Community and Character
At The Knox School, community comes alive through care, connection and action. This article highlights students who organised fundraisers, earned civic recognition and showed quiet leadership on and off the field.
Service and leadership remain at the heart of our community. Cooper Oak Tysoe (Year 11) received a Victoria Day Award on the 1st of July for his World’s Greatest Shave campaign. Oak raised more than $7,800, donated his hair for wigs, and inspired peers and staff to take part. A simple idea, enacted with courage, that made a tangible difference.
At the Tilly Aston Community Awards, Aran Nota (Year 10) was named Outstanding Young Achiever, with Jacquie Ring (Year 12), Methuki Don (Year 9) and Junyi Irina Zhang (Year 8) recognised as finalists.
Mrs Sarah McKenzie, Deputy Head of Junior School, was named Teacher of the Year, following her nomination by the School in the category.
On the whistle, Max Worthy (Year 11) made his Premier Division umpiring debut in the Eastern Football Netball League and was commended by former Hawthorn FC Premiership player Liam Shiels for his communication and decision-making.
Max is an aspiring AFL Umpire and has been umpiring Senior and Junior Football for the past couple of years in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL). Later in the current season, Max made his Premier Division umpiring Debut in the Men’s competition – a remarkable achievement from someone his age.
The Umpire Operations Manager of the EFNL Scott Van Noordennen had this to say about Max; “Max has had an outstanding season. Strong trainer and regular attendance at coaching sessions. In 3 seasons he has developed his umpiring and umpired a large part of the year in Division 1 Men’s before making his debut in Premier Division Football in late July at Cheong Park – South Croydon vs Balwyn”.
On court, Ryan Woon helped his WDTA junior team to a premiership, closing out a hard-fought grand final with calm focus and strong doubles play. It was a result built on commitment at training and leadership on the day.
In fencing, Junyi Irina Zhang (Year 8) continued a remarkable season, winning the Golden Women’s Foil at the National Intermediate School Championships on 15 June 2025, alongside multiple Australian and Oceania Cadet titles.
Thank you to the students who gave their time, voice and effort to the community. We’re proud of your courage and confidence to make a lasting impact.
Summary of acknowledgements
- Cooper Oak Tysoe (Year 11) — Victoria Day Award, 1 July 2025
- Aran Nota (Year 10) — Outstanding Young Achiever, Tilly Aston Community Awards
- Jacquie Ring (Year 12) — Leadership finalist, Tilly Aston Community Awards
- Methuki Don (Year 9) — Outstanding Young Achiever finalist, Tilly Aston Community Awards
- Junyi Irina Zhang (Year 8) — Outstanding Young Achiever finalist, Tilly Aston Community Awards; Golden Women’s Foil, National Intermediate School Championships 15 June 2025; multiple Australian & Oceania Cadet titles
- Max Worthy (Year 11) — Premier Division umpiring debut, EFNL; commendation for communication and decision-making
