9 minute read
20Places20Faces
We proudly celebrate diversity and warmly welcome students from rural areas, regional towns, interstate locations and international destinations. 20Places20Faces profiles have been introduced on social media as a ‘get to know you’ for our community, and highlights the inclusive ethos that is at the heart of St Hilda’s.
Dempsey Doyle (2021) Dempsey, from Gippsland in regional Victoria, studies a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. She hopes to undertake a double major in criminology and psychology, with plans to study law in the future. Having been a House Music Captain at Gippsland Grammar’s Garnsey Campus, Dempsey loves immersing herself in the arts. She participated in the school’s concert, jazz and choir ensembles for seven years, discovered passions for theatre and debating, and travelled to Japan on exchange. During her time in high school, Dempsey was able to hone her skills in singing as well as in six different instruments - an asset for the pre-lockdown college-based performance events such as HildasFest and Variety Night. Dempsey chose St Hilda’s because of the warm and welcoming community atmosphere, as well as the seemingly endless opportunities for her to express herself.
Brady Crack (2021) Brady is a science student studying geology at the University of Melbourne. Growing up in Tasmania, Brady developed a passion for both the performing arts and the sciences, and hopes to combine both skillsets for a career in science communication. Although we were unable to schedule the full calendar of events in 2021, Brady was a star in the virtual musical production of We Will Rock You. Brady attended Scotch Oakburn College, and chose St Hilda’s for its fantastic community spirit and comfortable size of 222 students, where everyone knows everyone. Ben Wrobel (2021) Ben is studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. Originally from Geelong, Ben was awarded the IB Dux at Kardinia International College in 2020. Following undergraduate studies, he is considering pursuing a Doctor of Medicine. In their spare time, Ben loves to play volleyball, and took part in the staff vs student volleyball match for Get Your Life in Order week. Ben also enjoys reading and getting around Hilda’s events. Ben chose Hilda’s for the welcoming and inclusive environment, and the academic support program.
Francois Xavier-Beau
(2019) Francois, from St Etienne in France, completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. Francois aspires to undertake research in both pathology and stem cells, with the hope of revealing new ways in which these two fields coincide. Born in Mexico, Francois has resided in five different countries throughout his life. He joined the St Hilda’s community after completing a scientific baccalaureate at the International French School of Singapore. During his time in Melbourne, Francois has discovered quite a passion for Australian rules footy. Francois chose St Hilda’s due to the many amenities, and the caring environment for students far from home.
Bella Reynolds (2020) Bella, from Sydney, studies Commerce at the University of Melbourne. Former Performing Arts Captain and Senior Prefect at school, Bella doesn’t mind hard work and loves a challenge. She has already landed a marketing job, and aims high, with the ultimate goal to be the first female CEO of Disney! Bella jumped straight into student leadership at Hilda’s taking on First Year Rep in 2020, and in 2021, Cultural Director.
Zoe Stevens (2020) Zoe from Ballarat, is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. Since an early age, Zoe has had a strong interest in science and scientific research, with a fascination about how the world works and why things are the way they are. A high academic achiever at Ballarat High School, Zoe excelled in biology, english and physics to name a few. Upon visiting St Hilda’s for a tour, Zoe felt immediately comfortable, happy and at home. The variety of places to study and relax, and the just right size where everyone knows everyone were highlights.
Augustin Kadende (2020) Augustin is studying Politics and International Relations and Sociology at the University of Melbourne. Originally from the Congo, he moved to Australia on a Humanitarian visa in late 2010, after spending six years in a refugee camp in Malawi. Augustin is driven to make a difference. In 2019, he was appointed College Captain at Emmanuel College in Altona, the first leader of African descent. “That broke a lot of stereotypes around what African Australians can achieve. Representation is really important.” Augustin is the recipient of the St Hilda’s Humanitas Scholarship, proudly funded by a founding student, and is immensely grateful for the opportunities the College has provided him.
Georgie Bailey (2019) 2021 Student Club President, Georgie, from St Ignatius College in Adelaide, loves it here. Second in her family to call St Hilda’s home, with younger sister Lucy waiting in the wings, Georgie is studying Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne and aspires for a career in medicine. Leading from the front during challenging times, Georgie is determined to keep our student community safe and strong!
#20Places20Faces
Paige Blyth (2020) Paige, from Gippsland, is studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. Following this degree, Paige hopes to undertake postgraduate study in clinical neuropsychology, and aspires to be a Neuropsychologist. Formerly from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Paige was House Captain and School Prefect. Paige loves sport and has been a cheerleader, and coach for 10 years, competing as far afield as Hawaii! The family daffodil farm in Gippsland is awash with colour now as thousands of plants are blooming just in time for Daffodil Day last Friday. Paige chose St Hilda’s because of the secure, homely atmosphere and close proximity to the University of Melbourne.
Abir Srivastava (2020) Abir, from Alice Springs, studies Science at the University of Melbourne, with an interest in genetics. Former School Captain at St Phillips College, Abir participated in the Round Square International Exchange Program travelling to South Africa for an exchange stay. Abir joined St Hilda’s after being inspired by the spirit of community and all there is on offer. Naomi Lam (2020) St Hilda’s International Rep in 2021 and RA in 2022, Naomi left her home in Hong Kong and travelled over 7,000 kms to study at the University of Melbourne. Studying a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Zoology, Naomi believes that conservation of wildlife and biodiversity is crucial for a future where a healthy balance and relationship with the environment can be sustained. Formerly from the International College Hong Kong, Naomi was Touch Rugby A Grade Girls team captain, and participated in school drama productions along with performing in the Hong Kong School Drama Festival. Following in the footsteps of older brother and past student leader, Ian. Naomi chose St Hilda’s because of the close-knit community environment, a pre-requisite being so far from home.
Harry Quail (2020) Meet Harry Quail from Woorndoo in regional Victoria. Harry is studying Design at the University of Melbourne and hopes to pursue a career in urban or regional development. Harry attended Ballarat and Clarendon College, was Chair of the Boarding House White Ribbon Committee, and Performing Arts Leader. Harry is a talented saxophonist, clarinettist and flautist, performing in many ensembles. In fact, he has formed an awesome jazz trio. We have been fortunate to hear Harry play his sax at College, and hope he is a starter for our Jazz in the Quad event later this year.
Zara Williams (2020) Zara from Singapore, is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne and has a keen interest in Psychology. Living in Singapore since 2006, and attending the Australian International School, Zara was Principal’s Prefect and chair of the SRC. From Year 9, Zara participated in the National Youth Achievement Award (the Duke of Edinburgh equivalent). In addition, Zara participated in the Schools 4 School India and Nepal Project, which is a co-curricular initiative to help underprivileged children with school and life essentials, such as shoes. Zara loves hiking and playing sport, and was the U19 Team Captain at school for the division 1 Volleyball team for three years. St Hilda’s was Zara’s first preference because of the welcoming and down to earth nature of the community. She is our 2022 President.
Gabby Winston (2020) Gabby joined St Hilda’s in 2020 to study a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, and aspires to work in the media. Formerly from The Friends School in Hobart, Gabby was House Captain, performed in school musicals and participated in a school exchange to a sister school Uelzen, Germany. Gabby is socially aware, creative, and sporty and enjoys AFL, netball and tennis.
Sophie Michael (2021) Sophie is currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. She particularly enjoys Biology, and is planning to undertake a major in Human Structure and Function. Formerly from Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Perth, Sophie hopes to go on to study Postgraduate Law (Juris Doctor) after her undergraduate degree. With co-curricular interests in the arts, Sophie takes acting courses at TAFTA and enjoys creative writing in her spare time. She also recently had a role as a dancer in the virtual College Play We Will Rock You.
“I chose St Hilda’s because of the warm, welcoming and down to earth atmosphere out of all of the colleges on offer.”
Cooper Eves (2021) Elite sports person, Cooper, from Perth, is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. Cooper is certainly at the top of his game with a long list of sporting achievements in European handball, AFL, basketball and swimming. In 2016 and 2017, Cooper represented his home state of WA, as Captain of the U16 and U18 Cockburn Cougars WABL teams. In 2019, Cooper’s focus turned to footy, playing for the East Fremantle Sharks in the WAFL Colts Competition. In addition to sporting prowess, Cooper held leadership positions at his former school, All Saints’ College. Academically, Cooper enjoys solving complex problems in mathematics. Crossing the Nullarbor to join St Hilda’s was a simple decision due to the warm welcome throughout the process, and Cooper’s belief in the College statement “to enable students to explore passions and interests and build the confidence they need to lead.”
