Captains ready to make an impact

Erin McKenzie

Erin started at Shepparton Christian College in Year 5 and said she wanted to become captain because of a desire to help other students to feel connected and supported.

“Coming into the school in Year 5, I always saw a bunch of school captains go through, and they made a really large impact on everyone, and they were always inclusive,” she said.

“They helped the school and just made the environment overall fun as well.”

In her time as school captain, Erin hopes to create an inclusive environment.

“I (want to give) people who aren’t as ready, but like they still want to make an effort to do something, being able to include them in stuff that they’re comfortable with,” she said.

This year, Erin is studying general maths, English, chemistry and health and human development, after completing Year 12 biology last year.

After high school, she wants to become a primary school teacher and hopes to study at La Trobe University.

Outside school, Erin likes attending her youth group and loves any arts and crafts.

Nathan Lloyd

Becoming school captain has always been a goal for Nathan, who wants to leave a positive impact on his school.

“I wanted to become school captain because I wanted to leave an impact on the school in whatever way that looks like,” he said.

“I have seen other school captains in the past, too, like I was great mates with Ben, who was last year’s school captain, and I saw what he was able to achieve, and how he acted as a school captain was a real inspiration to me.

“So that’s part of the reason why I wanted to be school captain, but also to develop my own leadership skills as a leader going into other things outside of school.”

He sees the role of school captain as a great opportunity, and hopes in his final year to create an inclusive, positive culture within the school.

“I want to leave a positive impact, but also I want to create a culture where everyone is striving for their best,” Nathan said.

“(I want to help everyone) try to achieve excellence.

“(I also want to create an environment) where students can connect with each other and where they can feel comfortable to be open and vulnerable just talking to other people.”

This year, Nathan is studying business management, general maths, English and history, after accelerating physical education in Year 11.

After high school, Nathan is still keeping his options open, but thinks he’ll do an apprenticeship or further study.

Outside school, he likes to play basketball and piano, and is involved in his youth group.