Class of 2025: Meet the student captains leading NSW’s Top 100 Public High Schools
New South Wales’ future is in good hands, judging by the compassion and ambition of the teens leading our Top 100 Public High Schools. Meet the captains at NSW’s best schools.
The great state of New South Wales will be left in good hands over the decades to come, if the compassion and ambitiousness of its outgoing public school leaders are anything to go by.
Girraween High School captain Sharvan says “leadership doesn’t stop at the school gates” – while Ben from Baulkham Hills High says it “goes beyond a title and a badge”.
It’s a “unique gift” says Eleanor from Fort Street High, “requires balance and understanding” says her classmate Dante; and is “an honour and a welcomed challenge” for Cathy at James Ruse.
Willoughby Girls’ vice-captain Lucinda compares leadership to holding out an umbrella while you all weather the storm together, because “nothing unites people faster than sharing one tiny umbrella and learning to walk in sync”.
Their tenures might be drawing to a close but the school captains, vice-captains and student representative councillors from NSW’s 18 highest-ranked government high schools will leave an indelible mark on their communities.
Parramatta High School’s 2025 captains Dyuthi Anilkumar Nair and Shaurya Verma are no exception, raising more than $3000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation with their inaugural ‘Claus for a Cause’ Christmas event last December.
“When we were back in year 7 and 8 … the prefects and especially the school captain were (people) who always stood out to me,” Shaurya said.
“I knew they were there for me, for the school and for the community.
“We’re very grateful to have been given that opportunity.”
The pair told The Daily Telegraph giving back to the wider community beyond their school is “very much” a priority.
Dyuthi has set her post-school sights on training as a pediatric nurse practitioner, while Shaurya is aiming for a career as a civil engineer in the public service working on major transport projects.
“I really love working with children and my dream in life is to be someone who’s able to support and be there for others … in low or desperate times,” Dyuthi said.
“The people who work on (the Sydney Metro) are making tangible impacts in their community, and that’d be something that I’d be really fortunate to be part of,” Shaurya added.
The co-captains are proud of their public education, too – it’s something that Dyuthi said “really should be celebrated”.
“Private (schools) … have more opportunities, but with the opportunities we’ve been given, we’re making more experiences and pathways for the students in our school,” she said.
“With private schooling there’s always a barrier – there is a tuition fee … but in a public school you get exposure to every type of person from every walk of life, and it changes the way you think,” Shaurya added.
Scroll down to meet all the top school captains.
Baulkham Hills High School
Mikayla Young
Serving as the captain of our prestigious school has been both an immense honour and an undeniable challenge, but something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
By being offered the role and stepping into it, I have been able to meaningfully engage with all aspects of the school community and have realised how to carry myself – with integrity, humility and resilience.
Baulko has shown me the true nature of selfless leaders – that the most meaningful contributions are not always the loudest but instead, are the ones that carry the greatest depth and lasting impact.
As my time here comes to a close, I owe a special thanks to my parents and peers, whose encouragement and steady support has allowed me to approach every responsibility with courage and compassion. My greatest hope is that I have made a lasting impression on Baulko as it has left on me.
Ben Nguyen
As the captain of Baulkham Hills High School, it has been my privilege and genuine enjoyment in serving my school over the past year.
Although this has been a daunting experience, it has offered me immense growth opportunities. I hope I have been able to create a legacy for future leadership to follow.
Over this time, I have come to realise that leadership goes beyond a title or a badge, but instead how I am able to uplift others and contribute meaningfully to the community. I sought to embody this by dedicating my time to spreading awareness within my community, engaging with charities, and having a greater involvement with all facets of the school.
As I transition into university, I hope that I can tackle my future opportunities with the same genuine approach, decorum and willingness to help others which I have shown in my time here.
Caringbah High School
Audrey Wei
I understand leadership as the responsibility to create an environment where people feel genuinely supported, included, and empowered to take on opportunities with confidence.
At Caringbah, leadership is not confined to a title; it thrives in collaboration and community. It’s reflected in the way we bring people together through school events, amplify student voices in decision-making, celebrate both individual and collective achievements, and increase avenues for student-driven leadership that ensure initiatives are shaped by those they most affect.
For me, the role of captain is less about authority and more about being approachable, reliable, and consistently present for my peers. I bring a creative perspective to leadership, influenced by my passion for art and design, where expression and problem-solving are inseparable.
This outlook extends beyond school, allowing me to find innovative ways to connect people, encourage participation, and strengthen our shared sense of belonging. Looking forward, I hope to pursue a future that combines creativity with meaningful impact, continuing to value initiative, teamwork, and the ability to connect ideas and communities through the way I lead.
Hugh Darlow
As school captain of Caringbah High School, I see leadership as a chance to create opportunities that outlast my time in the role, empowering my peers to achieve their full potential by participating in the increasing range of leadership and extra-curricular opportunities offered at Caringbah.
I believe leadership is about creating momentum, turning ideas into outcomes and bringing the school community together, fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
Beyond captaincy, I pursue ambitious goals in the academic, sporting and extra-curricular landscape, seeking challenges which test all facets of my character. Indeed, balancing a well-rounded schedule of extra-curriculars ranging from volunteering to debating, I seek to apply the Caringbah CORE values (Community, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence) to a broad range of fields.
Ambitious about my future, my aim is to pursue opportunities that will challenge myself, hoping to implement the invaluable lessons I learnt from my experience at Caringbah High into whatever industry I find myself in.
Conservatorium High School
Thea Sholl
I arrived at Con High in year 9 – barely able to read music, my main instrument being the drum kit. I now major in composition and continue to play guitar, piano, bass, orchestral percussion and banjo.
At Con High, leadership looks like simply supporting your peers. At such a small school where everyone is doing amazing things, we sometimes forget to talk about it, forget to mention it in assemblies and to our teachers. As leaders we must seek out these achievements and celebrate them.
Outside of school, I am involved in various sports teams (football) and music extra-curricular.
I hope to continue music after high school and study composition at a tertiary level, already releasing music under the name “Theeth”, performing and touring around Australia amidst my HSC. I was recently announced as a Finalist in Triple J’s Unearthed High competition, and continue to compose both contemporary and classically both inside and outside of school.
Amelie Wolfson
My name is Amelie Wolfson, and I have been a student at the Conservatorium High School since year 7. I have played the viola for nearly a decade now, and this school has enabled me to grow in my musical journey, giving me both joy and a strong sense of community.
Leadership at Conservatorium HS revolves around collaboration, compromise, and communication. These guiding principles are crucial during our annual house concerts, an entirely student-led event.
To me, being a leader means to bring out the best in those around me. I strive to be a leader outside of school too by helping out in my community and being someone my friends and family can rely on.
After high school, I would love to continue doing music as a passion but venture out in my studies to possibly explore the built environment.
Fort Street High School
Eleanor Alonso Love
Being a student leader at Fort Street has been a unique gift. At my school, students respect each other’s differences, vote for genuine effort and authentic representation, and teachers challenge us to do our best.
In my year as SRC president (school captain), I learned how to organise inter-school events with guest speakers and catering, how to reach everyone in the student body through various platforms, and how to build a team of student leaders who supported each other.
Although my time in the SRC has ended, I’ve been privileged to work with the school to establish the Reconciliation Action Committee, which works with First Nations artists and local leaders to connect Fort Street with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their communities.
I’ll be sad to leave high school, but I’m looking forward to studying linguistics at university and pursuing a career in diplomacy, defence, or journalism.
Dante Diaz
My name is Dante Diaz (year 12), and I served as vice-president of the SRC.
Leadership requires balance and understanding; knowing when to lead from the front and when to support from the back.
Within school, this meant reaching out to year groups, advocating for transparency in SRC work, and striving to improve the student experience.
Beyond school, I referee football in the Canterbury District and the Football NSW NPL, and was recently selected to represent NSW in the new Football Australia National Referee Academy. These opportunities have strengthened my resilience, decision-making, and capacity to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead, while pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Health), I aim to become a full-time referee in the A-League and AFC, travelling internationally. This would see me lead on the pitch with the whistle, while contributing in advisory roles to address health inequities in disadvantaged Australian communities through sports and health education.
Girraween High School
Sharvan Sivanandan
Leadership. When I hear that word, my mind flicks to a specific quote by Ralph Nader, as corny as that sounds: “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”
At Girraween, leadership isn’t limited to captains or prefects but it’s built into every role and every opportunity that students take. As a captain, my responsibility is to foster a community that thrives on the unique qualities of each student.
But leadership doesn’t stop at the school gates. It’s in being an older brother, a volunteer, a coach, or a cultural helper. Through these experiences, I’ve learnt that true leadership is less about recognition and more about creating space for others to learn and grow.
For me, captaincy was about being an inspiration, ensuring that every student felt empowered to become a leader in their own right, and hopefully making a positive change in the future.
Vedhika Nambiar
At Girraween, we have leaders in every part of our school whether it’s in the classroom, the various clubs or the leadership body itself, all of which work together to make our school the best environment for all its students.
Leadership here is about teamwork where the focus is on building each other up together or taking the fall together as well, because a leader exists to support their team and guide them to achieving their goals.
As captain, my leadership follows the same beliefs and I aim to be someone reliable and trustworthy so that my team- my prefects, but also my fellow students at Girraween are able to approach me with the assurance that I’d do my best regardless.
This leadership style carries outside of school into my sport, dance and cultural communities and I hope to apply the same in all my future roles as well.
Gosford High School
Harry Smith
My time at Gosford High School has been a learning experience in more than one way; Inherently, I have learnt the woes of the bard and the intricacies of mathematics.
However, what has been even more valuable in my eyes is the school’s unique and holistic approach to leadership. Leadership at Gosford High is integral and encouraged, right from the year 7 SRC members to the year 12 senior leadership team and house captains.
I have been lucky enough to achieve the position of school captain, the path and support to which (including our school’s elite leadership force and leadership challenge) have nurtured and honed my unique leadership skills and abilities.
This has enabled me to pursue extra-curricular leadership positions and make a positive impact in my community through the development and delivery of a community service pitch. Thank you, Gosford High!
Alicia Honor
As a primary school student, Gosford High School, despite technically not being the ‘top selective school’ was confidently first on my list.
I knew this was my place.
To this day, I am proud to lead a school which challenges students not only academically, but maintains a sense of belonging, alongside opportunities in arts, sports and broader disciplines.
Selective schools tend to be known for their high academic expectations; however, Gosford High School has never failed to find balance in fostering community and resilience. In my journey as a school captain, there has been a sense of duty to nurture my school’s interconnectedness.
Reflecting upon my experiences, my ambition has always been to work in women’s health, and Gosford High School has assisted me on this path ceaselessly. The school is now a part of my identity, in my strength, capability and my genuine love for education.
Hornsby Girls High School
Lauren Wilson and Helen Bui
We are very proud to be leaders of a top 100 government girls’ school. We have a strong, supportive community and our voices are always heard in the school and wider community.
Our school encourages us to be strong, confident and resilient young women who can pursue goals in any field without boundaries.
The school values are a balance of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice. We have really enjoyed sharing ideas with other schools as part of our leadership network.
Our vision is for all Hornsby Girls students to take leadership roles in the wider community.
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Kevin Francis
To be a captain is to be in complete service to our peers. To voice the needs of fellow students, and to be role models in our actions and commitment to upholding the principles of our school.
Hurlstone has always been a uniquely fulfilling place of education, such that, I among many, see it as a family and a home. Consequently, I feel that leadership at Hurlstone means to nurture this family and its growth, whether that be organising schoolwide events, or even just being available to support our classmates.
It also means leading by example, demonstrating to students the qualities that are integral to interactions in the greater community.
For that reason, I also see myself as a leader outside of school even if not explicitly in a leadership role, as to be a leader is to exude the qualities of integrity, empathy, adaptability and accountability.
Michelle Tran
To me, leadership is a way I can give back to my school community. Hurlstone has always been my secure place of belonging, where I am simultaneously proud yet challenged in my academic and extra-curricular participation.
Being able to inspire the incoming generations of Hurlstonians to embrace our school with the same dedication to personal and communal growth, which I always strived for, is what fulfils me as a captain.
However, being a leader is not just a transient identity I fulfil during school hours, but rather a quality I hope to expand throughout my future endeavours.
In my pursuit of a law and commerce career after high school, I wish to continue leading with kindness and integrity. I will amplify the voices of individuals who aren’t as privileged to speak, helping to make this world a gentler place to live for as many people as possible.
James Ruse Agricultural High School
Cathy Zhang
Being school captain at a selective school with such a distinguished reputation and a strong cohort is both an honour and a welcomed challenge.
To me, being a leader means using this privilege and platform to put others first, cultivating a space for everyone I lead to shine in order to achieve our collective best.
At Ruse, leadership is an attitude, not a title; a multitude of opportunities, such as running co-curricular clubs, magazines and fundraisers, are available for those who put their hand forward and demonstrate a willingness to benefit others.
In the future, I hope to carry this well-forged attitude of collaboration and understanding into a career channelling my passion for climate science, working with communities and leading projects that translate research into real world impact.
Chesandu Hewapathiranage
Leadership at James Ruse is not restricted to the typical badges of honour and rather, manifests through all facets of school life.
Through intergrade academic mentoring and student participation in co-curricular clubs where students pursue personal interests or advocate for social justice, our school leaders are formed through their love for seeing their peers excel and enjoy their time at school.
Being school captain is a privilege as it enables me to organise school events that shape how Ruse students remember their time at high school. To me, the ability to leave those lasting memories and experiences that will be cherished as we grow old is the most valuable part in my role as a leader.
In the future, I aspire to develop my leadership skills: communication and confidence, for future roles in a medical career and provide specialist aid to growing rural communities.
Normanhurst Boys High School
Ashwyn Tyagi
At Normanhurst Boys High School, leadership is an opportunity to not only represent your peers, but to inspire others around you to lead and ultimately make the school community more united.
My experiences as school captain have shaped my belief that leadership is not individual, but collective. I came to understand that everyone has the capacity to lead, whether through bold ideas, quiet persistence, or the simple act of supporting a friend. To me, that’s where true leadership lies.
At Normanhurst we called it the ‘Team Normo Spirit.’ The belief that one person may spark change but it’s when many step forward to unite behind a common purpose that real impact is made.
It is this spirit of shared responsibility that I aspire to carry beyond school.
North Sydney Boys High School
Marcus Chu
Leadership at North Sydney Boys High School is often more nuanced than the outward appearance of academic success. Our ethos prioritises cultivating interpersonal and logistical skills over simply achieving the goals and initiatives we undertake.
A leader is grounded in selfless service, uplifting others without imposing unattainable standards, while remaining aware of their own humanity and continually striving toward a purpose greater than themselves.
The skills I’ve developed prepare me to lead beyond school, yet I view leadership not as a personal ambition, but as a collective recognition and affirmation of my character and competence.
I strive for well-rounded excellence by engaging in distinguished essay competitions across diverse subjects. This pursuit will not only refine the writing skills I have cultivated at NSB but also foster an interdisciplinary, academically rigorous mindset, ultimately guiding me toward the goal of studying at Oxbridge.
Ethan Huang
At North Sydney Boys High School, leadership is deeply rooted in service, empathy, and teamwork, driving positive change, whether large or small, within the school community.
As vice-captain, my interactions extend beyond my own grade to include teachers and younger students.
Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate how meaningful it is to support individual students, collaborate with peers, and represent the school, as even the smallest acts can lead to lasting impact.
These experiences have profoundly shaped my ambitions, teaching me that leadership is not about authority, but about uplifting others and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been serving as a role model for younger students, demonstrating that leadership is founded on humility and empathy.
Looking ahead, I hope to carry these values beyond school into a career where service and compassion create meaningful, lasting impact for individuals and communities.
North Sydney Girls High School
Fiona Pan
At North Sydney Girls, leadership is an act of service. Leadership is a commitment to lead by example, and thus foster an environment of trust, co-operation and camaraderie by bridging the student voice to both the wider community and school.
While service encapsulates facilitation of larger school events, it is also the celebration of peers, mentoring of younger students and the simple act of listening on a microlevel.
My role has taught me that leadership is not an act of authority; rather, a growth and a journey alongside those you are leading through shared accountability and responsibility. I have learnt that showing my own commitment, tenacity and dedication creates an environment that encourages others to reciprocate the same passion.
The idea that leadership is less about standing at the front, but more so about ensuring no one is left behind is a notion I will take on beyond school.
Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus
Akshita Ghosh
Being involved in leadership at my school has taught me so much about being able to use my confidence to raise my voice and using my voice to instil the change I want to see in the world.
I know the power of encouragement and support, and I want to be able to use my position and the skills I have learnt to encourage everyone- especially young female budding leaders that they too possess exactly what it takes to be a powerful leader.
My main goal as school captain in 2026 is to work with my team to implement more opportunities for young women in leadership and eliminate the gender discrepancy in leadership.
This would help encourage more young women- the faces of OUR future, to participate and hone their leadership skills, allowing a more equal representation of our voices and needs in the future.
Harrison Woods
Throughout my time at Manly, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills through many amazing programs and experiences.
As a proud Indigenous student, I have been given opportunities to deliver the Acknowledgement of Country at both school and community events. I have also been able to share my culture with other students through NAIDOC week celebrations, and mentor younger Indigenous students on our culture and traditions.
Leadership is not only offered to SRC representatives at Manly, the whole school is given opportunities to develop leadership skills through programs such as peer support and peer academic leaders, where year 10 students mentor and assist new year 7 students, and leading our amazing student-run clubs at Manly.
For me, my leadership skills have also been developed through being a leader at the Youth At Taronga Zoo program, where I volunteer to gain both leadership, and work experience skills for my future employment.
Penrith High School
Ryan Wen
At Penrith High School leadership takes form through countless settings, but at its core, remains as both a responsibility and privilege to serve our community.
Whether that be as a club leader or a formally elected prefect, our leaders empower our peers with the ability to instil meaningful and impactful change beneficial to not only ourselves, but also the wider community.
To me, serving as school captain is really about standing and advocating for the needs of my school community, and ensuring that their voice is actively heard and acted upon. The resulting betterment is something I often attempt to foster outside of school, primarily through encouraging inclusive discussion between my peers, and leading by example.
After graduating, I aim to continue advocating for the amelioration of others and serve as both a mentor and inspiration for those pursuing similar passions.
Rupali Wadhwa
At our school, leadership is not defined by a title, but is a platform grounded in service, giving students the opportunity to create meaningful change, uplift others and strengthen our community.
At Penrith, serving as captain has given me the privilege of giving back, ensuring others enjoy the same rich and exhilarating high-school experience that shaped me.
Whether through introducing new events, acting on the suggestions from our broader school community or my personal favourite, working towards the Beanie and Blanket Appeal, leadership has been about fostering pride, connection and collaboration and is one of the highlights to my high-school journey.
Beyond school, I see leadership extending into the wider community, whether through volunteering with youth groups or supporting those around me with care. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a pathway that balances ambition with service, continuing to lead by example and contribute meaningfully to the broader community.
Sydney Boys High School
Jin Shim
At Sydney Boys High, leaders understand that we are here to serve, not be served.
As school captain, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the Prefects in initiatives that strengthen school pride, student wellbeing, and nurture the potential of all students.
Yet, I believe leadership transcends mere titles; anyone can be a leader, and it starts with choosing to bear responsibility, taking initiative and embracing a selfless commitment to others. For me, the true measure of a successful leader is not how many follow behind, but how many rise beside them because they led.
Although my career path goals are uncertain, I aspire to pursue a Bachelor of Law/Commerce, with the hope of continually developing as a leader. I also hope to return as a rowing and rugby coach to give back to the school that has given me so much.
Sydney Technical High School
Aditya Bhatia
At Sydney Technical High School, leadership is about influence, responsibility, and being a role model for others.
As 2025 vice-captain, I see leadership as the ability to listen, unite people, and create opportunities where everyone can succeed. For me, it means upholding the school’s values of respect, responsibility, and integrity, and setting an example through my actions every day.
I do see myself as a leader beyond school. Whether through community volunteering, mentoring younger students, or taking part in initiatives like the Student Parliament of NSW, I have found that leadership is about making a positive difference wherever I am.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue my studies in science and technology, with the ambition of contributing to research that benefits society. I want my leadership to evolve into service not only to my community, but also to the wider world.
Minh Hoang
Leadership at Sydney Technical High School is not about holding a title but about serving others, listening closely, and inspiring those around me to be their best.
To me, being a captain means carrying a compass of values such as respect, integrity and responsibility that guide me when the path is uncertain. True leadership is not always knowing the way, but being brave enough to find it and humble enough to walk beside others as they find theirs.
I see myself as a leader beyond school too, through community service, mentoring and representing my peers in programs like our student representative council. Wherever I am, leadership means leaving things better than I found them.
In the future, and as an accelerated HSC Business Studies candidate, I hope to continue my studies in commerce and finance, using innovation to make a positive contribution to society. My purpose is to lead not only with knowledge but with heart.
Willoughby Girls High School
Sophie Giles Jones
Leadership at Willoughby Girls High School emphasises collaboration; between leaders, students, year groups, community members, and teachers. Through creating an environment in which student leaders are empowered to share ideas, listen to others, and stand up for what they believe in, real positive progress can be achieved.
The community of Willoughby is diverse, and as school captain I endeavour to anticipate and account for the needs of every student within the school, promote inclusivity, and be a positive role model in all aspects of school life.
The magic of Willoughby lies in the opportunity to be creative in our ideas and problem solving through the mutual trust and respect among the leadership body, allowing us to create new and meaningful memories within the school everyday.
The supportive environment of the school instils in all students, not just the elected leaders, that they can make a change in the world, nurturing the future of Australia.
Lucinda Keppie
At our school, leadership isn’t about standing above others, but about stepping into the storm with them and offering what cover you can.
As vice-captain, I see my role as supporting, listening, and creating space for every student to feel valued. Like holding out an umbrella to make space for others underneath, leadership is about small, consistent acts of care that make others feel safer and stronger.
Being entrusted with leadership has taught me the importance of empathy and responsibility. I’ve also realised that nothing unites people faster than sharing one tiny umbrella and learning to walk in sync.
Looking ahead, I aspire to be a part of, and contribute to, transnational companies and organisations, applying these values to make a meaningful difference on a much broader scale.
More Coverage
Originally published as Class of 2025: Meet the student captains leading NSW’s Top 100 Public High Schools
Read related topics:Top 100 Schools
Join the conversation
$26k inner-Sydney girls’ school fails in search for new leader
Read more
Brand-new ‘study hub’ brings city unis to Western Sydney kids
Read more