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North Shore Medal Recipients

Published on: February 2025

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-149813

North Shore Medal Recipients

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (23:52:56):

I often talk about how my community is fortunate to have some of the best schools in New South Wales, not only because of their first-rate academic performance but also because of their emphasis on raising the next generation of well-rounded and forward-thinking leaders. I thank all of our amazing teachers, staff and parents who are always giving unreservedly of their time for the betterment of our students. The North Shore Medal is awarded to one student at each of the schools across my community. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in their attitude, and their behaviour must exhibit a commitment to the ethos of the school. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the students who received the North Shore Medal in 2024.

Zak O'Hara, from Mosman High School, was selected for his outstanding leadership and contribution to his school community. As a student leader, Zak is a voice for his peers. He raises funds for charity and organises school events. Sophia, from North Sydney Girls High School, has demonstrated a commitment to the values of respect, resilience, compassion, integrity and excellence. Her work behind the scenes for the collective good of the school community makes her a deserving recipient. Zak and Sophia have now both graduated from their respective schools, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Amelie Emerton, from North Sydney Demonstration School, was chosen for consistently reflecting the school values of care, respect and ownership. Her dedication to her school and her positive attitude makes her an exceptional student and role model. Victoria Zhu, from Queenwood, was selected for demonstrating a can-do attitude in all areas of her life. She is a strong leader who chairs meetings and organises school activities while demonstrating kindness and compassion. Victoria's involvement in numerous extracurricular activities reflects her commitment to personal growth and to her community.

The Loreto Kirribilli senior nominee, Georgia Thompson, was nominated for embodying excellence both academically and socially. She is a consistent participant in school and community activities, and her sense of social justice and leadership makes her a strong role model for others. I met with Maggie Mulveney, also from Loreto Kirribilli, who received Loreto's junior nomination for exemplifying the school's values of freedom, justice, sincerity, verity and felicity. Maggie's dedication to learning and positive contributions to extracurricular activities demonstrate her commitment to both the school and the wider community. Heidi McNally from Beauty Point Public School was chosen for her academic excellence and exemplary leadership qualities. As vice-captain, Heidi has actively participated in extracurricular activities, including dance, choir and debating. Her kindness and willingness to help others have made a lasting impact on her school community.

I joined Middle Harbour Public School at its end-of-year ceremony to congratulate North Shore Medal recipient Amelia Silvester. Amelia is a hardworking and dedicated learner who strives to achieve her personal best. She approaches every task with care and perseverance and treats others with empathy and respect. Amelia's strong ethical values and commitment to helping others make her a very deserving recipient. I have been told that Emma Douik from Mosman Public School is a joy to teach, making her an excellent nominee for the North Shore Medal. She was chosen for the way that she approaches learning with a positive attitude and always demonstrates an awareness of others. Nicholas Popplewell Arevalo from St Aloysius' College was nominated as a student who exemplifies excellence through his actions. He is highly involved in Independent Schools' Debating Association debating, sports and his local parish. Nicholas is always ready to help others and is always spreading kindness and positivity.

I joined Marist Catholic College's awards assembly to congratulate Elsie Duggan, who has consistently demonstrated excellence in both attitude and behaviour. She is an active participant in school and community activities and always demonstrates care for others. I was fortunate enough to meet Archie Grace from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School. He has participated in my North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition. It was clear to me why the school had nominated him for the medal. Archie is a model student who demonstrates courtesy and respect to others. His involvement in the environment club and his efforts in community clean‑up activities show his commitment to the environment and his values.

Lachlan Taylor from Neutral Bay Public School was nominated for being an effective leader who stands up for what he believes in. He is instrumental in creating activities for his peers and has been actively involved in sports and other school activities. Lachlan's positive attitude, maturity and commitment to his school's values make him a worthy recipient of the North Shore Medal. I am proud of all of those students. They exemplify leadership, dedication and positive attitudes. There is a theme of contribution to their community and kindness and empathy towards others, which will ensure that they inspire others for years to come. I congratulate Zak, Sophia, Amelie, Victoria, Georgia, Maggie, Heidi, Amelia, Emma, Nicholas, Elsie, Archie and Lachlan. We are proud of them and look forward to seeing what they contribute in the future.