At ASHS, our Head Students play a vital role in school life, acting as leaders, role models, and advocates for their peers. Each year, a team of Head Students are selected to represent the student body, help organise events, support fellow students, and contribute to the wider school community. They provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration, helping to foster a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.
From memorable moments to lessons learned, our 2025 Head Students reflect on their time at ASHS and the impact it’s had on their growth, alongside sharing advice for new students and 2026’s Head Students:
(L-R: Payton Pandaram, Maddie Kell, Charlotte Dugmore, Logan Gardiner, Caitlyn Mills, Damdini Pathrennehelage, Lyn Seok, Heather Darnley)
Caitlyn Mills
For Caitlyn, the best part of being a Head Student was the relationships she formed – with students, teachers, staff, and the wider community. She valued connecting with individuals who each brought their own perspectives and stories, helping her grow as a person.
Her advice for new students is to stay present and enjoy every moment, as your final years of school will go by in the blink of an eye. Caitlyn encourages others to embrace each experience, even the challenging ones, and make the most of their time at ASHS.
Next year, Caitlyn will be attending AUT to study either a Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health majoring in Sport Leadership and Management, or a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy. She credits ASHS’s learner-led environment with teaching her to manage her workload and stay motivated – skills she knows will benefit her in the future.
Charlotte Dugmore
Charlotte found the most rewarding part of being a Head Student to be inspiring others to step into leadership roles – whether through workshops, taking on responsibilities, or leading by example. “Seeing others take on challenges and grow in confidence was truly inspiring,” she says.
Her advice to next year’s Head Students is to show initiative – start early, keep pushing forward, and make every second count, because the year flies by.
Looking ahead, Charlotte plans to begin her journey toward becoming a paramedic, studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine at AUT.
Damdini Pathrennehelage
For Damdini, the best part of being a Head Student was the opportunity to learn. “I’ve learned so much through my experiences, including from mistakes I’ve made,” she says. “I’ve grown in how to work collaboratively with others and developed a lot as a person.”
She encourages students to embrace challenges and mistakes as part of learning, as those moments often turn into the memories you cherish most. She feels confident and ready for whatever comes next, crediting her time at ASHS for helping her build resilience, responsibility, and self-belief.
In 2026, Damdini hopes to study Engineering at the University of Auckland, with aspirations to one day become an astronomer.
Heather Darnley
Heather says the highlight of being a Head Student was developing resilience through the many opportunities to lead and grow. “Things don’t always go right,” she reflects, “but learning to bounce back has been one of the most valuable lessons.”
She credits her teachers for having the biggest impact on her time at ASHS, helping her discover her passions and shape her goals. Her advice for future leaders is to stay open to learning and use every opportunity to grow.
Next year, Heather will be studying Law and Global Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, with aspirations to one day work at the Beehive in an advisory role.
Logan Gardiner
Logan says the best part of being a Head Student was representing the student body and helping to make decisions based on student feedback. “It was great to have a voice in shaping the school experience for others,” he says.
He credits the school’s open environment – with no bells and collaborative spaces – for teaching him adaptability, time management, and the importance of building strong relationships. His advice to students is simple: try everything. Whether it’s a new class, Impact Project, or activity, he believes the best part of ASHS is the chance to explore and discover new interests.
Next year, Logan plans to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, pursuing his goal of a career in genetic engineering.
Lyn Seok
Lyn found the most valuable part of being a Head Student to be the opportunities the role offered – attending conferences, organising events, connecting with students, and taking part in weekly meetings. Each experience helped her develop valuable life skills she wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
Over her three years at ASHS, Lyn has gained confidence in her work and her ability to speak up and share her ideas. She encourages others to embrace every opportunity, big or small, and to trust in their own unique strengths.
Looking ahead, she says ASHS has taught her to believe in herself and to approach the future with confidence and optimism – lessons she’ll carry with her as she begins her studies in Architecture next year.
Payton Pandaram
For Payton, the most rewarding part of being a Head Student was witnessing growth – both in herself and in others. She says it was incredibly fulfilling to see people develop confidence and resilience, and to watch younger students step into leadership roles with courage. “It’s been so rewarding to see them not be afraid to face challenges,” she says.
She credits her teachers with having the biggest impact on her time at ASHS. Their support and genuine care helped her through school stress and personal challenges, and she feels deeply grateful for the guidance and encouragement they provided along the way.
Next year, Payton plans to study Architecture at AUT. She says ASHS has taught her that “it’s not about if you’re bright, but how you’re bright” – a lesson she’ll carry forward as she continues to grow, create, and shine in her own way.
