Melbourne school captains on how they can shape our future

Teens these days are often seen as selfie-taking show-offs. But when asked what difference their generation can make to the world, this is what Melbourne’s Year 12 school captains had to say.

They are often accused of being the generation of me, but Melbourne’s Year 12 school captains are doing their bit to dispel the myth of selfish Generation Z.

In one of the most comprehensive school projects ever attempted, Leader Community News asked more than 160 captains from all over Melbourne: What difference can your generation make to the world?

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BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP CAPTAINS

CRANBOURNE CAPTAINS

GREATER DANDENONG AND KNOX CAPTAINS

FRANKSTON, MORNINGTON CAPTAINS

The results are published in the Leader papers delivered across Melbourne this week. In them, the students write in their own words what they and their peers hope to achieve when they are in positions of power.

“We have the drive to resolve shared challenges and the power to leave the world in a better state than when we came into it,” writes Toorak College’s Mietta Symmons-Joyce (17).

Captains from 26 different schools at the Leader office for our photo shoot. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Students share their concern for the environment, hopes of using technology for good, the need to embrace change and the belief that any change comes through their actions.

They also take their responsibility to lead by example very seriously.

“I believe that we are without a doubt the passionate, creative and audacious next generation the world needs to take on unprecedented challenges and opportunities,” writes Tom Yakubowski, 17, from Box Hill High School.

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LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS

MANNINGHAM AND WHITEHORSE SCHOOL CAPTAINS

MARIBYRNONG AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS

MONASH SCHOOL CAPTAINS

To capture the fantastic picture above, we invited captains from 26 schools across Melbourne to the city.

It was an uplifting experience, as we watched how they all interacted.

Leader editor in chief Andrew Rennie talks with some of the school captains. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Just minutes after meeting for the first time they were chatting like they had known each other all their lives, comparing war stories.

And when quizzed as a group on issues such as mental health or social media bullying, they were measured and thoughtful in their answers.

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MOORABBIN AND MORDIALLOC CHELSEA SCHOOL CAPTAINS

MORELAND, NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS

PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS

HUME, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS

WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS

They all showed a maturity well beyond their years.