Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley 2022 school captains revealed
Young leaders are preparing for a busy final year of school. Here’s what the newly-elected captains of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Grafton and Maclean are looking forward to.
Grafton
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From neuroscience to sporting heroes, the youth of the North Coast will be the shaping the future.
High School Captains share their hopes and dreams for when they graduate.
Orara High School
Orora High School’s captains each bring individuality, enthusiasm and a willingness to be positive role models to their peers.
Three of the four captains are females, leading the way for younger women.
Danielle Bruce plans to study neuroscience or nutrition after school.
Darshleen Kaur is eager to get into business and psychology at University.
Lani Cash is interested in studying a Bachelor of Arts.
Morgan Smith is passionate about his English studies and is looking to go into career opportunities in these areas.
Captains were chosen based on their strong work-ethic, dedication and desire to be role models for young adults.
Orara’s captains have participated in a variety of the school’s mentoring and life skill development programs and each provide a strong sense of leadership.
Each bring a unique perspective to their roles.
Woolgoolga High School
Woolgoolga High School students went through a vigorous process of written nomination, speech and interview.
During this process, students had to adapt to lockdowns and produce speeches recorded at home.
This kind of adaptation is a necessary component to being a student in the Covid era.
Woolgoolga runs the SMILE (Support Mentor Inspire Listen Encourage) program, which develops skills around combating issues such as bullying, while also encouraging positive life-choices.
Each captain has had a positive impact within the school community, such as contributing to the SMILE program, fundraising, SRC, sports participation and academic achievement.
They are also active in the wider Coffs community with organisations such as volunteer surf lifesaving and the Red Cross.
Ella Wilson – captain
Ella Wilson hopes to broaden her skills and experience after completing Year 12.
“Once I finish school, I have my mind set on doing a gap year in the Royal Australian Navy, where I‘ll be able to challenge myself and learn new skills” Ms Wilson said.
Ms Wilson is aiming to attend university in the future, studying a degree relating to Sport science and Psychology.
Chase Saban – captain
Chase Saban understands the high pressure that many students face in their final year.
“Finishing school seems a little daunting.”
Mr Saban also recognises the potential for new experiences and opportunities.
“There are a few scenes and experiences I would like to see,” Mr Saban said.
Mr Saban hopes to forge connections within a big city.
“I hope to move to a busier area that opens doors and opportunities, like Sydney or Brisbane, creating relationships and networks I will have forever.” Mr Saban said.
Ally Cork – vice-captain
With friends and family based in Canada, Ally Cork’s mind is set on writing and travelling.
“I really want to go and see my family and friends in Canada once I leave school” Ms Cork said.
Ms Cork is also working on a novel and is a passionate writer and hopes to work as an author while travelling the world.
“There’s so much inspiration out there to find”.
Jack Ramirez-Sheen – vice-captain
Jack Remirez-Sheen is a keen explorer and ready for a new challenge.
“Whether I get to witness the scenes in Canada or visit family in Argentina, I am excited for the adventures,” Mr Ramirez-Sheen said.
Bishop Druitt College
Bishop Druitt College (BDC) recognises the importance leadership plays in school life and beyond.
The leadership team at BDC comprises of 16 students – 10 captains and six house leaders.
The 10 captain positions are divided into five areas: academic, service, sports, leadership and the arts, providing a broad and comprehensive selection of students to fill a range of areas.
Rylee Caruana – leadership captain
Rylee Caruana’s goal is to study teaching or medicine.
Mrs Caruana has thrived during her time at school and values the positive environment school can produce.
“I would love to do teaching as I thrive and deeply enjoy the school environment and the sense of community it brings” Mrs Caruana said.
Her focus is on giving back to the community.
“I want to have a career where I can give back to others as well as enjoy what I do every day,” Mrs Caruana said.
She also hopes to lead the way for a better future.
“I would love to highlight the importance of women in leadership as well break down prevalent stereotypical barriers within schools which have previously been accepted.
“My ultimate goal would be to change the narrative from previous high school culture to a space were students understand the damaging effects of words in order to permanently erase sexism, racism, misogyny and homophobia,” She said.
Like all good leaders, Caruana hopes to be the voice of his peers and bring social issues to the fore.
“I am constantly motivated within my role to work for the voice and wellbeing of others,” Mrs Caruana said.
Keira Williams – sports captain
Keira Williams is a sports lover, with a dream of playing professional basketball in America.
“I have always loved sport and would love to have the opportunity to play among the best at such a high level,” Ms Williams said.
Ms Williams fondly recalls memories shared on and off the basketball court.
“I love the long-lasting friendships I have created playing basketball, and I know that throughout the years, I will continue to remember the amazing moments I shared with so many people.”
Ms Williams is also interested in pursuing a career in police work or criminology.
She is currently working on ways to encourage students to maintain sports while pursuing academic careers.
“It has been a challenge to keep kids in sport especially around year 10 and 11 but we are brainstorming ways to bring enjoyment and excitement into sport”.
Kate Clerkin – service captain
Kate Clerkin hopes to make a difference in the community and give a voice to those unheard.
“I believe it is so important to be heard and would love to assist people to speak for themselves by offering support,” Ms Clerkin said.
Ms Clerkin has a range of passions, varying from performing arts and dance to human rights.
“I would love to make a difference on any level, advocating for change and contributing to the progression of society,” Ms Clerkin said.
She also created an assembly for White Ribbon Day with the help of her peers, which aims to end male violence against women and girls.
“This included statistics and information, resources for support, an open conversation with male staff and students on how to speak up as well as personal stories from staff and senior students,” Ms Clerkin said.
Ms Clerkin described this is an “inspiring moment”.
Coffs Harbour Senior College
Abby Raymond and Rohan McCartney were chosen for their excellent personal qualities that encapsulate leadership.
Both students have created a friendly, proactive SRC that is hungry to achieve great things.
Raymond and McCartney have been key drivers of raising funds for charities, organisation of school jackets, colour days and improving recycling in the school.
Both students will undertake a gap year with plans to travel to gain life experience, before undertaking University studies.
Coffs Harbour High School
Ama Mite
Ama Mite has a history of leadership, having been elected school captain at Coffs Harbour Primary School.
Mr Mite is a talented sportsman, particularly in soccer and athletics, winning several medals including gold for long jump.
A natural leader, he has represented Coffs Harbour in the 2017 Children’s Parliament, sharing the important views young people have in shaping the North Coast community.
He would like to study sports exercise science after school.
Charnay Draydon
Having only been at Coffs Harbour High School for two years, Charnay Draydon has quickly established herself as a respected and caring classmate.
Ms Draydon has excelled through personal hardships and challenges.
She has been described as a “conscientious and industrious student who achieves at high levels academically” by staff.
She is a mental-health advocate and is dedicated to assisting the community through mental health struggles.
Ms Draydon joined the Student Representative Council on arrival to Coffs Harbour High School, and has been heavily involved with SRC activities including fundraising in the local community.
Ms Draydon is keen to pursue her passions by studying law and psychology at university.
Toormina High School
Toormina High School (THS) hopes to empower their students by giving them a voice to allow them to succeed, thrive and contribute positively to the community.
THS’s primary focus is to allow students to participate and lead, as they believe these are central aspects to achieving academic outcomes and student wellbeing.
Phylicia Stock - captain
Ms Stock is a well-liked and hard working student, described as having the kind of determination and drive that could lead to being elected a national leader.
Ms Stock wishes to study education after graduating.
Mitchell Hickey - captain
An outstanding swimmer, Hickey dreams of representing Australia in the Olympics.
Hickey won a silver medal in the Men’s 17-18 years 10km Open Water Championship last year.
Molly Ward and Jake Simpson - vice captains
Ms Ward and Mr Simpson are interested in pursuing higher education degrees in 2023.
THS’s leaders were selected due to their strong contribution to the school’s values.
They also demonstrate school spirit, are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities and volunteer their time in the local community.
THS aims to foster an enthusiastic and positive attitude toward school, while assisting peers and younger students achieve their goals and maintain a positive learning environment.
Bellingen High School
Bellingen High School’s student leadership program aims to help their students find their voice and participate in decision making.
Their goal is to allow students to understand their responsibilities and prepare them for life after school.
The captains were selected after interviews with the principal and the year advisor, to prepare them for a speech in front of the entire school.
Due to Covid, this was conducted via Zoom, providing another hurdle for students.
Bellingen High School aims to give students all opportunities to have an impact on their learning and prepare them for success and happiness in the outside world.
McAuley College, Grafton
Matilda Sheen - captain
Matilda Sheen chose to be a leader to represent the student voice.
“I want to make McAuley College a place that people can look forward to coming to and a place where they feel they belong,” she said.
Ms Sheen is hoping to have a gap year, then head to university to study rehabilitation or occupational therapy.
Taylor Powell - captain
“We aim in our day to day lives to strive for excellence and to promote and uphold the admirable qualities of our positive and inclusive college community,” Taylor Powell said.
He hopes to study psychology at university leading to a pathway that explores the concepts of both criminology and counselling.
Layla Cramb - vice-captain
Helping out her fellow student is the at the top of Layla Cramb’s list.
“I was chosen to be a vice-captain because I possess leadership skills such as initiative,” she said.
After school she wants to study a Bachelor of science and have a career in biology such as palaeontology, zoology, or wildlife conservation.
Jonathan Leung - vice-captain
Jonathan Leung credits captaincy on his friendly personality and student leadership experience in 2020 and 2021.
“We will try to bring as much life into the school community as possible,” he said.
As for his hopes for the future he plans to help people and even to save lives by becoming a surgeon. And his surgical field of preference? Orthopaedic.
Jack Bailey - faith and action leader
Jack Bailey believes he was chosen as a leader based on his ability to support the growth of other students emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
“When I leave school I want to pursue a career in aid and development, assisting those in marginalised communities,” Bailey added.
Maclean High School
Troy McFarlane - captain
Running for captain was a no-brainer for Troy McFarlane who wanted to give back to the school.
“Whether it was academic, cultural, leadership, sport, or community, Maclean High School was accommodating in providing me an experience to develop my individual identity and character,” he said.
After school he wants to work in medicine or health science and is aiming for a Bachelor of Vision science/Master of Optometry.
Madeline Hollis - captain
“I've always wanted to be a leader at high school as I’ve always wanted to help make school a better and more enjoyable place,” Madeline Hollis said.
Her dream is to go to university to study either sports and exercise science, exercise physiology or physiotherapy.
Zion Edgar - vice-captain
Wanting to lead people in the right direction has put Zion Edgar in good stead for vice captaincy.
“I’ve always wanted to help people out the best way I can.
“When I finish school, I’m hoping to study psychology and community health so I can try and help people get through trauma or be someone to talk to,” he said.
He also plays guitar around the Clarence Valley so keep an eye out.
Grafton High School
Oskar Robertson - captain
Oskar Robertson said being genuinely positive helped him to get elected.
“I genuinely believe that being a positive role model and leader matters.”
He aims to introduce more sustainability within the school and create a welcoming school environment - goals he has been working on since joining the SRC and the Enviro Club.
After school he wants a career in zoology or diplomacy.
Whitney Moon - captain
Gaining captaincy is a long held goal for WhitneyMoon so she definitely has plans for 2022.
“One of my fundamental aims as a school captain is to inspire my fellow students to strive for their dreams and awaken them to the endless possibilities of success they are able to achieve through hard work and dedication.”
She is currently pursuing an athletic (tennis) scholarship to an NCAA Division I College in the US. She is currently ranked 181 in Australia for Women's Tennis. Eventually she wants to study abroad.
Noah Fahey - vice-captain
Noah Fahey is an active member of the school and enjoys participating in many sporting activities and helping out in the Grafton High School Enviro Club.
“I am passionate about students having a say in the school and plan to assist the student body in voicing their opinion throughout my senior year,” he said.
In the future he hopes to pursue a career he enjoys.
Laura Hennessy - vice-captain
Laura Hennessy believes she was chosen as vice-captain because she is a firm believer in youth empowerment.
“I try to encourage our younger students to feel confident enough to push for what they believe in, especially in our school environment.”
The all-round positive student aspires to gain a greater connection with her fellow peers within Grafton High School and the broader community.
After high school she is planning on studying education to be a primary school teacher.
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