Hear from your 2025 Head Students

Euiin Shin

No regrets this year!
High school is a journey that moves by faster than we expect. As we reach our final year, we want to make sure no one leaves with “what ifs,” but instead with plenty of “remember when” moments.

I’m Euiin, one of your four Head Students for 2025, and together, we have big plans for this year. Our goal is simple – to create a year where everystudent can look back and feel proud of what we achieved together.

I’m honoured to work alongside Shanti, Yousuf, Gabby, and the rest of our amazing Senior Student Leadership team. All of us are putting in the work to make 2025 a year full of achievement, growth, and unforgettable memories.

Let’s all make this year one we’ll always be proud of.

Yousuf Tayyab

It’s a surreal experience being given the privilege to lead Hillcrest High as one of your four head students alongside my wonderful peers Euiin, Gabby and Shanti. The suspense around the exact moment where Ms Williams called out my name, Yousuf Tayyab, is something I will cherish forever. But such a thing can’t be measured through one day of work or brilliance, but rather a collection of dedication, hard work and commitment right from your journey at Hillcrest.

That’s why I believe it’s important for every student to participate in any event or club that interests them – and with the variety of options from sports, academics and cultural just to name a few, that opportunity can be seized. Some of my most cherished high school memories came from such events that left me with friends and experiences I will never forget.

With your help, let’s start off 2025 as a year of new beginnings, a year of getting out of your comfort zone and participating in activities you wouldn’t normally glance at. None of your head students would be here if we didn’t make our fair share of mistakes, because that is exactly how you grow. So be ready, because exciting news and events will be coming your way. Make your high school experience one to reminisce and learn from.

Shanti McKoy

Kia ora, my name is Shanti. Being a Head Student for 2025 is a dream come true. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be that all the hard work was worth it. Honestly, I think I’ve been planning my final year of high school since Year 9, brainstorming activities, ideas, and ways to support our school to make it a stronger, more connected, and an inspiring place.

I’ve always believed in making the most of every opportunity, whether in sports, school, councils or leadership positions. These experiences have shaped who I am today, and now, I want to encourage others to do the same.

With Gabby, Yousuf, and Euiin, I’m excited to be part of a team that will make this year action-packed and unforgettable. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet!

Gabby Baucke

Kia ora, my name is Gabrielle, but mostly referred to by a number of my peers as Gabby. The efforts in becoming one of your four Head Students for 2025 has been extremely rewarding thus far, and I cannot WAIT for what this year will bring. Encouraging our younger tauira to get involved and strive for excellence in all that they do is a main goal of mine as a role model and leader within my final year of high school.

I have always wanted to leave this school with something to remember me by. So putting all that I do to improve our school culture to be more enthusiastic, committed and overall excited to come here every morning is of utmost importance to me.

So to all of my diverse identifiers, sports athletes, academics and creative learners, my fellow Head Students and I are excited to share that there will be something special for each and every one of you.

Upcoming projects and various schooling events are coming your way hilly, so get ready for an exciting year ahead! Thank you