BRIGHT FUTURES: TGS Students Making a Big Impact on the World

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News BRIGHT FUTURES: TGS students making a big impact on the world

Whether they’re flourishing in the arts, sport or making a big impact, here’s just some of the most inspiring students from the Year 12 cohort of Toowoomba Grammar School.

Rhylea Millar Follow

@rhylea__millar 20 min read August 13, 2021 - 3:30PM Toowoomba Chronicle

BRIGHT FUTURES: Here are just some of the most inspiring students at Toowoomba Grammar School. Pictures: Nev Madsen

It’s been a tough 18 months for students who have navigated their way through unprecedented challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, all while excelling in school and co-curricular activities.

Now nearing their fnal months of high school, we sat down with 12 senior students from Toowoomba Grammar School, to discuss the bright futures they have ahead of them.

Whether they are fourishing in the arts kicking goals in sports or taking the frst steps down their chosen Whether they are fourishing in the arts, kicking goals in sports or taking the frst steps down their chosen career pathways, here are just some of the top inspiring students from Toowoomba Grammar School.

Douglas Plant

HELPING others has always come naturally to Douglas Plant, who loves nothing more than making a positive impact.

Dedicating his time through Toowoomba Grammar School’s Interact Club, the senior student was nominated by his peers to lead the group as the service committee’s president.

Following in the footsteps of his older brother who was also voted in as the group’s president, Doug said the position enabled him to channel his desire to make a difference.

“Our most notable initiative has been focusing on spreading the message of the White Ribbon Foundation to help end domestic violence nationally and in our local Toowoomba community,” Doug said.

“Obviously we weren’t able to do too much as a club during the Covid-19 situation, but the members and I have adapted really well and the response has been great.”

Under Doug’s leadership, the group has hosted many successful fundraising events for White Ribbon and the AEIOU Foundation.

This year, the group raised and donated $60,000 for AEIOU and $15,000 for a Toowoomba shelter.

With a face that lights up when talking about his service contributions, Doug said it was always a powerful moment meeting the families and individuals that he is helping in some way.

But the modest Toowoomba student said he owes it all to his mum who has always inspired him to be kind.

“I’ve always loved helping others, but I would say a lot of that comes from the infuence of my mum,” Doug said.

“She raised us to do the right thing at an early age, so as a child if I ever saw an elderly lady putting groceries into her car, we would automatically go and help her.

Grateful for the opportunity to attend a private school, Doug said since starting at TGS, he has really fourished.

“I was originally enrolled a state school which was good, but moving to Grammar has been life-changing for us as a family,” Doug said.

“I don’t think I’d be playing as much sport or be as involved as I am in service activities if I didn’t go to Grammar. “With mum being a single parent, she had to work really hard to make this happen and I’m so appreciative of her for that.”

Doug’s mum Melissa Plant said it had been wonderful to see how the opportunities, friendships and mentoring gained through TGS, had assisted both of her sons.

“The school has really allowed Doug to grow into the person he is today … he has really blossomed through Interact and the volunteering programs he has participated in,” Ms Plant said.

“He also mentors and tutors primary school children from families that have migrated and Doug would come home from that with the biggest smile on his face – he was just so engaged.

“I love that he values the importance of donating his time to help others and being a kind, good person.”

When he graduates from high school, the Year 12 student intends to pursue a career in anatomy or as a doctor.

His long-term goal is to become the founder of his own charity.

Douglas Plant (centre), academic student and president of Interact club, community service. Pictured with Harry Elmes (lef) and Nate Ryals. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Oliver Schubert

NOT t bl hi t t Oli S h b t h littl t b d t NOT one to blow his own trumpet, Oliver Schubert has little reason to be modest.

In 2019, the TGS student was one of six fnalists selected from across the state for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Young Instrumentalist Prize.

Aged just 15-years-old at the time, the now senior student came fourth in the prestigious music competition – an accomplishment he still considers to be one of his best.

“I frst started playing the trumpet when I was about six or seven and I’m still playing to this day,” Oliver said.

“Something I love about the trumpet is that it can cover a lot of different styles but I picked that instrument when I was young because like most kids, I was drawn to the loud noise it made.”

But the all-rounder’s talents don’t stop there, with the 17-year-old making quite the impact on the sporting feld and in the classroom too.

When Oliver’s not composing tunes for his favourite subject, he can be found playing soccer for the school’s seconds team.

And if Covid-19 remains at bay, he’ll be heading to the Australian Orienteering Championships in Tasmania next month too.

“Soccer is pretty special to me because I’ve been playing since I could walk and my dad was actually my frst coach, so I always love getting out on the feld,” Oliver said.

“Music extension is my favourite subject because it allows me to compose all kinds of pieces from electronic and classical, to trumpet melodies and remixes … there are no restrictions.”

The talented musician has performed at various venues throughout his time at school, alongside the TGS Big Band and R’n’B Band.

Oliver intends to continue performing when he graduates as he loves the feeling of being up on stage and bouncing off the energies of his bandmates.

Hoping to later pursue a career in psychology, the year 12 student is planning to take a gap year frst.

Mum Kieran Dore said she was proud of all the accomplishments her son had made to date.

“He’s so mature, works really hard in all aspects of his life and he’s just a very nice young man,” Ms Dore said.

“Although he’s not sure what direction he’ll be heading into after school, he’ll be fne because he’s got a lot of options to choose from … that’s just the type of kid he is and I’m really proud.”

Oliver Schubert, great all rounder, academic, sport and music. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen. Peter Rathie

IT’S been anything but an easy journey for Peter Rathie, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just 14- years-old.

And after facing a tough battle that no teenager should ever have to experience, the now senior high school student is in remission and thriving.

Alongside four of his mates, Peter helped raise more than $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation this year, when he participated in the World’s Greatest Shave.

Passionate about paying it forward, the TGS student said it was his way of thanking the foundation for all it did for him and his family.

Now aged 17 and nearing his fnal months of high school, Peter plans to apply for a biomedical science degree at The University of Queensland.

Using these qualifcations, the hardworking student then intends to get provisional entry into medicine.

“I’m hoping to one day get into oncology, partly because of what I went through and my desire to help others,” Peter said.

“But I’ve also wanted to become a doctor for quite a while now – there’s a few people in my family who have also followed that path and they’ve had a huge infuence on me.”

And while academics is Peter’s main focus, he is quite the artist too.

Taking out frst place in the senior category at the school’s art show, he said he’s inspired by the famous works of artist Paco Pomet.

“He’s known for his surreal work, but he also plays around with real-life photography and painting,” Peter said.

“I personally really love drawing and experimenting with realistic-looking artworks … I’ll defnitely try to keep my art up as a hobby.”

Peter’s mum Trish Rathie said as much as he was an academic, it was his personality that made his future so bright.

“He’s performed so well academically, plays volleyball and he’s on the chess team, but those achievements are just the icing on the cake to us,” Ms Rathie said.

“To us, Peter’s greatest achievement is growing into a kind, compassionate young man who supports his peers, is a great friend and is someone younger folk can look up to.

“Your greatest desire as a parent is to see your kids happy and being able to do whatever they dream of doing and my husband and I are so proud of all three of our children.”

Peter Rathie. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Thursday, July 22, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ben Millar

CHOCOLATE eclairs are his pastry of choice but this award-winning apprentice said when it comes to baked goods and desserts, there isn’t one he doesn’t love.

Working for Toowoomba business Antony’s Bakery and Patisserie for more than two years, Ben Millar has had already made his mark on the industry.

The school-based apprentice who is working towards his chosen career as a baker or pastry chef, said he would be happy to pursue either profession.

“When I was young, I remember going to this bakery in the Gold Coast and watching people make things, through the window,” Ben said.

“I just thought it was so interesting to see them make these creations and since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve also developed a love for making things.”

But Ben has more than a love for the trade on his side, with the senior student proving his abilities both in and outside of the kitchen. Putting his skills to the test at this year’s Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Bread Show, the talented apprentice took home Queensland’s Most Successful First and Second Year Apprentice award.

Ben’s mum Catherine Millar said her son was well-rounded, humble and hardworking, but above all he was happy which is all that mattered.

“He has struggled with the academic-side of school but he never stops trying and he gets his wins from other avenues, like his baking and discus throwing,” Ms Millar said.

“Ben is so proud of being a baker, he’s proud of putting on his apron and he’s proud to wear the blue and gold colours at school.”

The proud mum said she was grateful for TGS for providing her son with many opportunities, as well as Antony’s Bakery and Patisserie.

“Being part of Jackie Gallagher’s track and feld squad has been life-changing for Ben and has given him a real sense of identity,” Ms Millar said.

“We’re also so grateful for the support he’s received through Antony’s – with local businesses taking on school-based apprentices, it offers so many opportunities for Ben and other kids to progress.” Ben Millar, bakery/pastry apprentice. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Jed Statham

LEAVING your family and home at a young age can’t be easy, but boarding student Jed Statham has found himself a new place to call home in Toowoomba.

Originally from Condamine – a small town about three hours west of Toowoomba and with a population of less than 400 people, Jed said he had adapted well to living in a larger community.

In fact, he intends to stay in Toowoomba once he graduates high school with an ultimate goal to start his own boilermaking business.

“My biggest achievement to date would be scoring a school-based apprenticeship as a boilermaker,” Jed said.

“One day a week I do that instead of going to school, which I enjoy because it’s a really hands-on trade.”

And despite remaining modest about the appointment of his leadership role, the boarding house prefect has become quite the aspiring leader to younger grades.

“The role involves looking after the boarding house and younger boys there,” Jed said.

“I make sure they’re organised and ready for morning role call, but I also try to be good leader.” Currently employed by Tilco Ag Systems, the senior student will commence the frst year of his four-year- long apprenticeship in Engineering and Fabrication Trade, next year.

Parents Duane and Susan Statham said despite relocating from a rural area at the age of 12, their son had fourished in Toowoomba.

“Jed never really got homesick because he made really good friends and settled in quite quickly,” Ms Statham said.

“He’s done a lot of charity work over the years too, helping out with Rosie’s Friends on the Street program and he’s helped out a lot with the Modifed Rugby Program.

“His school-based apprenticeship has really driven him to set up a bright future for himself and we’re very proud of him.”

Jed Statham is engaged in a school based apprenticeship – Cert III in Engineering Fabrication Trade. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Lachlan Hammond

FEW people can sing in fve different languages but Lachlan Hammond doesn’t do anything in halves.

Using his musical and co-curricular activities as an outlet, the talented singer has been part of the school’s elite vocal ensemble – the Grammarphones and the National Choral School. Passing the Australian Music Examination Board tests with fying colours Lachlan also achieved a high distinction for his classical voice Examination Board tests with fying colours, Lachlan also achieved a high distinction for his classical voice exam last year.

Studying seven subjects at school including music extension, the high achiever has performed his assessments in French, Italian, German and English, as well as occasionally Latin.

“I’m actually not fuent in those languages – I just learn the songs in those translations, but my pronunciation has improved and it may assist me in the future if I ever do want to learn a language,” Lachlan said.

“Gondwana Choirs has taken me across the world, opened my eyes up to different cultures and I’ve made some of my best friends on those trips.”

Through Gondwana, the Year 12 student has visited Iceland, the Baltic States, North Queensland and New South Wales.

And while Lachlan hopes to continue singing as a hobby when he leaves high school, his career pursuits will take a different turn.

Inspired by his dad who worked as a pilot, the Year 12 student hopes to follow a similar path, but instead of sitting in the pilot’s seat, has opted to work behind the scenes.

“Aviation has been one of the biggest passions of my entire life and I’ve always enjoyed economics too, so I’m hoping to pursue a career in aviation management,” Lachlan said.

“I know the industry has taken a big hit with Covid-19, but my hope is that the demand will rise again in about fve years time.”

Focusing on aviation management, logistics and business strategies, the driven student plans to enrol at the University of New South Wales.

Lachlan’s mum Jill Hammond said she was most impressed of her son’s ability to achieve a healthy balance across all aspects of his life.

“Academically, he’s done incredibly well but his secrets to success are early preparation and planning so by the time exams or assignment deadlines hit, he’s calm and feeling confdent,” Ms Hammon said.

“He’s worked hard to achieve a healthy balance between academics, music and tennis, but has also rewarded himself by taking time off to socialise and travel.” Lachlan Hammond. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Thursday, July 22, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

John Anderson

SINGING for as long as he can remember, John Anderson loves nothing more than the sweet sound of music.

Performing in many musicals over the years, the student reached an all time high when he was cast for the lead role in TGS’ production of The Wedding Singer, at the age of 15.

With a passion for classical and contemporary music, the singer was awarded a bursary for the most promising solo vocalist aged between 16 and 21 at the 2021 Toowoomba Eisteddfod.

“I just love the way you can express something through song and convey emotion to the audience not just through words and literature, but songs and melodies,” John said.

“Winning the bursary really made me feel like all the hard work I’ve put in during my time at school had paid off – I’ve been doing the eisteddfod since I was nine, so it was a great way to see out the last one.”

But the vocalist doesn’t just shine in front of a microphone, with the senior student also proving himself academically too.

“I really love English and writing … not so much maths though,” John said.

“When I fnish high school, I’m planning to study commerce and law at The University of Queensland … I really want to give back to the community, so I’m thinking of specialising in either family or human rights law.”

Mum Sue Anderson said she didn’t know how her son had managed to excel in so many different co- curricular activities and maintain his grades at the same time.

“He’s been working since he was 14 and until recently was a barista, so we’ve always thought it’s pretty impressive to see him go out and fund everything himself he’s actually the frst of our fve children to do impressive to see him go out and fund everything himself … he s actually the frst of our fve children to do that,” Ms Anderson said.

“His confdence has grown and he’s grown in his ability to speak up, stand up for the things he believes in and the development of his character over the years has been wonderful to see.”

John was also part of local production The Show Must Go On, which was flmed and is set to play at the Empire Theatre this month. John Anderson. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Thursday, July 22, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Harrison Mills

STARS are aligning for Harrison Mills, with the talented performer hoping his hard work will one day see him performing on the big stage.

The art of acting frst caught the boarding student’s eye when he was 12-years-old and it’s been a dream that he’s been striving towards ever since.

Now, the enthusiastic performer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Mel Gibson, Toni Collette and Cate Blanchett.

“I’m applying for NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) in Sydney, which is one of our biggest drama and acting institutions in Australia,” Harrison said.

“It’s very competitive because they don’t take too many people on and it’s unlikely I’ll get through this time with it being my frst year out of high school, but I’ll keep applying until I do.”

And when he’s not taking his talents to the stage, the boarding student from Papua New Guinea can be found on the football feld or helping others to achieve their full potential.

Meeting with a younger student every week to tutor him with maths, Harrison said the satisfaction of seeing students succeeding is second to none.

“I was eight when I moved to Australia and ever since that, soccer has been a really big part of my life, so playing in the frst’s team this year for school was another big achievement for me,” Harrison said.

“When you come back after a term and their grades have improved since I started tutoring them, it makes you feel like you’re making a difference.”

Harrison was also one of 15 Year 12 students selected for prefect leadership roles – a goal he has had since he frst started at the school.

Mum Jane Mills who single-handedly raised her two sons in Papua New Guinea before moving to Australia, said her boys were her best friends.

She said she was not surprised when her son was appointed as a prefect as he had many leadership qualities. “I’ve noticed him picking up rubbish on the school grounds and engaging with other parents … he has also been a hard worker academically,” Ms Mills said. “He will fnish up from TGS as a decent human being … he’s polite, respectful, honest, caring and considerate.”

And while the separation due to Covid-19 has been diffcult for the mother and son, she said she couldn’t be prouder of her son.

“I feel for my son as I am not there to support him physically, but I am on the phone and email every day urging him on,” Ms Mills said.

Harrison Mills. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Thursday, July 22, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Hamish Wells

THRIVING in all aspects of his life, Hamish Wells is quite the high achiever and triple threat.

From mentoring younger students to fourishing in the performing arts, the school leader has plenty of opportunities ahead of him.

“One of the things I’m proudest of is being able to achieve getting the leadership position in Year 12 as the house captain for Stephen’s house,” Hamish said.

“It’s a position I’ve wanted ever since junior school, because I enjoy encouraging other students to achieve their best.” But that’s not where his leadership roles end.

The theatre enthusiast was also selected to be captain of the school’s production The Show Must Go On.

Describing the production as a musical melody that’s been transformed into a flm, it will be screened at the Empire Theatre this month.

Not one to shy away from the stage, Hamish has wanted to pursue a career in the feld ever since his frst ballet class at the age of three.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without my performing arts,” he said.

“Whether it be singing, acting or dancing, it’s a huge part of my life and really solidifed who I am as a person.”

Following in the footsteps of his parents Andrea and John Wells who were once in the military, Hamish also managed to reach the rank of the U.S. cadet unit.

“He’s a real sensitive and unique soul who has been passionate about pursuing his musical theatre both in and outside of school,” Ms Wells said.

“When Hamish frst got the lead role of Shrek, John and I looked at each other and we just knew this was what he was going to do with his life … we couldn’t be more proud.”

Thanking TGS for embracing the performing arts and providing opportunities for students in those areas, the couple said they were confdent their son would achieve great things.

“It’s a bit daunting because the industry he’s heading into is so competitive, but you’ve got to let him give it a go and reach for the stars,” Mr Wells said.

“At the end of the day, he is a very talented young man who can sing, dance and act and he defnitely has what it takes to get there.”

The Year 12 student has been preparing for his audition at The Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, where he hopes to study next year. Hamish Wells, academic, music and drama student. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Max Williams

FLYING to great heights is the almost qualifed commercial pilot Max Williams.

While the Year 12 student will soon be one of Australia’s youngest people to obtain their licence in commercial fying, the modest 17-year-old is keeping his feet frmly on the ground.

Studying at V2 Helicopters in Archerfeld, the keen student has completed more than 100 hours of practical fying and passed a total of seven theory exams, over the past 18 months.

But it hasn’t stopped him from achieving on the school grounds too.

Now, Max hopes to put his new-found knowledge and experience into action.

“My plan is to go mustering on one of the stations up north for about a year and maybe I’ll look into getting involved in search and rescue too,” he said.

“Down the track when I’m a bit more experienced, I would like to go to Africa to assist with wildlife conservation too … it’s something I’ve always been pretty interested in and it would be great to be able to help in some way too.”

Keeping his grades consistent, the TGS student was also selected for the top rugby union and GPS track and feld teams during his younger schooling years.

Mum Sally Williams said while she was so happy for her son to be pursuing his goals, it was bittersweet as she will miss him when he does leave the nest.

“It’s been such a huge part of my life and I’ll miss Max terribly but I’m incredibly proud of him,” Ms Williams said.

“He has really applied himself to his fying and has committed so much time in travelling to Brisbane to get his commercial pilot licence.

“We’re just so pleased that Max has found something for the rest of his life that will be more than just a job – he really loves it, so we’re thrilled.” Max Williams. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Thursday, July 22, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Adam Peacock

WITH an interest in robotics and machinery, Adam Peacock plans to apply his skills and committed attitude to pursue a career in mechatronics.

During his time at school, the Year 12 student has been recognised for his hard work ethic with awards and has taken an interest in the cadets.

And his favourite milestone so far has come at no better time, when the soon to be high school graduate was promoted to a Cadet Under Offcer (CUO) position.

But when he’s not working hard to achieve his best academically and in the cadets, you would fnd the TGS student playing sport with friends.

“I played in the thirds for volleyball but it’s not competitively or anything … it’s just for fun with friends, as is my football,” Adam said.

“A CUO is one of the highest positions you can get in cadets so for me, that was a pretty signifcant achievement, but I’m also pretty happy with how I’ve performed academically.”

The hardworking student hopes to pursue a career in mechatronics engineering and plans to enrol in the University of Queensland (UQ) or Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

“It’s all about designing machinery and robotics through computer software,” Mr Peacock said.

“But what really interests me about it is that you get to make futuristic things.”

Mum Julianne Peacock said her son’s hard work had paid off and had opened many doors for him in the future.

“Every year he gets better and better at school and his sports – sometimes kids lose momentum but he’s never stopped working hard to achieve what he has achieved,” Ms Peacock said.

“I’ve enjoyed watching his confdence and ability grow throughout his time at school and he’s loved being a cadet.” Adam Peacock, academic student involved in the cadets. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Paul Draheim

SCORING a century is nothing new for Paul Draheim who has been playing cricket since the age of 10.

Th ti t h l b i titi l i h 13 ld d h t d The active sportsman has also been running competitively since he was 13-years-old and has represented Queensland in three sports – junior athletics, indoor and outdoor cricket.

“It’s a humbling experience to represent the entire state and wear the colours on your back,” Paul said.

“I can’t really put it into words, but it makes you feel like you’re putting your best foot forward to achieve your best for your state.”

The school prefect said sport had provided him with many opportunities over the years, allowing him to travel the country and make lifelong friendships.

And while Paul admits being selected to play any sport professionally is no easy feat, it’s a dream he one day hopes to achieve.

“If the opportunity ever presents itself, I’d love take it, so in the meantime, I just need to keeping putting in the hard work and see what happens,” he said.

Paul’s dad Regan Draheim said while he’s proud of his son for many reasons, his ambitions to study music was one of the standouts in his eyes.

“He’s a great musician and has the ability to get up on stage, sing and perform in front of a large crowd of people, which I think is incredible,” Mr Draheim said.

“Paul has the opportunity to pursue a professional career in cricket and athletics – he’s well-grounded enough to know he needs a back-up plan too, but he’s got many possible avenues available.

“I just want to see him achieve his dreams and live a happy life.” Paul Draheim, Qld rep in indoor cricket and cricket. Bright futures feature, Toowoomba Grammar School students. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.