Melbourne’s 2026 school captains from the south and east reveal ambitious plans for life after high school

How are you enjoying being school captain?

Grace: I’ve found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. There really is no feeling equal to knowing that you’ve given back to a community that has given you so much, and being able to help create memories and opportunities for younger students has made me appreciate the Lauriston community even more. It’s also been special getting to work more closely with teachers and students across the school and seeing how much goes on behind the scenes. Above all, I’m especially lucky to have Nicole as my co-captain, and I know I enjoy the role as much as I do because I have her working alongside me. We’ve been able to share the responsibilities, bounce ideas off each other and, most importantly, have a lot of fun along the way. It’s been a very special year so far and I know both of us will miss being a part of this community enormously.

Nicole: Being school captain has been one of the biggest highlights of my final year at Lauriston. I’ve loved having the opportunity to get to know so many different people across the school, from younger students to staff and families, and to feel more connected to the community. Some of my favourite moments have been the smaller ones – conversations with students around the school, visiting different year levels, and seeing ideas we’ve worked on come to life. It has been busy, and I don’t think I realised quite how quickly the year would go! But even among Year 12, SACs and everything else, I’ve genuinely loved the experience. Working alongside Grace and the rest of the Prefect team has also made the role incredibly special. More than anything, I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to give back to a school community that has given me so much.

What have you learnt about leadership?

Grace: I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that you’re only as good as your team. I’m extremely lucky to have the most committed group of prefects, teachers and co-captains around me. We have such a diverse group, and everyone brings such different ideas, strengths and perspectives. I’ve realised that leadership isn’t necessarily about being the person with all the answers, rather, it’s much more about listening to the people around you, trusting them and giving them the space to contribute. So much of what we’ve been able to do this year has only been possible because of the enthusiasm and dedication of the people working alongside us. Whether it’s a big school event or something much smaller, there are so many people who put in an enormous amount of work behind the scenes. I couldn’t be more grateful for that, and it’s changed how I think about what good leadership looks like.

Nicole: I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that leadership is much less about being the person at the front and much more about the people around you. At the beginning of the year, Grace and I spoke a lot about our theme, “From Me to We”, and I think I’ve come to understand what that means much more deeply as the year has gone on. Leadership isn’t always the big speeches, events or visible moments. Often, it’s listening to someone’s idea, noticing when somebody needs support, being willing to change your mind, or helping someone else have the confidence to step forward. I’ve also learnt that you definitely don’t need a title to be a leader. Some of the people I admire most lead quietly through kindness, enthusiasm and the way they include others. This year has taught me that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about bringing people together.

Have your plans for after high school changed at all?

Grace: Not really! I still want to row in the United States and study international relations or global politics, so the general plan hasn’t changed too much. What has changed is that it’s all become a lot more real. For a long time, university in the US felt like this exciting but distant idea, and now there are applications, co-ordinating recruitment, deadlines and a million other things that make it feel much more tangible. I think being on the brink of finishing school has made me realise just how much is about to change, which is both daunting but extremely exciting. I’m looking forward to returning home to the US and opportunities that come with moving overseas, but I know I’ll also miss Melbourne and Lauriston immensely. For now, I’m just trying to make the most of my final year here while working towards what comes next.

Nicole: My plans have become a little clearer, although my interests haven’t changed too much. I’ve always loved languages, international relations and learning about the world, and I’m now hoping to pursue law after school, alongside international relations or criminology. I’m particularly drawn to the way these areas explore people, society and global issues from different perspectives. I’m also applying to universities in the UK. Having been born in London, I’ve always loved the idea of going back and experiencing life there as a university student. Languages are also something I want to continue in some form. Speaking Greek, as well as studying French and Chinese at school, has made languages such a big part of my life, and I’d love to eventually use them within an international career. I’m still not completely sure where this path will take me, but I think that’s what makes leaving school so exciting. I know what I’m passionate about, even if I haven’t worked out exactly where it will lead yet.