Bright sparks, big futures: Meet the student leaders from Victoria’s best-ranking colleges

Reason for taking up role

Annabel W: I applied for School Captain due to my deep appreciation for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and develop at Lauriston. I felt that the role would not only be an invaluable learning experience, but most importantly, allow me to support other members of our community to thrive in their own way.

Annabel R: I applied for School Captain because I genuinely enjoy school life and wanted to share that enthusiasm with my peers and the wider Lauriston community. I believe that strong relationships help people reach their full potential – both personally and academically. Past school leaders inspired me through their support and guidance, and I wanted to pay that forward by helping others thrive in the same way.

Responsibilities

Annabel W: My responsibilities include attending Lauriston events and prefect meetings, being representative of the student body, and leading initiatives that reflect our school values. Above all, I believe that the most important part of my role is to form meaningful relationships with all members of our school community, being someone that people can lean on and talk to for support.

Annabel R: As School Captain, I aim to embody Lauriston’s values in everything I do. I work to build strong relationships across year levels, attend prefect meetings, support school events, and lead initiatives that help make Lauriston a positive and inclusive place. My goal is to help create an environment where all students feel engaged, supported, and able to flourish.

How it feels to be school captain

Annabel W: It feels incredibly special to be School Captain— I am honoured and grateful to represent Lauriston, a school which has helped me to shape my values while equipping me with skills to navigate challenges I may face in the future. I feel passionately about my role and hope to bring new initiatives to the table.

Annabel R: It’s an honour to be trusted with this role. I’m aware that younger students look up to me, and I take seriously the responsibility to lead with positivity, kindness, and authenticity. It’s been incredibly rewarding to grow through this role — to form strong relationships and to feel part of something bigger than myself.

How the role helps you grow

Annabel W: My role as School Captain has constantly pushed me to step up — whether it’s building confidence in public speaking, learning to collaborate effectively with others, or taking initiative to turn ideas into actions. Moreover, the role has encouraged me to reflect on myself regularly, ensuring that I stay grounded in my values and lead with intention.

Annabel R: Being School Captain has helped me gain confidence and feel comfortable expressing myself. It’s shown me how powerful small actions — like a smile, encouragement, or helping run an assembly — can be in lifting others. This role has helped me understand the importance of service and kindness in leadership, and that impact doesn’t always have to be loud to be meaningful.

Post school goals

Annabel W: Post-school, I hope to study abroad to gain more independence and experience. At this stage, my aspiration is to work with an international organisation where I can continue connecting with others, communicating ideas, and in my own way, contribute meaningfully to the world around me.

Annabel R: I’m still exploring exactly what I want to do after school, but I hope to find purpose and fulfilment in whatever path I choose. More than anything, I want to be a kind, curious person who contributes to making the world a better place — wherever that may lead me.