Awards: Hal & Nancye Goldstein Prize for Communal Service, Scholarship for Emanuel graduates who go into teaching

Emanuel has educated me in two ways: through books and through the people who make up our school community. It’s the people who have given me the fundamental lesson that life is more than just a traditional structure of education and getting a job - it’s about friendship, courage, kindness and knowing how to laugh hard.

Simone feels a strong sense of community at Emanuel School and recognises that it is the extended support from both staff and students that makes the School special.

She is most proud to have received the Founding President’s Prize for Community Service and Citizenship – recognition from the community for her passion and devotion to social justice and Tikkun Olam. This has reinforced her desire to continue exploring this pathway after school.

Her stand-out memory was being ‘Principal for the Day’ at the school, enjoying every minute of shadowing Mr Watt and experiencing the behind-the-scenes happenings during his jam-packed days. She holds special memories of the community social justice programs she participated in during Year 9 and Year 10. The trip to East Timor in 2017 was eye-opening, reinforcing her desire to become a Primary School teacher.

Simone is loved by her peers and friends, who describe her as “a wonderful girl with an amazingly hilarious laugh, passion and determination who lifts the spirits of those around her”. They feel that her deep commitment to Tikkun Olam is further evidence of her kindness and compassion.

“Despite the pun, the slogan ‘put the U in Emanuel’ has always stuck with me, as it reminds me that I need to put myself out there, push myself to where I want to be and towards my dreams. Sometimes it’s challenging to build up the confidence to speak up, or show your face on the front line, but I am reminded that I am capable of anything I want to do and that I need to remember my Emanuel spirit of confidence and individuality.”

Simone hopes to fulfils her dream of becoming a Primary School teacher and find each student’s talent, whether in or out of the classroom. She will revisit her plan to take off a year to volunteer in Kenya, when it is possible. She also aims to continue to help others and start her own charity.