Formally introducing our Captains & Vice Captains for 2025

Unity O'Shaughnessy - Girls Captain

Interests and hobbies outside of school?

When I'm not at school, I like to dance, sing, read, draw and watch TV (especially Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Atypical). I love listening to music and playing around on my computer. My greatest love in the world is musical theatre, so I do as much community theatre as I can. This October-January season, I'm performing as a principal dancer in Naidu Theatre Company's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".

What do you enjoy the most about being a student of Orara High School?

My favourite thing about being an Orara High School student is the opportunities I have been given. During my time at Orara, I have been lucky enough to participate in The Arts Unit's Mid North Coast Dance Festival 3 times (2022, 2023, 2024), drama eisteddfods, In Concert where I got to sing with my peers and hundreds of other school students at Sydney Town Hall, the Salvation Army's toy sort with the SRC last Christmas time, school socials and dress up days, yearly rewards excursions to the Gold Coast theme parks, CAPA night last year, a fabulous year 11 camp (we went to SeaWorld!), and last but certainly not least, our original school musical!

What do you hope to achieve in your final year of school?

I have lots of ideas that I'd like to do, however, it's more important to me to be providing activities and events you guys (the students) are interested in.  I really hope that people will see me as a friendly, approachable person, someone you can trust and rely on. I want students to feel comfortable sharing their wants and needs with me so I can pass on your ideas and make them happen. Cancer and mental health are causes that I care about a lot. I'd like to involve the school community in fundraising events such as the Big Blue Table, Do It For Dolly Day, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and other fundraising events for services such as the Black Dog Institute. 

What are you plans after finishing school?

After finishing my HSC, I plan to take a gap year. During this gap year I want to do a paid traineeship at a preschool (with my mum!) to make some money and get my Certificate III in Childcare. Then, I'd like to move to Sydney to complete a Diploma of Musical Theatre at either the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) or elsewhere if my audition for NIDA is unsuccessful. I'd like to eventually get a Master's Degree in Musical Theatre/Performing Arts, and right now, the end goal is to open my own dance company.

If you would like to read Unity’s speech please click on the following link:

Captain Speech

Lachlan Page - Boys Captain

Interests and hobbies outside of school?

I like to play sports and hang out with friends.

What do you enjoy the most about being a student of Orara High School?

Being able to hang out with my friends and feel included.

What do you hope to achieve in your final year of school?

I am hoping to make the school a more enjoyable place by incorporating tournaments (not just sport tournaments) but ones like chess for everyone to enjoy.

What are you plans after finishing school?

At the moment I am unsure whether or not to go to go straight to University and if I do, it will most likely be to study Mechanical Engineering. But I plan to take a gap year to figure everything out.

If you would like to read Lachlan’s speech please click on the following link:

Captain Speech

Emily Addison - Girls Vice Captain

Interests and hobbies outside of school?

In my free time I sing at my church on a Sunday morning, spending time with my family and friends, listening to music. And dancing like a maniac around my house to pass time.

What do you enjoy the most about being a student of Orara High School?

My favourite part of being an Orara student is the multitude of opportunities on offer, and teachers that are there to support you every step of the way through your journey.

What do you hope to achieve in your final year of school?

I have an idea that may seem a little far out of reach but still 100% possible. As I know some days can be filled with many anxious emotions, I strive to create a place to relax, reset and continue the day on a more positive note. The library used to have this sort of environment, but in recent years has fallen short. I plan to work with the school but more specifically the wellbeing team to give us this space again to help make everyone’s schooling experience more positive.

What are you plans after finishing school?

After high school I plan to take a gap year, to relax, work and prepare for my further education. At University, I plan to study a Bachelor of Vision Science/Masters in Optometry, as my passions lie in helping others, and I have a fascination with eyes.

Beau Ward - Boys Vice Captain

Interests and hobbies outside of school?

Music is my greatest interest.  I play the drums and guitar. I also enjoy doing up cars with my father.

What do you enjoy the most about being a student of Orara High School?

The opportunities for students that Orara has like excursions and music. Also, the teaching and support staff for the most part have been very supportive.

What do you hope to achieve in your final year of school?

I’d like to see music continue to increase within the school community, I know the local Conservatorium used to offer discounted lessons at schools and think this is a great opportunity for some students to be exposed to learning a musical instrument.

What are you plans after finishing school?

I plan on taking a gap year and travel before going to University.  At the moment I am interested in studying Law or Marine Science but that could change so we will see.