Class acts from the class of 2025: School captains from Australia’s Top 100 Private Schools speak out
Meet the everyday teenagers who have been selected as leaders by some of Australia’s most prestigious private schools – and they take that responsibility very seriously.
They’re not even out of their teens but they’re already in a position of great responsibility at schools that have been producing leaders for generations.
To celebrate the schools ranked in our exclusive list of Australia’s Top 100 Private Schools, we spoke to some of the college captains on their roles, their ambitions – and how the responsibility has helped them grow as a person.
CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Alexi Krassaris and Madison Kwok – Co-captains, Caulfield campus
Reason for taking up role
Alexi: As the last of my family to attend the school, I felt it was now my time to give back to the community and being in the role of school captain felt like the most effective avenue to do so.
Madison: While I was waiting for the doors to my building to open one morning (in Year 7) … an older student walked through the area. The student introduced herself as Ruby. Not only did she speak to me, but she also spoke to all of the other Year 7s in the area. It was only much later that I found out Ruby was a School Co-Captain. Her humility stood out. That interaction made a lasting impact on me and shaped how I understand leadership.
Responsibilities
Alexi: My co-captain, Madison Kwok, and I lead our prefect committee, which is made up of 25 students. Together, we run the team: organising and leading meetings, delegating tasks, and supporting each member in their initiatives as needed.
Madison: Some responsibilities that being a Co-Captain entails, include organising committee meetings and being involved across all initiatives that the committee is working on. For example, Friday gate greetings, Monday-morning announcements, Year 12 movie night and trivia night, and the buddy program with middle school students.
How it feels to be school captain
Alexi: I’ve got to say that it’s an honour and a privilege and it really feels like that. There is definitely pressure to perform well for the sake of our student body, and to represent not only Year Twelves but the whole Years 7–12 Caulfield campus to lead intentionally, authentically, and in the right direction.
Madison: I feel extremely honoured to be able to represent a community that has given so much to me. Being a co-captain, this year has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far.
How the role helps you grow
Alexi: Undeniably, the role has evolved my leadership qualities. I’ve definitely developed my ability to handle the complexities of people and conflict, as well as learning the importance of language, empathy, and authenticity.
Madison: I have been in instances where I have had to be brave and push myself out of my comfort zone. I have gained experience in seeking and adapting to feedback, both positive and constructive.
Post school goals
Alexi: My biggest passion is the intersection between the environment and economics. When I was 14, I adopted my first beehive to help the environment, and ever since then, I’ve kept bees and opened up a small honey business (Krassaris Honey) from my front yard! Ideally, I’d like to study at the London School of Economics studying either economics or environmental economics.
Madison: I am hoping to study a Bachelor of Science and Commerce. My dream would be to attend ANU to study, as studying away from home would allow me to move into the next stage of independence in a safe environment. In particular, I hope to pursue a career in Business that uses knowledge in Scientific fields.
READ MORE VICTORIAN SCHOOL CAPTAIN PROFILES HERE
NSW: PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE
Emily Abadee – co-head prefect
I’m Emily Abadee, and I’ve truly enjoyed serving as one of the head prefects at Pymble Ladies’ College this year. I always aim to approach my role with respect and dedication, focusing on amplifying student voice and creating an inclusive environment for all.
One of my favourite moments was our ‘2025 Come Alive’ welcome on the first day of term, where year 12 students lined the gates to warmly greet younger students with bubbles, balloons, and school spirit.
I’m passionate about justice, and hope to use the communication and empathy I’ve gained through leadership to make a meaningful difference in the future.
Ang-Ya Koo – co-head prefect
I’m Ang-Ya Koo and I’m honoured to serve as one of the head prefects at Pymble Ladies’ College. To me, leadership is about creating a supportive community where every student feels empowered to be themselves.
A highlight of my role has been developing our annual theme, ‘2025 Come Alive’, which encourages students to embrace their passions and uplift one another. At Pymble, I’m also deeply involved in robotics, dance, and the student research journal, which have taught me the value of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.
I hope to use the skills I’ve gained through leadership to create positive change beyond school.
READ MORE NSW SCHOOL CAPTAIN PROFILES HERE
QUEENSLAND: BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Luke Saywell – captain
Responsibilities: As school captain, my primary task is to embody the values of our school: respect, leadership, endeavour, community, and learning. I looked up to captains in the past as role models, so I know that it is my responsibility to inspire future Grammar men. In addition to this, I represent our school at events, decide on our Year 12 vision for the year, and deliver messages at assemblies that students can put into action in their own lives.
Reasons for taking up the role: I wanted to take up the role of school captain to build on the legacy of the school. My goal is not to be remembered or to add my own ‘personal touch’; my goal is to leave the culture of BGS even better than we found it so that future generations can thrive. I believe that I can contribute to making our community a place where any student can strive to achieve success.
Skills developed as captain: I would like to be a better servant leader. It’s easy to be encouraging and supportive of others when you feel like it, but when you’ve had training in the morning and an assignment due, it’s a lot harder to put others before yourself. My goal is to commit to serve others regardless of what I feel like doing, whether it’s helping someone with schoolwork or supporting a mate through a tough time. I have noticed that cultivating this mindset has helped me to be even more loving towards my own family and friends.
How being school captain feels: The importance of my role was initially very daunting, but I have grown to truly appreciate the impact I can have on others. Knowing this has motivated me to become the best version of myself. I am continually humbled by all the people who put in so much effort to make our experience at BGS so amazing, so I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my school.
After school goals: My current plan for after school is to go into finance and business because I want to do things that allow me to deal with people and work hard on collaborative projects. I am going to use my time in university to not only prepare myself for my career, but also to become more like Jesus with like-minded people.
READ MORE QUEENSLAND SCHOOL CAPTAIN PROFILES HERE
SA: ST JOHN’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Brodie Ralph
Responsibilities: Leading school events such as assemblies and valedictory, as well as working with our Student Leadership Committee (SLC) to collaborate and support each other to improve various areas of the school. However, our main responsibility is to give voice to the students and ensure that all ideas big and small are being heard and pushed forward to the right people.
How being school captain feels: I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. It feels that I am part of something that is important and that I can actively help people feel that they are at the right school.
Skills to develop: My confidence and public speaking skills have massively improved since stepping into the role, as I am having to speak to large crowds of people weekly. My critical thinking has also improved as I have had to brainstorm solutions and ideas for problems and challenges that have arisen, in an attempt to better the school.
After-school goals: I would like to complete a double degree of Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and a Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at uni.
Scarlett Emmerson
Reason for taking up the role: As I have been on my journey through school, I’ve always found myself looking up to school leaders who make a difference in the school, who lead by example authentically with a sense of fun and a true love of their school. I wanted to inspire other students throughout the school and encourage them to pursue leadership in the future too.
The impact of the role: I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by building a sense of community, inclusion, and leadership across the school. When students feel part of a welcoming and inclusive community, they’re more likely to engage fully and express themselves confidently. I feel as though this is a big part of school life and such an important part of feeling at home within the school community.
After-school goals: I hope to complete a double degree in business and psychology. The ultimate dream would be running my own psychology business where I could combine my passion for helping others and leadership skills to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
READ MORE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CAPTAIN PROFILES HERE
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Originally published as Class acts from the class of 2025: School captains from Australia’s Top 100 Private Schools speak out
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