WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
PETER WICKING (1965)
In 2021 ex-student Peter Wicking - Class of 1965 - was announced as a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipient for service to education and youth mental health. We congratulate Peter on this incredible recognition. Read more here
JORDAN STOUT (2010)
Jordan Stout class of 2010, ran a double marathon (84km) in 2020 to raise money for mental health. It is with enormous pride and admiration that we announce that Jordan raised $10,000! He is making a donation to fund all 365 Year 10 students in 2021, to experience the Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman programs here at McKinnon Secondary College.
What a phenomenal legacy for Jordan to leave behind at McKinnon all these years after graduating, and for this our community will be forever grateful.
Read HERE for more details of his journey
CAITLIN COHEN (2016)
Caitlin graduated from McKinnon in 2016 and went on to study Psychology at Monash University. Following her undergraduate degree, she undertook a fourth-year honours program at St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Caitlin’s thesis, which focused on psychological outcomes of peri-operative delirium is under review and should be published shortly.
Caitlin returned to McKinnon to speak to psychology students about her pathway since leaving school. It was a great chance for students to hear some practical tips about study, work and getting a job. Read HERE for more details about Caitlin.
STEVEN SMITH (1973)
Steven Smith (Class of ’73) has led an amazing and diverse sporting and professional career, which has been recognized with his election of Honorary Life Membership of the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Steven joins an elite group of 86 to have their contribution to MCC history fully acknowledged and includes royalty, State Premiers and extraordinary sporting names since the foundation of MCC in 1838.
Steven is a lawyer, specializing in property law and has the great honour of being the first Little League Aussie Rules player to play at the elite level when debuting for Melbourne Football Club.
We must also make note of the remarkable link McKinnon has to MCC history with Steven’s award but also with Thistlelonians Heather Penson (Trumble) ‘63 and George Trumble ’67 whose grandfather was longtime MCC administrator Hugh Trumble, awarded MCC Honorary Life Membership in 1904. Read more about Steven’s citation HERE
SARAH DOLLARD (1997)
Congratulations to ex-student Sarah Dollard (class of 1997) who was an Emmy nominee this year for her role as a Producer on Bridgerton. Her career also includes Neighbors, Merlin, Pimeval and Doctor Who, with more projects on the way. What a career!!! Read more here and here.
SU OH (2014)
Earlier this year, Su Oh (Class of 2014) won the Australian Women's PGA title and secured the inaugural Karrie Webb Trophy. Having her father caddying for her must have added to the celebrations. Congratulations Su, and best wishes for the golfing year!
JAMES FRENCHEVILLE (2009)
In addition to his growing resume; James Frecheville (Class of 2009) has recently landed an onscreen role with the world wide smash hit TV show - Peaky Blinders!
James is also known for his lead role in the Australian film Animal Kingdom as Joshua "J" Cody. Read more about his career HERE
CHLOE JAMES (2019)
Chloe James and The Midnight Band recently launched a new song and video "Skin". The band is made up of mainly ex McKinnon students: Chloe James, Jonathon Pardo and Grace James. Pitsa was very kind to allow them to film the video in the Alan Lawrence Theatre and the sound and lighting was done by another talented ex student, Michael Birkett. Watch the video here
MELINA AYRES (2017)
Another Thistlelonian to claim a sporting accolade is Melbourne Victory Melina Ayres, a striker playing in the A-League Womens competition. Victory claimed the Championship last season and Melina has played a pivotal role with the team since joining in 2018, just after completing her studies at McKinnon.
Melina has recently made a European move, joining one of Iceland's most successful sides. We wish her further success in her professional football career.
COCO GREENBERG (2020)
Congratulations to Coco Greenberg - Class of 2020 - who was recently awarded the Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne.
The Hanson Scholarship is one of the most valuable undergraduate scholarships in the nation. Scholars receive accommodation, funding for international exchange, a bespoke program of mentoring, access to cultural and social events, and pastoral care.
We could not be more proud of Coco and she is such a worthy recipient.
YVETTE COPPERSMITH (1998)
Yvette Coppersmith (Class of 1998) was a 2022 Archibald Prize finalist with her oil on jute linen piece 'Ella Simons seated'. Yvette is a previous Archibald prize winner (2018)
MATT BERRIMAN (2002)
Matt Berriman - Class of 2002 - is a former professional cricketer, technology entrepreneur and now Chair of Mental Health Australia.
Matt returned to McKinnon to speak to Year 12 students about his pathway since leaving school. It was a great chance for students to hear about his resilience, and experiences with Mental Health issues.
Matt highlighted that things don’t always go to plan, and how important it is to build a strong support network of people around you. Matt delivered an engaging, inspiring message to the McKinnon students and we thank him for his valuable time.
