South Australia’s future leaders: Meet 25+ students elected captain at public schools for 2025
They are the South Australian teens dreaming of careers as politicians, doctors and chefs but first these 25+ school captains share why they wanted the top job.
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With the 2025 school year now well underway, new student leaders across South Australian campuses have been settling in to their roles.
Bright sparks elected as captains and head prefects at SA public schools this year have revealed their ambitions in the second instalment of The Advertiser’s future leader Q & As.
These model students are setting themselves up for successful futures with the teens’ sights set on pursuing careers as politicians, psychologists and even a chef.
Adelaide High School
Ingrid, 17
Responsibilities: Head prefects work across all student leadership groups across the school to ensure collaboration, foster a positive school culture, and represent the student body in key school events and activities. Head prefects are also responsible for leading the prefect team to deliver a ‘legacy project’ that will have lasting and ongoing benefits for the entire school community.
Reason for taking up the role: As a student at Adelaide High School, I have experienced first hand the positive impact that student voice and engagement have on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. As head prefect for 2025, I aim to build on the incredible progress made by previous student leaders by further engaging our strong community and understanding the diverse interests of our student body.
Skills to develop: In this role, I can enhance my communication and collaboration skills through the positive relationships I aim to build with peers, staff, and community members. Additionally, successfully organising myself and others while balancing the demands of a year 12 student will present a challenge, but I believe it will also teach me the importance of time management in achieving my goals.
After school goals: I have a strong fascination with biology and science, coupled with a passion for environmental preservation and the advancement of public health through technological and scientific innovations. I am particularly eager to study how STEM fields can drive more effective and sustainable solutions after high school.
Lilly, 17
Responsibilities: It is our role to work across the leadership groups to create unity and develop a space where students can create connections. It is important that we provide leadership and support to our fellow student leaders to ensure that there are open lines of communication within the student groups and the community.
Reason for taking up the role: Leadership has been a passion of mine from a very young age. I have always loved being able to create opportunity and change within my school community, something which the prefect team at Adelaide High School are extremely passionate to implement in 2025. Throughout my 12 years as a SRC member, I have developed a deep understanding of what it means to be a leader and how to create success within a leadership group.
Skills to develop: Being a head prefect allows you to develop great communication skills, and it allows one to connect with the broader school community. As a head prefect at Adelaide High School, you are able to develop a skill set which sets you up for success and can take you many places not only in school, but in life.
After school goals: After school I plan to study psychology at university, as I am particularly interested in the development of the human mind and the science regarding emotions. Once I complete my degree, I hope to become a practising psychologist.
Whyalla Secondary College
Cooper Fabricus, 17
Responsibilities: As a school captain my responsibilities entail running assemblies for my year level, leading school fundraisers, supporting school tours and assistance in the running of community events. Most importantly it is my job to show the students at my school the right thing to do.
Reason for taking up the role: I put my name forward for the school captain position because I believe that it is important to set a good example in the school of what a leader does, and this means possessing strong communication, listening to what people have to say and being able to collaborate with others. I would also like to help drive continual improvement at my school.
Skills to develop: It will help build interpersonal skills and confidence which will be useful.
After school goals: After I finish school I would like to go to university and study physiotherapy.
Amaya Middleton, 17
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of a student representative at my school include having opportunities to get involved in school events, have a voice, advocate for my peers and initiate positive change.
Reason for taking up the role: I was a school leader for my house team last year, and so this year I wanted to become a student representative to challenge myself, grow as a leader, and make a positive impact within my school community.
Skills to develop: Student leadership can help me develop essential skills and qualities that align with my future career. These include having empathy, patience, critical thinking and thorough communication.
After school goals: After school, I aspire to study a Bachelor of Health Science with a Master of Physiotherapy at Flinders University. This uni course will help me pursue my career goal of becoming a pediatric physiotherapist.
Roma Mitchell Secondary College
Nadia Rondon Carreno, 17
Head prefect senior campus
Responsibilities: My responsibilities include representing the student body, fostering a positive
school culture, and assisting with events and initiatives. I also act as a role model for
younger students, help maintain school values, and support staff and students in various
leadership capacities.
Reason for taking up the role: I’m passionate about leadership and making a meaningful
impact on my school community. Having been a prefect before in younger years, I know how
valuable this role can be in supporting students and shaping the school environment. I also
wanted to bring a fresh perspective, especially as someone who recently moved schools last
year.
Skills to develop: Being a prefect will strengthen my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. It also will give me first-hand experience in representing a community, making decisions, and balancing responsibilities, all of which are valuable in political and leadership roles.
After school goals: I plan to pursue a double degree in law and international relations at university, focusing on global governance, human rights, and diplomacy. Coming from a family with roots in South America, where my parents grew up under dictatorships has fuelled my passion for law and politics, motivating me to advocate for fairness, accountability, and human rights. I aspire to become a politician or work in international law.
Mikayla Dawson-Sincock, 16
Head prefect girls’ campus
Responsibilities: Prefects serve as role models who promote respect and inclusivity. They assist in organising school events and facilitate communication between students and school administration.
Reason for taking up the role: I wanted to become a prefect because of my desire to help. When I see an issue within the school, I strive to address it or lighten its impact on students, teachers, and staff, being a prefect allows me to better do this.
Skills to develop: Being a school leader helps me develop essential skills like communication, organisation and teamwork, which are valuable in any career.
After school goals: I am currently participating in a school-based apprenticeship as a chef, which I plan to continue after completing year 12.
Amir Zaki, 17
Head prefect senior campus
Responsibilities: Prefects are responsible for designing year 12 uniform and organising year 12 events, such as formal and graduation. Additionally, prefects are involved in organising and running whole school assemblies and other special events which occur multiple times throughout the school year.
Reason for taking up the role: I wanted to improve upon various skills and to contribute to making the school a better place. I knew that as a prefect I would essentially be a leader and a role model for other students, and this would allow me to develop the attributes and skills of a successful leader.
Skills to develop: As a school prefect I am developing various skills, including teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving and time management. My teamwork and leadership skills will be improved upon as prefects often work together to organise, plan, and run events.
After school goals: I am aiming for a place in medical school, preferably at Adelaide
University. Even though medicine is a highly competitive field and spots are limited, the
competitiveness aspect drives me even more as I want work hard and reach the pinnacle.
Findon High School
Lily Jones, 17
Responsibilities: This role comes with responsibilities like representing the student body, making positive connections with the staff and students, leading by example, and developing a legacy project.
Reason for taking up the role: I chose to run for school captain to be a friendly face for all new students and to support the staff with navigating this generation’s challenges given how much society has evolved. A few examples being social media, Covid isolation, and mental health.
Skills to develop: Being captain will help build public speaking, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
After school goals: In the future, I plan to complete a degree in law and psychology and work as a forensic psychologist.
Amelie Zanella, 16
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of being a school captain at Findon High School are to be a role model for our peers and to encourage enthusiasm for school and learning.
Reason for taking up the role: I put my hand up to be a school captain as I believed that I not only demonstrated the school values, but I am also able to be a positive role model and help others to demonstrate those values.
Skills to develop: The skills that being a school captain has aided me in developing include leadership, responsibility, confidence, communication and problem solving.
After school goals: After school I would like to go to university and get a Bachelor of Architecture as I would like to be an interior designer.
Norwood International High School
Varshaa Raghuram Bose, 17
Responsibilities: At Norwood International, the responsibilities of a school captain stretch over many different areas and aspects of the school. It involves being the bridge of communication between students and teachers, organising various events for the student body with a focus on student life, and representing the school at many conventions and out of school opportunities.
Reason for taking up the role: From a young age being in leadership was always a goal for me, from student council in primary school to managing at work, to now head prefect in year 12. I love meeting new people through making a difference in the community and it fosters that positive sense of accomplishment.
Skills to develop: Over the course of this year I hope to develop my responsibility and organisational skills while juggling school, work, and sport
After school goals: I am thinking of pursuing a university degree in international relations, which will enable me to travel the world. I am considering a future as a diplomat, representing the country abroad and working to maintain good relations with people in other countries. It also involves lots of travelling, which I am very excited about because I want to see new countries and experience different cultures.
Connor D’Andrea, 17
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of being school captain here at Norwood International can be summed up by being an all-round role model and leader for my peers and prefect team. As a school captain it is also my responsibility to represent the student cohort on key issues within the school as well as communicate feedback and ideas from students to the rest of the school.
Reason for taking up the role: I put my hand up to be captain because I wanted to end my secondary schooling by attempting to make a positive difference in my school community, by helping to build on the welcoming and fun school environment, where students feel comfortable to be themselves while achieving their academic goals.
Skills to develop: The main skill that being a school captain will help me develop throughout the year is my communication skills. With further exposure to public speaking and communicating with staff and peers in a professional manner, this skill will develop exponentially. In addition to this, my leadership and decision-making skills will be tested and therefore built upon. These skills will be key to my future, as dealing with patients in a professional manner and making quick and confident decisions will be crucial.
After school goals: My long-term goal and career aspiration is to be an orthopaedic surgeon.
Salisbury East High School
Mariam Ali Abubakar, 16
Responsibilities: As a school captain, my main responsibilities include being a leader and leading by example, representing the students and my school, organising and participating in school activities, acting as a voice for students to communicate with staff, and working closely with staff and students to create a positive, safe, and inclusive school environment.
Reason for taking up the role: Having been in Australia for less than three years, I felt that my school had given me a sense of belonging, my school significantly helped me adapt to my new environment. I wanted to give back by leading in a way that would help other students feel the same way.
Skills to develop: It is teaching me how to communicate with different people by understanding their different perspectives, whether it is through addressing students’ concerns, working with teachers, or working with the student’s voice. These experiences are helping me build confidence in representing others.
After school goals: After school, I plan to do a double degree, a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Psychology. I believe these two degrees will give me the foundation for a career in family law, where I can fulfil my passion for justice and helping people.
Jackson Coaby, 17
Responsibilities: As a captain at Salisbury East High School, you are expected to be a leader and representative of the school and students. You are someone students can come to if they need when they are feeling distressed or have bright ideas for further improving our school.
Reason for taking up the role: I want to be someone that other students can look up to and learn from. Being a leader and a comfortable, caring person, and anyone can come and talk to, is also something that drove me to stepping up and becoming captain. I also wanted to reflect our school more within our community and put into action how we are reflected as a school. For example, I aspire to involve the school and represent the school at Anzac ceremonies and other community engagements.
Skills to develop: I believe being school captain will give me the confidence and leadership capabilities of being able to speak out and represent myself and others.
After school goals: Post school I aspire to work in sport and health, preferably as a doctor or physiotherapist who can work alongside athletes and teams within professional environments. Eventually, it would be a dream to eventually branch out through my own business, giving back to my community through treating health.
Unley High School
Lachlan Pftizner, 17
Responsibilities: Head prefects at Unley High School are a vital link between students and staff, bringing the voice of students to meetings and committees. We spearhead the implementation of many different projects within the school and we also host whole school assemblies, award ceremonies, and community events.
Reason for taking up the role: I have been in Unley High School’s Student Voice Council since I began high school in 2021 and every single year I have been in awe of our school’s head prefects. Without fail, past head prefects have always been such compassionate, intelligent and capable people that are always willing to help. These past head prefects continuously inspired me to do better and to be better.
Skills to develop: These experiences have ultimately improved my communication and confidence ability, because if I haven’t got my ideas across clearly, then there is little hope of causing change. Continuing to develop these skills whilst being head prefect will hopefully allow me to achieve my career aspirations.
After school goals: After school I am hoping to be accepted into the medicine program at either Adelaide University or Flinders University, although my work experience at SAHMRI really ignited an interest in medical research as well.
Karina Heinson, 17
Responsibilities: At Unley High School the head prefects are responsible for implementing and organising a range of projects and initiatives to engage the student body and broader community. These include cultural days, fundraiser and awareness events and the promotion of student run clubs and extra-curricular activities.
Reason for taking up the role: I have enjoyed fantastic sporting, debating and leadership careers at Unley High School over the past five years. The teamwork, public speaking and problem solving skills I developed in this time have enriched and shaped my life in so many ways; I put my hand up to be head prefect because I wanted to give back to the communities which have given me so much.
Skills to develop: As head prefect, I am developing a greater understanding of how ideas translate into procedure. This is especially important to the implementation of student initiatives, events, and community outreach programs, which all make the school a more inclusive and welcoming space.
After school goals: After school I want to pursue a double degree in international relations and politics, philosophy and economics at the Australian National University. I want to work in international policy making and geopolitical research. I am especially interested in language preservation, empowering women, and science driven climate action.
Port Lincoln High School
Sophie Lang, 16
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of being a school captain include leading as a respectful and responsible role model for the student body, providing a voice for all students and to help improve the school for students’ optimal learning conditions and environment.
Reason for taking up the role: I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and give a voice to students who may not feel like they are necessarily represented.
Skills to develop: As a school captain I am developing leadership, greater problem solving,
communication, time management, organisation, resilience and team collaboration.
After school goals: After school I am going to attend Adelaide University and complete a major in creative writing and a minor in French studies. I want to go into a career within the publishing industry. Whether that is becoming a literary agent, an editor, or a production manager – I am interested in a field centralised to book publishing.
Liam Akehurst, 17
Responsibilities: As school captain, my role is to represent the student body, promote school spirit and be a positive role model. With my other fellow captain, we lead student council, host assembles, and work closely with staff and governing council to ensure everyone is
represented.
Reason for taking up the role: I wanted to be school captain because I have a passion for leadership and teamwork. This role gives me the chance to make a real impact, support my peers, and develop my own leadership capabilities.
Skills to develop: As school captain I am exposed to several different experiences that teach me essential leadership skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making. I’m
learning how to manage multiple responsibilities, work under pressure and collaborate
with different people, all of which will be valuable in my future career.
After school goals: After school I hope to become an engineer in the Defence Force, as it aligns with my strengths and interests in leadership, problem-solving, and helping others. I want to be in a role where I can continue to inspire, lead and develop my skills whist also having a positive impact.
Urrbrae Agricultural High School
Jack Wallis, 18
Responsibilities: Run student council, host assemblies, be someone people can talk to.
Reason for taking up the role: I love my school and the people in the year level, so I wanted to represent us to the highest standard possible.
Skills to develop: Public speaking, negotiation, teamwork, taking criticism.
After school goals: I am in uni through early entry I will be studying psychology and criminology. I am hoping to work as a court appointed psychologist.
Ottilie A
Responsibilities: Urrbrae takes student leadership very seriously, so being school captain is a big responsibility. Duties include running fortnightly SRC meetings, MC’ing whole school assemblies and being team leader at the Learning Centre for the Royal Adelaide Show.
Reason for taking up the role: I self-nominated for the role of school captain because I recognised what an amazing opportunity it was to improve my leadership skills, organisation, and public speaking.
Skills to develop: One thing I didn’t expect to be practising so much in this role is writing and editing, so far most of my role has been writing speeches and emails!
After school goals: I think I will begin my tertiary education right away, starting at Flinders University in March next year. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself this year about my ATAR, I know that I will do my absolute best and whatever score I get will be okay. I know that whatever career I have I want to be working with people and have a positive impact on their lives. I’m aiming for a career in allied health, specifically occupational therapy.
Henley High School
Jai Gardner, 17
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of a prefect are the be a role model for all students, uphold the school values and run assemblies among other things. As the head prefect I have the further responsibility of reporting to the governing council. Personally, I also am a member of the governing council subcommittees.
Reason for taking up the role: I put my hand up to be a prefect as I wanted to get more out of my time at school, that being, gaining valuable experience in the form of leadership.
Skills to develop: The main skills which I have and will continue to develop is teamwork, leadership, communication (specifically public speaking), empathy.
After school goals: I want to go to university and become a paramedic.
Mitcham Girls High School
Sukriti Sharma, 17
Responsibilities: The members of our group (seven student leaders) are role models who represent the student body, working with students and staff to develop and plan events for our school community.
Reason for taking up the role: I wanted to take on a leadership role that would enable me to make a difference in our school by creating an environment where each student gets a say.
Skills to develop: Being a captain has developed my confidence and public speaking skills as we work with other students and staff.
After school goals: I would like to go to university to study mechanical engineering. I am considering working as an aerospace engineer in the future.
Ella Kamau Kigotho, 17
Responsibilities: As an all-girls school this is a place for women to explore and try new things without any negative stigmas. As a woman in sport myself I encourage my peers to explore in an encouraging and supportive environment like Mitcham Girls.
Reason for taking up the role: I volunteered for this role to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. As a black woman growing up I found it hard to find a place where I fit in, and wanted to help create that space for my peers to belong.
Skills to develop: As a school captain I have furthered my communication skills, problem solving ability as well as leadership skills which will help me in the work force to communicate in group environments proactively and effectively.
After school goals: After school I plan to study architecture however, I am unsure as to where that exploration will lead me.
Scarlett Wells, 16
Responsibilities: My role is to foster a sense of belonging among students to strengthen our school culture, through the organisation and running of initiatives such as school clubs, in-school community events and the school fete.
Reason for taking up the role: I have always looked up to the girls who help lead our school and I wanted to be able to give back to this amazing community, as well as guide and support the younger cohorts.
Skills to develop: I have developed various skills such as leadership, effective communication, organisation, problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
After school goals: After school I hope to study a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at Adelaide University. I want to work in the allied health industry as a pediatric speech pathologist. Alternatively, I’m also interested in occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
Lauren Riley, 16
Responsibilities: Although I am specifically assigned to the community aspect, as an executive I can apply my skills to all of the roles, allowing myself to be a voice for others and help to build our school culture.
Reason for taking up the role: I have always aspired to be a year 12 executive, their long-lasting impact and innovative ideas are what keeps our school growing and evolving. When I found out that we were going to brainstorm a new initiative to replace the SRC, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the team.
Skills to develop: I am developing my communication, collaboration, teamwork, and adaptability skills. Working closely with a team means that we can bounce our ideas off of each other and adapt to each of our suggestions.
After school goals: I want to go to university and study either a bachelor in primary education, or nutrition and dietetics. I would also love to audition for different full-time dance studios around Australia to pursue my passion for dance. Since I was five years old, I have wanted to be a primary school teacher, but recently I have been looking into being a dietitian.
Madeleine Schiller, 17
Responsibilities: The entire purpose of having student leaders is to provide the student body with opportunities to grow, and a chance to have a voice and say in how the school is run.
Reason for taking up the role: I found that I really enjoyed the fact that I was challenging myself, developing skills, gaining knowledge, growing as a person, and genuinely loved being able to help people in my own way
Skills to develop: There’s skills involved in being a leader of people, so being organised,
planning and running meetings or events, leading a group to get work done, getting my own work done, public speaking, and working as part of a group with other people.
After school goals: After school plans are still foggy; so many unforeseen challenges have interrupted any ideas or aspirations in different ways; but I’m an incredibly curious person, I particularly love history and the anthropological view on how we have always been human. Maybe a I’ll be a scientific researcher, or working in humanities, I’ve also thought about teaching – my ideas are all over the place.
Evie O’Connor, 17
Responsibilities: My main goal is to perform great communication across all student leaders and staff, particularly when advocating for student concerns and organising the twilight fete.
Reason for taking up the role: I believed I could help improve in aspects such as time management and communication.
Skills to develop: During most assemblies, we will likely have to speak, boosting my confidence and public-speaking skills.
After school goals: I would like to go to university to study mathematics or geospatial information systems. However, I am not completely set on that and is likely to change as the year progresses. If I do complete the mathematics degree, I would love to become a data analyst or meteorologist. If I do the GIS degree at Flinders University, I could become a GIS data co-ordinator or spatial information officer.
Georgia Percival, 17
Responsibilities: I consult with students and staff on student concerns and advocate for changes within our school environment for the benefit of our school and wider
community.
Reason for taking up the role: I am also a crew trainer at McDonald’s, which has helped to foster my love for leadership, working within a team, and making a difference in my wider community.
Skills to develop: As a year 12 executive I am developing many leadership qualities including effective communication, organisation, compassion and emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.
After school goals: After school I would like to study a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) at UniSA or Doctor of Medicine at University of Adelaide or Flinders University. I want to become a pediatric radiation therapist or a pediatric oncologist.
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Originally published as South Australia’s future leaders: Meet 25+ students elected captain at public schools for 2025
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