Meet Westminster’s 2027 School Captains

As Westminster looks ahead to 2027, we are pleased to introduce our incoming School Captains, Anya Suri and Harry Panton.

Both bring a genuine love for Westminster, a desire to give back and an ambition to make a positive difference during their final year at the School.

We sat down with the Year 11 students to learn more about what inspired them to step into leadership, what they hope to achieve in 2027 and a few things the Westminster community might not know about them.

Why did you put your hand up to be School Captain?

Anya

My desire to be a leader at Westminster comes from my genuine appreciation for the community that has given me so many opportunities and introduced me to people I deeply admire.

I want to give back while representing the students, staff and values that make Westminster what it is. I have been fortunate to form meaningful connections with people across the School, including leaders I look up to and these relationships have shown me the impact thoughtful leadership can have.

Harry

I wanted to give back to the Westminster community, which has supported me ever since I came here in ELC. Without the help of my teachers and peers, I would not be the person I am today.

I also hope to be a positive role model for other students. Positive role models are so important during your time at School and I’ve had plenty of people I have looked up to during my time at Westminster. I hope I can be that person for other students.

What does Westminster mean to you and what has been one of your favourite experiences at the School so far?

Anya

One of my favourite experiences is Sports Day. It’s a day where Houses come together and students have the opportunity to interact with people they may not normally cross paths with during the busyness of the School term.

It also gives students the chance to step up for their House in events they may never have tried before. It’s a day of growth for many and a great opportunity to show leadership by simply getting involved and supporting your House.

Harry

Westminster means a lot to me because I have completed all of my schooling here. I have built lifelong friendships and connections and the wide range of opportunities at Westminster has helped drive my passions in sport, music and academics.

It’s extremely hard to choose a favourite experience but Year 9 Westventure was definitely one of my highlights. I faced plenty of challenges, from learning how to sail and completing long runs to joining a group of people I had never really spoken to before.

Being exposed to new people helped me form friendships and connections I never thought I would make. It was a great learning experience that brought us closer together as a year level.

If you could achieve one thing during your time as School Captain, what would it be?

Anya

I hope to develop a stronger connection with our Old Scholars. Westminster has committed Old Scholars who are proud to have studied here and I believe strengthening the connection with our more recent Old Scholars could be really beneficial for Senior School students.

It would give students greater insight into future career paths and with AI changing the pathway into many occupations, I think it’s important for students to have opportunities to learn more about life beyond School.

Harry

I would like to make a positive difference. I know I won’t be able to change everything about the School and I don’t want to change everything.

If I can make even a small positive difference to a student’s experience at Westminster, I will know my time as School Captain has been worthwhile.

What are your plans after School?

Anya

I really enjoy science so I would love to pursue a career in medical science. I am particularly drawn to the way science can be applied to real-world challenges and used to improve people’s lives.

I would love a career where I can continue learning while making a meaningful difference.

Harry

My number one goal is to continue studying science and potentially medicine. Medicine is a big passion of mine and I am working hard academically to achieve that goal.

If medicine isn’t the pathway I ultimately take, I would like to explore other areas of science because it is something I find extremely interesting and can see being part of my future career.

What is something people at Westminster might not know about you?

Anya

One thing the School community might not know is that my real name is Lavanya.

I’ve also always really enjoyed playing the piano and have completed Grade 6 through the Australian Music Examinations Board, with the goal of making it all the way to Grade 8. Outside of School, I sing and have performed Bollywood dance at festivals around Adelaide.

Harry

I’m in a rock band with some friends from outside School. We recently released two singles on streaming platforms and we’re currently working on an album.

We play gigs at different locations around Adelaide. I have been playing music for most of my life and I hope it’s something I can continue after School.