Dedicated to the secondary school’s first head teacher, the award is presented annually to an ‘outstanding’ student.
After being nominated by her teachers, Rachael (18) was one of 15 students asked to write a personal statement about her achievements and then one of seven invited to attend an interview with a board of trustees.
She said that she was ‘completely surprised’ when she was told that she had won. ‘The seven were all of a similar standard. they all did everything, so I can’t even imagine how hard a decision it must have been,’ she said.
During her time at Hautlieu, Rachael has been on the school council for four years and has been head of the charity committee for three.
For the last two years she has been involved in the States Assembly debate team and she organised this year’s school Chique Week. She also plays viola and has been in the Jersey Instrumental Service orchestra for ten years. In addition, she was the winner of this year’s Baker Platt youth advocacy award.
Prior to moving to Hautlieu, she attended Le Rocquier School. ‘I came to Hautlieu because my brother had been and absolutely loved it, and I haven’t looked back since,’ she said. ‘It’s really sad to be leaving. I loved the atmosphere at Hautlieu. It’s totally different to any other school.’
Now that she has finished school she will be applying to go to university in New Zealand to study politics.
Head teacher Lesley Toms said that the trustees were delighted with the very high calibre of students who were shortlisted this year.
‘Many students had displayed the attributes of service to the school and the community celebrated by this award and had a very difficult task in their decision making,’ she said.
‘The trustees were impressed by the commitment and dedication of Rachael, who has shown through her support of so many school, charity and community events that she is an outstanding member of Hautlieu School.
‘The trustees are delighted to make this award to a truly outstanding member of the school community.’
