Former school captains who are now taking the world by storm
Meet SEQ’s school captains of yesteryear who have transformed into today’s doctors, lawyers, actors and published authors. SEE THE LIST
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They were the leaders of their day, elected by their peers.
This collection of former school captains might have all started out in the same proud role but since then they have gone on to conquer a variety of challenges, careers and dreams.
Here, they take a step back in time and reflect on what they’ve learnt, how far they’ve come and where they want to be since retiring the school uniform.
Read on to hear their inspiring stories.
STEPHEN HENRY
Cleveland District High School, Optometrist
Despite being a high academic achiever and quickly taking to optometry, Stephen Henry continues to gain admiration from his former school teachers and alumni for the role he plays in bringing music to many.
After graduating with an Optometry degree (BappScOptom) from QUT in 1999, he moved to Toowoomba for his first job working for an independent optometrist.
The practice was bought out by OPSM in 2007 which gave him the perfect opportunity to branch out and set up his own practice from scratch.
“I’ve been operating that now for 16 years. I employ another optometrist and two optical dispensers. I’m married and have two beautiful daughters, aged seven and four.”
On the music side of things, he quickly made some musical connections when he moved to Toowoomba and has played in a different bands over the years, singing and playing saxophone.
In 2009, he formed the Stephen Henry Quartet and they have been doing corporate functions, weddings and charity balls ever since.
BETHANY CRAMB
Cleveland District High School, environmental scientist
Finishing what she started and an interest in technology and a love of wildlife has led Bethany Cramb (2015 captain) to a dazzling career with a bayside council as an environmental scientist.
Graduating from Cleveland District State High in 2015, the former school captain is still fondly remembered by current staff and alumni as being determined and dynamic.
She started her tertiary education studying a double degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Psychological Science at Griffith University in 2016.
About halfway through that degree, she realised she wanted to work in the environment and that working with nature was her dream job.
“As I have always finished what I started, I decided to complete my double degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2019,” Ms Cramb said.
“In 2020, I dived straight back into it again, this time studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science majoring in Ecology and Conservation and Environmental management.”
During her time studying environmental science, the dedicated student volunteered for Birdlife Australia, assisting with campaign work in Redland and at a local animal sanctuary.
In her final year, she completed a community internship with Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C), where she worked in their nursery, bush regeneration works, and began a research paper on saltmarsh rehabilitation.
“Once I completed my community internship, I signed on to complete an internship with the council,” she said.
“As a part of this internship, I ran an educational workshop for the community on the use and importance of citizen science apps such as iNaturalist.
“Once I completed my internship, I applied for, and was successful, in obtaining a job in the same team where I get to assist private landowners with habitat restoration on their properties, and create further educational community-based workshops.”
At the end of 2022, she graduated from Griffith yet again, this time holding her third degree with an enviable GPA of 6.
She hopes to continue to assist and educate members of the community on the importance of habitat restoration and biodiversity.
DAVID INNES
Cleveland District High School, Postdoctoral Fellow in Dairy Cow nutrition at University of Guelph, Canada
Contemplating a better future for the world was a driving force for Redland’s David Innes who found himself researching cows in a paddock in Canada, 14 years after graduating from the high school he loved in 2009. Working on a dairy farm near Gatton after completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Queensland (Gatton campus), was the impetus he needed to sign up to complete a PhD in nutrition of beef cattle and sheep.
From there it was a logical step to move to Canada to work at the University of Guelph as a researcher in dairy cattle nutrition.
“Our university has a fancy research barn with more than 200 cows and a multitude of sensors, cameras and other data that we integrate into mathematical models so we can predict the exact diet that would be the best for each of those cows every week,” he said.
“For those familiar with dairy farms this would sound a little futuristic and it is. That’s one of the great things about research in agriculture.”
GEMMA PRICE
Cleveland District High School, STEM and Engineering graduate living overseas
Gemma Price always loved a challenge. After leaving Cleveland State High, where she was school captain in 2017, she has carved a niche for herself in a traditionally male-dominated world of engineering. But her dazzling success does not stop there and she has become a vital part of a marine conservation program in Cambodia, where she is now living. It was her love of technology that led her across the globe to Cambodia, where her skills are put to use daily.
She graduated from university with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Science from QUT.
While at QUT, she participated in the Vacation Research Experience Scheme with QUT’s Biomechanics and Spine Research Group and Biofabrication and Tissue Morphology Group.
That led to internships with mining giant Rio Tinto at their Weipa operations and Marine Conservation in Cambodia.
“I currently live in Cambodia through the support of DFATs New Colombo Plan Scholarship which I was awarded in 2020,” she said.
“I recently completed my thesis focused on 3D printed prosthetic arms in Cambodia with Mekong Inclusive Ventures.
“I continue to challenge myself and try new things including executive roles in university student clubs such as president of QUT Gender Equity in Engineering Makes Sense, tutoring engineering classes and playing AFL for the first time with the Cambodian Apsaras team.”
She expects to spend the rest of the year in Cambodia completing Khmer language training before starting as a graduate Mechanical Engineer with Rio Tinto.
MADELINE TURNBULL
Cleveland District State High School, business owner and psychologist
From high school to running a business which helps people, there is nothing that Madeline Turnbull cannot achieve when she puts her mind to it. Ms Turnbull graduated from Cleveland District State High in 2007 and went on to study psychology. After six years of university study, she qualified as a fully registered psychologist. She has worked in many roles across the private sector and has operated her independent psychology business since 2016.
She has enjoyed the variety that her career has afforded her and loves having the opportunity to listen and help others.
“My business has operated out of GP practices and my office has moved a few times over the years,” she said.
“Most recently, I’ve been working out of Doctors at Newmarket and I have recently started at Results Physiotherapy in Chandler.
“However, I’ve actually just recently accepted a full-time position for a not-for-profit organisation where I will be working with rural and small business owners across Brisbane and Ipswich.”
Her busy schedule led her to move to Cannon Hill for seven years but she has recently moved back to the Redlands.
CHARLOTTE NASH
Moreton Bay College, International publisher
A career path as an author was something that Moreton Bay College’s past school captain Charlotte Nash cherishes.
Since graduating from the college in 1996, when she was school captain, Ms Nash has risen to become a best-selling author of seven contemporary love stories. Her first novel, Ryders Ridge, set in a small-town medical practice, was an Australian top-10 debut for 2013. She is now published around the world, with her latest works Saving You, The Paris Wedding and On A Starlit Ocean. She writes unusual love stories with a lush sense of place and satisfying plot.
But her career trajectory was never straightforward. She has degrees in engineering and medicine, and a PhD in creative writing, which examined how the neuroscience of reading can help craft engaging technical fiction. She has taught writing through The University of Queensland, QUT, Queensland Writers Centre, and University of Technology Sydney. She enjoys playing with unconventional intersections in disciplines, and finds romance and science fiction to be two sides of the same reality-shifting gate. Learn more,
NICHOLAS THOMPSON
Moreton Bay Boys’ College, Weather forecaster
Most people are terrified of the summer storm season in Queensland. But not Moreton Bay Boys’ College past school captain Nicholas Thompson. After graduating from high school in 2016, Mr Thompson followed a passion for weatherwatching and has even helped develop state-of-the-art technology to warn against hail.
“I have always been interested in weather and was particularly interested in the formation of storms and other severe weather,” he said.
“Towards the end of high school, I began exploring opportunities to work in this field and found that UQ had the best program in the state.
“While at university, where I was studying a dual bachelor of mathematics and science, I attended many conferences where I was able to network and secure a job at Weatherwatch.
“I now provide forecasts for clients all across Australia and lead the development of advanced hail products which can provide early warnings to customers.”
Mr Thompson still lives in Brisbane and said he was looking forward to the upcoming storm season.
Christine Wells
St Margaret’s, novelist
Christine Wells (captain, 1991) writes historical novels for Macmillan (New York) and Penguin Random House (Australia), with more than 200,000 copies sold worldwide and translations in Russian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese. As a novelist, she was the first Australian to win the American Golden Heart Award.
How did being a school captain set you up for future success?
It allowed me to become accustomed to public speaking from an early age. This has stood me in good stead throughout my career as an author because of all the publicity, public speaking, and teaching involved.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
I learnt that it is important to keep your feet on the ground, do what you think is right, and hold your true friends close — a lesson I have always.
Best experiences as school captain?
I gave a speech at speech night at the end of year 12 and was recently invited back to speak again at the girls’ awards night, which was a great honour.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
I’m proud of completing a Bachelor of Laws after finishing school and of my work as a corporate solicitor. Since then, I have changed careers and become an author, publishing 16 historical novels with various publishers, both in Australia and the United States. Recently one of these novels, Sisters of the Resistance, was a bestseller in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
What would you say to the younger you?
Value kindness above everything.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
Try not to have rigid expectations about how your life and career will turn out. You might not get exactly what you want, but you could be on the path to something even better.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
I am one of a relatively small number of Australian authors who are published by major New York publishers — in my case, HarperCollins, New York. I like to encourage aspiring authors to look further afield than Sydney or Melbourne when pursuing a writing career.
Where to now for you?
I have another three historical novels coming out with HarperCollins, New York—The Royal Windsor Secret is out in Australia on October 4, followed by The Paris Gown in 2024 and The Lost Perfumes of Paris in 2025.
Learn more about St Margaret’s.
Kate Gibson
St Margaret’s, legal professional
Kate Gibson (captain 1996) has been appearing before the international criminal courts and tribunals since 2005, acting as counsel in some of the leading cases in the field. Kate is currently the Lead Counsel of Paul Rusesabagina, detained in Rwanda. She is also the Co-Counsel of Bosco Ntaganda before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Her impressive accolades are far reaching. Kate is also published and teaches in international criminal law and procedure and holds an LL. M (First) in International Law from Cambridge University. She lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
We caught up with her to find out what life is like now:
How did being a school captain set you up for future success?
I was given the confidence knowing girls can do anything.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain? It helped set me up for the responsibility of mentoring and building teams of women in my working life, and probably for being a mum.
Best experiences as school captain?
The last few weeks at school, when exams were over, and we could just enjoy our last time together as a grade and throw ourselves into the end of year celebrations and so excited about what was coming next.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
I have worked for nearly two decades in a field I love, international criminal justice, appearing in trials stemming from conflicts in Rwanda, Cambodia, the Congo, the former Yugoslavia and Sierre Leone. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to present stories before international courts.
What would you say to the younger you? Marry the American, he’s a winner.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice? Find your thing. – if you can work on that every day and build a career around that, then that’s the golden ticket. Also, surround yourself with good people who make you laugh.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field? I was one of the youngest women to be Lead Counsel on a genocide case before a UN court, so that’s something.
Madeline McAulisse
John Paul College, professional netballer
How did being a school captain set you up for future success? It provided me with a variety of opportunities and skills that set me up for success.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain? The Shepherd leadership principle promotes leadership from within the ‘flock’, having an understanding of your peers to shape habits and achieve outcomes.
How did sports play a role in your life at school? My time in the Horizons program at John Paul College also played a pivotal role in achieving my sporting aspirations.
Best experience as school captain? A culmination of small moments.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school? Gaining my Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Law (Honours), maintaining a strong and key friendship group (many of whom I met at school) and transitioning from professional netball to my legal career (as well as my time playing at the Sunshine Coast Lightning of course).
What would you say to the younger you? Thank your parents more often.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice? Ask people about their jobs but don’t stress if you haven’t figured it all out, I still haven’t.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field? I’m just taking it one step at a time and staying incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to date.
Where to now for you? Continue to learn in my legal career and explore ways to further involve myself in organisations I’m passionate about.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors? I went to JPC from the age of four, so I don’t really know any different.
Craig Munns
John Paul College, doctor
Dr Munns said his experience as a school captain taught him the importance of teamwork, working with a leadership team and being there for all classmates.
Here, we chat to him about his journey to post-school success.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain? The biggest learning was the importance of being a leader for all and stand up for what is right in the face of opposition.
How did sports play a role in your life at school? Sport and other extra-curricular activities (choir, debating, band, air cadets and others) played an enormous role throughout my whole schooling.
Best experience as school captain? I was the first school captain of John Paul College and I represented the school at internal and external events. The role had me working with school executive and external stakeholders.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school? Work and academic achievements completing medicine, PhD, pediatric and endocrine training. I worked for 18 years at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney. There, I established the first pediatric bone and mineral service in Australia. With national and international colleagues, I had a direct influence in improving the wellbeing of children through worldwide prevention and intervention strategies. Most recently I worked for The University of Queensland as Director, Child Health Research Centre and Head, Mayne Academy of Paediatrics.
How important is a good education? An education is very important. Education is not just academic – cultural, social or emotional. The better educated our children are, the brighter the future is for all. It is our children and our children’s children who will be this workforce of the future.
What would you say to the younger you?
Far more can be achieved by working together. Take time to listen and reflect on what you are called to do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
Be open to the unexpected opportunity. Take risks. Be ambitious. Care for others and look to serve.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
I was the first pediatric Bone and Mineral Specialist in Australia, establishing a specialised bone service in Sydney. With local and international colleagues, worked to improve the lives of children with bone disorders.
Where to now for you?
Work with colleagues from across the academic sector, health, government and industry to enable family, child and youth health, development and wellbeing research in Queensland. This will have direct impact on improving the lives of children and families.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
Ecumenical nature. Inclusivity with a focus on equity. Support and pastoral care offered to students and families. Looks to develop well rounded students who understand the importance of family, community and with a shared vision for a better world.
Ella Proberts
All Hallows, actor
Ella says her stint as school captain encouraged her to keep putting her hand up for things she was interested in, even when it’s a bit terrifying.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
It was valuable to learn that ‘leading’ people your own age is most effective when just listening and being a friend, rather than trying to make dogmatic decisions. A lot of my peers are very smart and leaders themselves, so the job was made a lot easier!
How did sports play a role in your life at school?
I grew up as a competitive gymnast. I trained around 16 hours a week early in high-school, I had to learn time management skills pretty early. When I quit in year 9, I tried a lot of things like touch footy, hockey, swimming, and aerobic gymnastics but cross country was the one that stuck.
Best experience as school captain?
My co-captain Abby and I had the idea to create the ‘spirit cup’, to go alongside things like our sports and culture cups, which one house would win each year. For the spirit cup, we would count things like the number of supporters at sports events and entries into our arts festival, as well as random acts of kindness from the whole grade. The ‘random acts of kindness’ category was a bit experimental, and we weren’t sure how it would play out, but one day the year 9s decided to eat lunch together in one giant circle (of around 250 girls!). It was really rewarding to see the concept of ‘spirit’ being embraced.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
Drama was always my favourite subject in school, and I was lucky enough to be cast as a supporting lead in ‘the Curious Case of Dolphin Bay’, which was a movie on Disney Channel and Disney+ in the US. A couple of uni friends and I are starting ‘Press Magazine’ which focuses on social justice journalism and art in print form, and we’re backed by the Dr. Lee Anne Perry leadership and service award.
How important is a good education?
All Hallows’ focuses on critical thinking, and learning how to evaluate why you agree with something, why you may not, and being open to changing your opinion. This is especially valuable when working on more sensitive and controversial topics in journalism.
What would you say to the younger you?
It’s clichéd, but to try to worry less about what people think.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to change your path if it doesn’t feel right.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
I’m trying to take the advice of my lecturers and journalists in the field by creating work that I am genuinely passionate about. There aren’t a lot of opportunities for young journalists to tell the stories that really matter to them, which is what ‘Press Magazine’ aims to work on.
What are your major career successes since leaving school?
I’m currently doing digital and strategy research at KBR, which is an engineering firm; and researching and doing a little bit of writing for Channel 9’s Future Women, a company helping women who are trying to re-enter the workforce.
Where to now for you?
I aim to keep trying to find a balance between the things I’m passionate about.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
All Hallows’ is centred around its strong focus on mercy action and social justice – pretty much every student would volunteer in some capacity during high school, whether it be making care packages for domestic violence shelters, food drives, giving out breakfast to the homeless, human rights group, the list goes on.
Emily, Andrew, Benjamin and Matthew Ashton
Bray Park State High School
Meet the Ashton siblings. The years the four children from the same family were school captains for the following years: Emily 2011, Andrew 2013, Benjamin 2015 and Matthew 2017.
Emily has completed university degrees in Music and Education. While a student at Bray Park State High School, she enjoyed being involved in various instrumental music ensembles, and now works as an Instrumental Music Teacher in primary and secondary schools in the North Coast Region.
Andrew has completed an honours degree in Design and Landscape Architecture and works as a registered Landscape Architect, consulting on an array of projects across Queensland. His work has led him to be involved with BPSH students and teachers to contribute real life project experience to school learning opportunities.
Following high school, Ben initially pursued a career in health care, completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences, and worked in a hospital for 5.5 years (including during the height of COVID). In the last 1.5 years, Ben has changed careers and is working in commercial advisory for some of Queensland’s most significant infrastructure projects that will bring fantastic benefits to local communities.
Matthew has completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Australian Capital University. He currently works in private practice and has continued his association with Bray Park State High School through mentoring and coaching in the BPSHS Volleyball Academy.
Bianca Zouppas
Loreto College, performer
How did being a school captain set you up for future success?
Being a school captain (2010) was a valuable opportunity to connect with the community, which I believe is essential in life. Community is everything.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
I felt a profound sense of pride in leading a community that had given me so much as a young woman. The virtues instilled by Loreto – verity, freedom, sincerity, and justice – continue to guide my life and leadership.
Best experiences as school captain?
The most memorable were those where my best friend Caitlin and I created videos or planned special school events, bringing the community together to celebrate.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
I pursued a career in the arts, thanks to the inspiration I received from my high school drama teacher, Helen Radvan. I’ve created and toured a one-woman show, produced and acted in films, lived in Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, and educate future creatives.
How important is a good education?
The value of education lies in being inspired and hungry to learn. It‘s not just about the institution; it’s about the educators who genuinely care about the next generation.
What would you say to the younger you?
Keep going; your dreams are right in front of you.
What would you say to other school leavers regarding career advice?
Travel, engage with your community, and you’ll discover what truly calls to you.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer in your field?
I consider myself a trailblazer because I‘m actively creating opportunities in my field rather than waiting for them to come to me. I hustle, dream, engage with my community, and collaborate, which creates a ripple effect and generates more opportunities.
Where to now for you?
My husband and I plan to start a family and spend time living abroad in places like Spain, Greece, and the United Kingdom. I want to continue pushing my creative boundaries, collaborating with inspiring individuals, and creating work that moves and inspires others.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
What made Loreto special was its strong sense of community. The various programs, retreats, social events, and extra-curricular activities were what I remember most from my time there.
Loreto former school captain Mia Wong in 2018
Mia Wong
Loreton College, medical student
How did being a school captain set you up for future success?
Being in a position which required teamwork and dissemination of information enabled me to develop effective communication skills. Since talking, listening to, and connecting with others is a huge part of life no matter what you do, this has helped me immensely.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
My time as school captain opened my eyes to the importance and fulfilment that comes from community and charity. As well as this, I discovered the value of self-care practices.
Best experiences as school captain?
Organising a ponytail drive for breast cancer and seeing it all come together.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
Gradually learning to manage stress better. Pushing myself out of my comfort box and growing as a person by being open-minded. Getting better at French after high school and going on exchanges.
How important is a good education?
Cannot emphasise enough how grateful I am to have received the education I did. Being challenged in a safe environment everyday truly set me up for life. There is no way I would be where and who I am today without Loreto.
What would you say to the younger you?
Stop worrying about what others think of you and trying to live in a way that pleases them. Be your authentic self and stand up for what you believe in.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
After school I have met so many people from all walks of life and careers. And they’re all awesome. Create your own path and do what actually excites you and makes you wanna get out of bed everyday. Life is far too short to be stuck in a job you’re only doing for the sake of it. And if you don’t know what to do, I guarantee you’ll stumble across it on the way.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
I think being open-minded, inclusive of others, and passionate has made me a great advocate for worthy social justice and environmental causes. The world will be a better place if we are kind to others and the planet.
Where to now for you?
Currently I’m still at university studying medicine.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
Loreto provided an education that transcends academic content and grades. The wholistic learnings about ourselves, others, and life set me up go into the big wide world after graduation with confidence, curiosity, and humility. Being involved in a community where generosity of spirit, open circles of friends, and action for social justice issues were the norm, shaped who I am today.
Jason Acworth
Brisbane State High School, pediatric emergency doctor
How did being a school captain set you up for future success?
My time as BSHS School Captain provided opportunities to engage/work with a wide variety of people and helped me to get a better appreciation of wider society. This has been helpful in my current career as a pediatric emergency physician. I also had to do a lot of public speaking and this was a good basis for my current medical education role.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
The prefects group that year were a really motivated group. We decided to take on a few new roles to better serve the school and the wider community. It helped me to realise that society doesn't owe us anything, instead, we are very fortunate to live in the society we do.
Best experiences as school captain?
I have great memories of the big school sporting events such as GPS Athletics and Swimming. Leading the cheering, you couldn‘t help but be overwhelmed by the waves of school spirit.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
I have had a great career as a Paediatric Emergency doctor. I established the Emergency Department at the new Queensland Children‘s Hospital and was the Director of the service for 10 years. I still work 50 per cent in Emergency and work 50 per cent training doctors and nurses to look after sick kids.
I am the first pediatric emergency physician to be awarded a full Professor title with University of Queensland.
In my spare time I do volunteer work teaching pediatric life support around the country and I am now a member of the international task force that writes the pediatric resuscitation guidelines used around the world.
My greatest achievements, however, have been outside of medicine. I married the woman of my dreams – someone who tolerates my bad dad jokes – and we have two wonderful sons.
How important is a good education?
High school education is a good platform, then university, vocational educational or apprenticeships can all help you depending upon your chosen field.
What would you say to the younger you?
I would probably also say “ask out that girl that you really like despite all of your fears, she probably would have said yes.”
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
Find something that you are really passionate about. It is more likely that you will be good at your job and stay good at your job.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
I was very fortunate to be able to stand on the shoulders of the giants who had come before me. The specialty of Paediatric Emergency Medicine had only just started, so I was in the group of first trainees in Australia. We were able to set up a Paediatric Emergency research network around Australia and New Zealand that has really helped improve care.
I was also around when simulation education started in medicine. I have been using it regularly in resuscitation training for kids for the last 25 years. About 10 years ago I established a simulation education service to help train doctors and nurses working in regional and rural hospitals around Queensland who have to look after very sick kids. I have a wonderful (but small) team of doctors and nurses who help me with this and we are making a big difference in these communities.
Where to now for you?
I really enjoy the mix of things I do now with my work in the emergency department, my education work, and my volunteer work. So I‘m not thinking of changing anything for now.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
Brisbane State High was a great school for me. My parents strived to give me the best educational opportunities possible but we couldn‘t afford a private school education. I was very fortunate to be selected to attend BSHS and had most of the benefits of a private school education without the school fees.
Matthew Peacock
Springwood State High School, paramedicine student
How did being a school captain set you up for future success?
The role of school captain was so much more than just talking on assembly and planning events and as with anything worth doing, it had its challenges. It pushed me to further develop my communication, conflict resolution, and problem solving skills.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
My experience as school captain really taught me to take the time to appreciate what we have, and to not let the pursuit of better undermine the progress made and the good that already exists around us. Above all, it emphasised the importance of the people you’re surrounded by.
Best experiences as school captain?
My best experiences as school captain were the moments when I could see the hard work of my team paying off. Being involved in the hours of behind-the-scenes work, and seeing the goals of the team come to fruition was incredibly rewarding, and a source of great pride.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
In 2022, I was appointed as the Youth Member of Parliament for the state electorate of Springwood in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, and to the portfolio for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. This year, I was successfully appointed to a second term in the program, once again representing Springwood. I was also elected by my peers as the Youth Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. This program has been truly life changing. I have made lifelong friends and worked with some of Queensland’s most passionate and awe-inspiring youth to have young people’s voices heard on some of the state’s most pressing issues.
How important is a good education?
Good education to me, is something which ignites passion in students, caters to their aspirations and individuality, and strives to empower them to achieve in their own way.
What would you say to the younger you?
If I could say anything to younger me, it would be to just go for it. Whether this be socially, new experiences and opportunities, or new ideas and ways of thinking.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
To other school leavers, I would say take your time and be open. In other words, ride the wave and see where life takes you.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
Perhaps my point of difference is that I am in fact walking between a number of paths. My passions for paramedicine, politics, and First Nations issues are quite different, and I’m excited to see where they lead to. Perhaps I’ll be able to forge a new path one day comprising all three, but time is yet to tell.
Where to now for you?
Now, I am in my second year of university studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine, so the natural progression will be to go on and work as a paramedic. Public leadership and advocacy remain passions of mine, so I will continue to be active and involved in these areas, and see where this path takes me.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
Springwood High is a close knit community, and as I said in my final address to my graduating class, it is a family and it is a home. It always strived to produce well rounded young people who could pursue excellence no matter their chosen path. I thank all of the staff who are so dedicated to this cause and have created such a beautiful school and community.
Kate Watson
The Gap State High School, environmental science and engineering graduate
How did being a school vice-captain (2017) set you up for future success? The public speaking aspect was good got used to speaking at school assembly weekly.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain? Having the support of the leadership team was important to implement changes.
Best experiences as school captain? We had themed assemblies which was fun to interact with students and making it more fun for other students.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school? I completed uni a double degree electrical engineering and environmental science. I brought my first home this year.
How important is a good education? Having a base level understanding how to write and maths translates to the practical things we do in life.
What would you say to the younger you? It will be all right in the end school isn’t the be all and end all. Don’t let other perceptions change your ideas.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice? There’s many ways to be successful and do something you're passionate about.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field? There’s a lot of support for women in STEM and I joined clubs at uni. I was involved in the executive committee at QUT for several years Gender Equity in Engineering Makes Sense.
Where to now for you? Settle into my career and explore more advisory roles on policy in the future.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors? I really like outdoor focus we had many camos for hiking and a climbing centre. It was unique and gave me transferable life skills good problem solving.
Jack Caperon
The Gap State High School, worked at Canva, studying softwear engineering
How did being a school captain (2015) set you up for future success? The responsibilities around working with teams across multiple teams and represent the students too that translated to successfully work with other people easily.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain? Organisation is hard doing things alone learning to balance with the size of the group you work with and the projects you work on can gear you up for success. I learnt that early on in an organic way.
Best experiences as school captain? Best experience would be the times I represented people in making decisions and organise things and seeing the results of that with the senior leadership team were awesome.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school? I graduated from university and during that I worked in the University of Queensland Computing Society vice president there and doubled the member base. I joined Canva as an intern and now am a senior software engineer. I built a software analytics service that serves 150 million people.
How important is a good education? It’s everything it’s the fundamentals to your success and makes things easier later on in life.
What would you say to the younger you? Develop better studying habits.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice? Do the thing with the biggest impact set crazy goals and attain your dreams.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field? Moving to Sydney from Brisbane and explore Australia.
Where to now for you? Canva for another of years off to the states to work in Silicon Valley.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors? It’s the teachers. The Gap is a grounded school not just academic but investment in developing leadership skills.
Charlie Neumann
Ambrose Treacy College, Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, cricketer
How did being a school captain (2021) set you up for future success?
It gave me a greater understanding of how people work and how to demonstrate effective leadership.
What were the major takeaways from your time as school captain?
My major takeaways were in the value of managing time, the difficulty of managing people and the importance of not wasting energy on that which won’t give you energy in return.
Best experiences as school captain?
I had my best experiences as school captain when I put myself out of my ‘comfort zone’ – making videos, doing skits on assembly, speaking to the school about E-sports. I always found that the less enjoyable I expected something to be, the more enjoyable it actually was.
Why were you chosen as school captain?
I think I was chosen for school captain because I spread my time evenly across sport, music, and the classroom, meaning I made friends more broadly across my cohort.
What are the major accomplishments you feel proud of achieving since school?
Beginning (and persisting with) my Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree at UQ, returning to coach the ATC 6A cricket team earlier this year, and releasing my first music with my band Selladore.
How important is a good education?
A good education has always been central to both creating and perpetuating happiness in my life. I think I will always be involved in education to some extent so I can communicate this sentiment with as many young people as possible.
What would you say to the younger you?
Play more instruments.
What would you say to other school leavers surrounding career advice?
I cannot speak to career advice having not yet begun my ‘career’, but with post-school endeavours, I would say: do whatever makes you feel like you’re becoming smarter, kinder, and happier.
In what ways do you consider yourself a trailblazer or pioneer of your field?
Hopefully one day I may be considered a ‘trailblazer’ or a ‘pioneer’ but I’m certainly not either of the above yet.
Where to now for you?
I want to finish my degree, read more, keep making music, travel, work a job that I enjoy and experience more experiences, but I don’t really have any specific life plans yet nor do I plan on making any.
What do you think sets your school apart from competitors?
Ambrose Treacy College is so wonderful because they give you a blank canvas when you first arrive and tell you to paint your journey, but no one tells you what you should paint; you can paint whatever you like. I think the school truly has something for everyone and they really care about the wellbeing of their students, not just their results. At ATC it’s about what the school can do for you, not what you can do for the school.
Originally published as Former school captains who are now taking the world by storm
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