor's residency at the Canadian Film Centre that only a few get the opportunity to attend. Off the screen Ed remains a kind and loyal friend to many of his fellow Old Vikings. His dedication to his profession is inspiring.

Each of this year's winners has demonstrated notable achievements or excellence in their professional and personal lives and it is an honor to recognise the contribution each of them have made in their fields. We are incredibly proud of Carl, Conor, Charlie and Ed and we look forward to seeing where their journeys take them next. Congratulations to you all!