The blazer of Amelie Woodward (12 Jones) tells the story of a student who has immersed herself in every aspect of life at Girton. The gleaming badges, piping and embroidery signal she is a diligent scholar, a dedicated volunteer, a dependable leader and a passionate devotee to her beloved Jones House.
It is this commitment to being an exceptional all-rounder and upstanding member of the school community that has earned Amelie the prestigious 2024 Departing Girtonian Scholarship, a $2,500 prize presented to a departing student who embodies the school’s ethos. But, among all her talents and endeavours, it is the performing arts that holds a special place in Amelie’s heart. She counts the performance opportunities offered to her throughout her 12 years at Girton as some of the most valuable experiences of her educational journey.
Amelie’s love of music has blossomed from Girton’s Junior School, where she fondly remembers her first cello and saxophone lessons and choir rehearsals with Mrs D. After progressing to the Senior School, she has become an integral member of numerous ensembles, including Girton Singers, Big Band, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony – even finding time to captain the Jazz Band in her final year. Amelie’s efforts have seen her awarded the title of Musician of the Year on two occasions, as well as the coveted Betty Higgs Music Scholarship
No stranger to the stage, Amelie has also been a regular fixture in the school’s One Act Play Festival, and this year she performed a leading role in the Senior School Production of The Little Mermaid. She has described portraying the fabulously wicked Ursula as one of her proudest achievements from her time at Girton.
These accomplishments on the stage mean even more to Amelie given the challenges she faced in her younger years. Diagnosed with hip dysplasia as a child, she underwent multiple surgeries, each requiring months of recovery in a wheelchair and crutches. Eager to take part in her first senior production of Matilda the Musical, it eventually became apparent that Amelie would be unable to progress out of crutches in time to step onto the stage. But she refused to let this stop her from being involved in any way she could, carrying out her role in the ensemble from backstage instead.
Off the stage, Amelie’s leadership journey began early, with her appointment as Jones House Captain in the Junior School setting the foundation for leadership roles in the Senior School as House Vice-Captain and Prefect. Embodying the Jones House motto of ‘No reward without effort’, she has been a regular volunteer at House Working Bees, with Head of House Mr Marcus Smalley commending her willingness to take on any task and her positive attitude towards challenges. Amelie’s ability to connect with younger students is another key strength – and in her scholarship interview, the panel was struck by the value she attributed to the simple, everyday conversations in ensuring people feel seen, supported and encouraged.
Amelie’s academic achievements are similarly impressive. She has earned the accolades of dux, second and third among her cohort at various points in her Senior School journey, in addition to being selected for the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. Outside the classroom, Amelie’s dedication to sport and the wider community has been just as outstanding. She has represented the school in table tennis, actively participated in local cricket, and even achieved certification as a lifeguard, enabling her to work part time at Bendigo’s Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre.
Amelie’s community spirit is evident in the countless hours she has contributed to initiatives such as the Red Shield Appeal, Million Paws Walk, Zinda Festival and Sustainability Festival. And as a member of the Girton Community Action Group and founding member of Pride Plus, she has consistently demonstrated her passion for advocacy and service within Girton as well. This year, sustainability has become a key interest for Amelie, as she played a pivotal role in the Sustainability in Action co-curricular and implementing the school’s new recycling program. Her efforts in this area have left a lasting impact on the school and its approach to environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead, Amelie plans to combine her passion for helping others with her love of music by pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedicine alongside a Diploma of Music at the University of Melbourne. She will use her scholarship prize to support her studies as she fully immerses herself in life at St Hilda’s College, where she has been offered a place of residence. Over the long term, Amelie hopes to work with children by earning a Doctor of Medicine, specialising in psychiatry and paediatric psychology. And in between all this study, she dreams of travelling the world, particularly returning to France to reconnect with the family who hosted her during her exchange experience.
The Old Girtonians’ Association congratulates Amelie on being awarded the 2024 Departing Girtonian Scholarship in recognition of her remarkable dedication, leadership and spirit of ‘opting in’, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire others for years to come.
