oscar downes
Oscar was Captain of Snow Sports at Knox Grammar School in 2024 and more than successfully role models the behaviour of “giving it a go” and that participation can be fun and competitive. His biggest contribution as Captain was leading the team of nearly 60 boys in an inaugural “Captain’s run” before the scheduled race day. This gave the primary school aged boys an opportunity to learn and gain valuable tips from Oscar and it brought the whole team together, connecting the team across age groups. In volunteering his time, the support and encouragement the event created for the boys, especially those young and new to Interschools, was invaluable. Oscar made a presentation at his schools orientation evening and senior school assembly on his journey through Interschools. This resulted in Oscar raising his profile, that of Interschools participation and the ability for students to develop a relationship with Oscar.
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sean'hope craig
Sean'hope is an active and enthusiastic member of the Merici Snowsports team. Whilst Sean'hope is an accomplished competitive XC skier, she considers Interschools to be the highlight of her race calendar. She is hopeful that by supporting and mentoring her fellow students in Snowsports that they will also have as much fun as she does. Over the years she has applied glitter to many of her fellow athletes in an attempt to increase the fun spirit of Interschools.
This year, as her final Interschools race, not long after successfully finishing her cross country race, she put her hand up to volunteer with marshalling for all the younger divisions on the start line. With her pockets filled with glitter she managed to successfully help marshall the students on the start line whilst also applying glitter to racers from all participating schools to ensure that they all felt included, encouraged and special as they hit the start line at the National Championships.
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maeve tobias
As the XC Ski Captain for her school, Maeve fostered a positive and inclusive team spirit, sharing her sense of adventure, strong mindset, camaraderie and enthusiasm. Her willingness to give her time generously to girls of all ages and always help out the beginners through their training sessions contributed to creating tight bonds amongst her team members.
Maeve was also instrumental in recruiting large numbers to her team this year, more than doubling the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Cross-country skiing team roster from 14 to a whopping 34 competitors for 2023. As part of her recruitment efforts, she presented a short highlights video at an information night for parents and students of all year levels, creating so much interest that the school had record numbers turn up to the first training session.
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Claudia Krake
Claudia went above and beyond to promote the spirit of snowsports throughout her school community. As the 2022 snow sports captain at Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar, Melbourne, she was instrumental in encouraging and promoting snow sports participation at her school.
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Alessandra Sydun-West
Over the years Alessandra has competed in Alpine, Ski Cross, Moguls, Cross Country and has been involved in Interschools since year 2 at Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Sydney.
She now serves as the Junior School Snowsports Mentor, working with students from kindergarten to grade two in preseason roller ski and roller skate training.
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andy deans
Andy, who was the 2021 Snowsports Vice-Captain at The Geelong College (TGC) in Victoria, has seen his school snow sports team triple in size over the recent seasons with a focus on participation and fun.
He has won multiple medals at the Interschool competitions, but has also been a driving force behind building the snowsport programs at their schools.
Andy plans to stay engaged with TGC’s snowsports program after he leaves school and help younger students find their own pathways through snowsports by assisting with team functions and coaching
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Charlotte Halley
Charlotte have won multiple medals at the Interschool competitions, but have also been a driving force behind building the snowsport programs at their schools.
She has not only competed in multiple disciplines, but was always seen leading and motivating younger students at Ascham.
Charlotte was the snowsports captain.
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Maysen Duffy
Maysen has been involved for 11 years and competes in all disciplines at Interschools in cross country, alpine and snowboard events with high performing results. However, Maysen’s success has never once changed her attitude towards others participating in the Interschools events. Ever humble, and offering encouragement to teammates and competitors from other schools without discrimination.
At Caulfield Grammar School, Maysen has been a positive role model to students from prep to year 12’s for many years. Even before becoming the schools Snow Sports captain Maysen has been actively encouraging students to join the snow sports team, speaking in front of all school assemblies expressing the enjoyment and sense of belonging that Interschools brings. Maysen has single handily been responsible for improved numbers involved in the team. When not competing Maysen makes herself available to younger participants for support, race tips, advice, helping to build the sense of team. Maysen has been awarded Triple Colours for Snowsports at Caulfield, all of which has been received with great humility, proving that she is a great ambassador for the sport.
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