Academic excellence is one of the defining characteristics of an Androvian, but at St Andrew’s College it is most valued when paired with leadership, service, curiosity and a genuine commitment to community. Lily Webster (Fr 2023) exemplifies these qualities.
At the 2026 Annual University & School Dinner, Lily was awarded the St Andrew’s Medal, recognising her as the highest-achieving resident student throughout her time at St Andrew’s.
During her three years studying Medical Science at the University of Sydney, Lily completed 26 subjects, achieving an extraordinary record of 24 High Distinctions and two Distinctions.
From the moment Lily arrived at St Andrew’s College as one of three recipients of the prestigious St Andrew’s Scholarship, she demonstrated the qualities that would come to define her time at St Andrew’s. The College’s flagship scholarship program recognises students with exceptional intellectual ability and the potential to make a significant positive contribution to the community and beyond. Over the next three years, Lily exceeded those expectations through her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, service and commitment to College life.
However, Lily says the Medal represents far more than outstanding results alone. For her, it reflects the balance she worked hard to maintain between pursuing academic excellence and embracing every aspect of life at St Andrew’s. Surrounded by peers who successfully balanced demanding degrees with leadership, work, sport and an active social life, Lily found herself continually inspired to challenge herself while contributing positively to the community. The experience, she says, also helped develop the skills and values that will continue to shape her future.
“To me, it is a symbol of the balance I tried to maintain throughout my time at St Andrew’s, pursuing academic goals alongside embracing the broader college experience and opportunities for personal growth that come with it.”
Throughout her time at St Andrew’s, Lily embraced opportunities well beyond her university studies. She served as a Pastoral Care Leader, supporting the wellbeing of fellow students and helping foster the strong sense of community for which St Andrew’s is known.
As one of the 2023 recipients of the St Andrew’s Scholars award, Lily says the scholarship support was transformative. Beyond providing financial assistance, the scholarship enabled her to fully immerse herself in College life while reinforcing the importance of making every opportunity count.
“More implicitly, the scholarship has ensured I am hyper-conscious of the value of each opportunity and has encouraged me to approach my time here with intention, commitment and a desire to contribute meaningfully.”
Lily credits much of her success to the people she met and the opportunities she embraced while living at St Andrew’s. The support of tutors, staff and fellow students broadened her thinking, while her experience as a Pastoral Care Leader proved equally formative, strengthening her leadership, communication and problem-solving skills through supporting students and working closely with staff and senior student leaders.
“Being in the Pastoral Care Leader role was especially formative. The role has involved both the visible side of leadership, such as running initiatives aimed at promoting student wellbeing, and the less visible but important responsibility of supporting students through the challenges that arise during college life. Managing these complex situations has taught me a lot about understanding others and finding the right solution.”
While Lily’s academic record is exceptional, she says it is the friendships and sense of belonging she will value most from her time at St Andrew’s. She believes the strength of the community extends well beyond graduation, with lasting connections continuing long after students leave College.
“My highlight has undoubtedly been the friendships formed and the sense of community that has come with them. These bonds have been built on unconditional support, honesty and shared experiences throughout the formative years of growth and change. What has made them particularly special is the breadth of those shared experiences – from the most mundane day-to-day moments to the more memorable and absurd ones.”
Following the completion of her Medical Science degree, Lily has commenced the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Sydney.
“Looking forward, my aspirations are grounded in contributing meaningfully to the community through practising medicine. I hope to use my training to support greater diversity and equity within healthcare, ensuring performance is always matched with empathy and compassion.”
Reflecting on her time at St Andrew’s, Lily offers simple advice to current and future students.
“Be grateful for the opportunity available to you, recognise the privilege associated with it and make the most of all that is available to you.”
As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, Lily says the foundations built at St Andrew’s will continue to shape both her personal and professional life.
“Looking ahead, I am most excited about the next stage of increased responsibility and self-reliance. College has been a fantastic launch pad between the school environment and university and professional life. I feel I have developed a range of skills and insights at College which I will continue to draw on in both my personal and professional development.”
As Lily continues her journey towards a career in medicine, she leaves St Andrew’s not only as the College’s highest-achieving student in her cohort but as a leader whose contribution to the community will have a lasting impact.