Alumni Spotlight: Peter Carlino
Early on, I remember struggling a bit with algebra and Venn diagrams, but I eventually figured out the intersections, pluses, and minuses! I’ve always had a passion for geography and history, but it was the practicality of woodwork and economics that made sense to me I know it sounds a bit boring, but I’ve just always loved working out how things fit together and impact each other.
My memories of Servite go back to when I was just 10 years old and first walked onto the grounds in Grade 5. I still remember watching the Year 12’s playing cricket in the nets – to a 10-year-old, they looked like fully grown men! I had a few bruises on the monkey bars and playing British Bulldog during recess, which eventually turned into volleyball and handball as I got older.
Another highlight was in Year 8 when the school went co-ed, which brought a whole new dimension to life at school. By Years 11 and 12, it was all about your mates and thinking about life after school. It was also the time I realised that our teachers weren’t actually that bad after all!
I’m at a stage of life that feels far more exciting than I ever imagined back then. It’s a rewarding balance of running my own business, Ascend Financial Solutions, and staying involved with my local soccer community. Outside of work, I’m busy supporting my adult children as they navigate their own futures, while also looking forward to the next chapter with my wife, Maria.
Web Post Landscape Image – 19
I’ve always had a massive love for competing, and sport has always been there throughout my life. My real passion has always been cricket and football—the “round ball game”—but I also spent plenty of time pushing my physical limits with long distance running, which I largely owe to the late Mr. White. In my later years, that drive turned into long-distance walking and cycling.
Today, I’m a big sports fan across the board—whether it’s motorsport, AFL or even darts. However, my main focus remains my local soccer club, Balcatta Etna. I’ve been involved there in one way or another since 2002, and I’m currently serving as President as we approach our 50th anniversary. It’s all volunteer work, but it gives me a great sense of pride to see what we provide for our supporters, players, and parents: a genuine sense of connection.
Life is an interesting thing. When you’re fresh out of school, your goals are often focused on the immediate—like getting your licence or deciding between work and further study. I was once settled with a stable job and a young family when an opportunity came from left field that changed my life. It meant moving to the other side of the country—my name was certainly “mud” with the grandparents for a while—but I haven’t looked back. I’ve learned that life presents opportunities that aren’t part of your initial plan; you just have to be ready to choose a path, hopefully the right one.
My connection to Servite has remained a constant. I’m very proud that all three of my children graduated from the college, and my wife, Maria, is also part of the school community. I’m deeply proud of my West Australian roots and the Italian heritage that shaped me. I’ve always believed that giving back—whether through community committees or sport—is vital. It’s a philosophy I try to live by: always have a smile ready for the next person.
