When Gippsland Grammar year 12 student Lily reflects on her first days at school, one memory stands out: the Early Learning Centre’s traditional Easter Hat Parade.
“I remember feeling so excited as we made our hats and walked out in front of the ‘big kids’,” the now 17-year-old says.
That early spark marked the beginning of a school journey that has seen Lily grow from a nervous three-year-old into a confident young woman excelling in academics, sport, music, and leadership.
Her teachers describe her as dedicated, humble and quietly determined — qualities strengthened through years of embracing school traditions, mentoring younger students in the Buddies Program, and representing Gippsland Grammar on the world stage.
Lily’s courage has been evident since her early Japanese lessons, which led to a year nine school exchange
in Japan.
“That trip made me realise how much I’d grown, from singing ‘hello’ in Kindy to confidently navigating Japan 10 years later,” she said.
Her academic achievements are equally impressive. Mentor teacher Nathan Wallace highlights her ability to “balance a busy co-curricular program with academic pursuits,” noting her completion of a University of Southern Queensland Biomolecular Sciences unit in year 11.
Music has also been central to her school life. Lily began violin in Junior School, joined the choir, later picked up trumpet, and played in senior ensembles including the Dulcie Holland Concert Band. She performed in six school musicals and played the Last Post during the
2023 inaugural ANZAC Music and Languages Tour across Europe.
Sport, particularly rowing, has taken her even further. Starting in year seven, Lily has gone on to state team representation, national medals, and competing at the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK, finishing in the top eight internationally.
“If I could relive one school moment for 10 seconds
it would be standing on the podium at the Head of School Girls regatta, proudly wearing my blazer and a gold medal over my zootie,”
she said.
As she embarks on Year 12, Lily’s goals remain ambitious: a gold medal at the Head of School Girls and continued academic excellence in her final year. Her journey from Easter hats to international rowing medals is a story of talent, determination, and community, and she hopes it inspires every young person starting at Gippsland
Grammar or considering a wwsimilar path.
As Sport and Music Captain, Lily encourages families to explore the School firsthand at upcoming Open Days:
– February 28, 9-11am at St Anne’s Junior Campus, Raymond St, Sale
– February 28, 11.30am-1.30pm at
Garnsey Campus, Princes Highway, Sale
– March 28, 9-11am at
Bairnsdale Campus
