Captains 2025: Getting to know our leaders
Sheldon West:
What traits do you believe are most important to leadership, and why?
"I believe the most significant aspect of leadership is not just being successful in serving the community, but being approachable. To me, being an approachable leader means that every individual within the school community feels comfortable in expressing their issues to us. This emphasis of approachability works to simultaneously develop peoples trust that we, as the leaders of the MD, will actually fulfil their needs. Additionally, I feel as though simply being an approachable leader will open up many more opportunities to serve the community."
What job, activity or duty are you most excited to undertake in 2025?
"I am a strong believer in “Empower over Power” which simply means as a college captain, I believe in empowering other students to facilitate growth and leadership. As a result, I hope to be remembered by my fellow students as someone who unifies the MD community, and empowers students, which will ultimately strengthen school spirit."
How do you hope to be remembered by fellow students?
"In 2025, I am most eager to serve the college and community and be an inspirational, supportive role model for all students at MD. Furthermore, I am honoured to be part of a truely incredible team of College Captains, and I am grateful that we, together, have the pleasure of leading not only our cohort, but the entire College though a memorable and undoubtably, successful year."
Phoebe Turner:
What led to you to nominate for College Captain?
"I decided to nominate for college captain because I love leadership. I find it challenging, exciting and I enjoy pushing myself further through taking that leap for a better me. I am determined to lead in confidence and passion, and I am thrilled to pass on my wisdom from five years of lived experience to younger grades. I am a strong believer that if students view school with an optimistic and positive approach then so many more incredible opportunities are brought to light."
Do you have any big goals or things you hope to accomplish in the role?
"I want to build a stronger school culture, through encouraging more attendance at events such as sports carnivals and ANZAC day and aware days. Involvement is so important to create a positive atmosphere in which MD students can have more fun and grow a stronger connection with each other."
What do you want to do after graduation? Do you have a career path or goals in mind?
"After graduation I am planning on enlisting in the Australian Army to become an officer. To do this I will apply for The Royal Military College, Duntroon to complete my training. This career path includes that similar to the reasonability’s of a school captain… leadership, service, integrity and respect. Therefore, I am incredibly grateful for the honour of being your 2025 college captain, through which I will gain such pivotal experience for my future endeavours."
Lissadel Burgess:
What traits do believe are most important to leadership, and why?
"People don't remember what you do, they remember how you made them feel'
I recently heard this quote and I believe it summaries how important sociability and connection are in leadership. This is why one of our main goals as captains this year is to be friendly and present within the college, and foster school spirit."
What job, activity or duty are you most excited to undertake in 2025?
"I am so excited to continue being an involved member of MD and finding new ways to serve our community. I'm also looking forward to public speaking opportunities as this is something I am very passionate about."
What is something your fellow students might not know about you?
"I am a champion highland dancer and I travel all over the world! In the last few years I've had the privilege of performing and competing in Scotland, Switzerland, America, New Zealand and all over Australia. In 2023 I even had the honor of dancing in front of the royal family at the Braemar Highland Gathering.."
Aidan McKenzie:
What traits do you believe are most important to leadership, and why?
"While many different traits are vital to good leadership, several key values that I believe are most important include integrity, determination, communication and courage. I feel that these values provide a strong foundation to develop a personalised and effective leadership style."
How do you hope to be remembered by your fellow students?
"I hope to be remembered by my fellow peers as a genuine, supportive and respected leader that can have positive influence on the school culture, traditions and cohort legacy. I also hope to be remembered as someone who could show resilience through challenges, and embrace the school motto of “Grit, Growth, MD."
How have other College Captains inspired you?
"The leadership and dedication of previous College Captains has inspired me to embrace this role and appreciate the opportunity for impact within the community that it provides. I am motivated by previous captains to follow their example to create a welcoming, engaging and collaborative environment that encourages the success of all students."