The St Andrew’s Scholarship is awarded to exceptional young individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, are engaged in life, and show a strong commitment to contributing positively to their communities. Selected for their potential to enrich College life and make a lasting impact beyond St Andrew’s, our Scholars embody the values at the heart of our community.
We spoke with our 2025 Scholars, Lucy Smith, Kevin Hua, and Miriam Palazzi, whose diverse backgrounds and aspirations reflect the spirit of leadership, service, and personal growth that defines the St Andrew’s experience. Their stories offer an inspiring glimpse into the transformative opportunities a St Andrew’s Scholarship provides.
Lucy Smith
Lucy Smith (Fr 2025) is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney. Originally from a semi-rural town in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, Lucy chose St Andrew’s College for its strong sense of community and supportive environment for students living away from home.
What unique opportunities have you participated in since moving to College?
Even though I’ve only had a short time at St Andrew’s, the number of opportunities to get involved has been amazing. The biggest challenge has been learning what to say “no” so I can fully commit to the things I say “yes” to, a valuable life skill that St Andrew’s teaches early.
One of the highlights has been making the Rosebowl Rowing team. I loved training with the squad and all the team bonding, including the team traditions outside of training. Sport has always been a big part of my life, so being able to continue getting involved and competing has been amazing.
I’ve also really enjoyed the Pastoral Care Leader (PCL) initiatives, they’re a great way to connect with others and build friendships. I’ve taken part in as many as I can, including playing guitar at Jam Night. Even other student-run events like Family Week have been great ways to mingle and get to know the older students.
What have been some of your favourite moments at College so far?
Even though it’s still early days, St Andrew’s has already become a home for me. While the official events are always fun, my favourite moments have been all the impromptu hangouts with other students – having a guitar jam late into the night, or studying together on the hallway floor, the little moments are the most special to me. Living together brings people closer. We see each other at our best and worst, all figuring out adulthood together.
What would you say to inspire younger students who might look up to you as a role model in your community?
Set yourself the biggest goal you can think of, and you will probably reach it. Success is built on consistent effort, humility, and resilience. As the quote goes, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” When challenges arise, embrace them as opportunities to grow, draw strength from your faith and values, and remember that your identity is more than your achievements. Most of all, be grateful for the support in your life, and look for ways to support and strengthen others.
Kevin Hua
Kevin Hua (Fr 2025) is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Economics at the University of Sydney. Originally from a farm in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, Kevin chose St Andrew’s College for the College’s belief in his potential to make a meaningful impact.
For Kevin, St Andrew’s represents more than academic opportunity; it is a community that fosters purpose and collective responsibility. He was drawn to St Andrew’s emphasis on student development and its culture of striving for the greater good. Motivated by this ethos, Kevin hopes to contribute to the College’s legacy of excellence and ensure it continues to serve as “a beacon of opportunity, progress, and growth.”
What unique opportunities have you participated in since moving to College?
Since arriving, I’ve immersed myself in experiences that have truly shaped my journey. Contributing to the student blog, Drew’s News, was a real honour, and I’ve been fortunate to be selected for both the Palladian Oration and Choir. Speaking on the election night panel was another powerful moment, and I’m looking forward to playing in the Rawson Basketball competition.
I’ve also enjoyed the quieter things, joining Run Club, playing in social futsal and touch footy on the weekends, and indulging in PCL’s Tea and Tim Tams has offered a great way to build friendships. St Andrew’s Leadership course has been particularly eye-opening, giving me the chance to work alongside academics and reflect on what it means to lead with purpose. Attending the Scholar’s Dinner and the ANZAC Day service helped me understand the deeper meaning of community here. One of the most meaningful things I’ve done is give tours to prospective students, helping them feel welcome and showing them what makes this place so special.
What have been some of your favourite moments at College so far?
If I’ve learning anything, it’s that the most meaningful moments often aren’t scheduled or celebrated. They’re found in the everyday: late-night talks with Rev that begin with a Bible verse and end with life’s biggest questions, a small joke that lifts someone’s day, a staff member who remembers your name.
These moments don’t come with applause, but they stay with you. That’s the real beauty of this place, its potential to build something deeper than tradition, something rooted in care. Here, leadership isn’t about who speaks the loudest or does the most outrageous thing. It’s about those who uplift others.
At our best, we are a community that sees across year groups, disciplines, and differences. The opportunity of being here isn’t just to belong, but to help others feel they belong too.
Miriam Palazzi
Miriam Palazzi (Fr 2025) is studying a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney. Originally from Lovedale, a rural suburb on the outskirts of Cessnock, NSW, Mim was drawn to St Andrew’s for its academic, social, and recreational opportunities, as well as its vibrant and inclusive culture.
What unique opportunities have you participated in since moving to College?
There has been so much to love about living at St Andrew’s! I have participated in academic tutorials for all my subjects, I have completed the Leadership Essentials Course, and I’ve attended the Law School Basics seminars.
I’ve joined Book Club, gone on Walk & Talk, participated in Family Week, and so much more. I’ve also tried out for Rosebowl and Palladian events, including netball, choir and solo vocal. I’m having so much fun and can’t wait to keep getting more involved.
What have been some of your favourite moments at College so far?
Living at St Andrew’s has been amazing, and I have met so many wonderful people who made me feel right at home. I remember being so nervous about moving out of home for the first time, but everyone was so welcoming from the start. There hasn’t been one standout moment. Instead, I’ve loved gradually getting to know people better each day. The students here are incredibly talented, and I am honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to live and learn with such amazing people.
What would you say to inspire younger students who might look up to you as a role model in your community?
The most important thing is to believe in yourself!
Whenever I heard about someone receiving a scholarship like this one, I would assume there was something special about them, something amazing. I almost didn’t apply because I thought I had no chance. It was my best friend and my school’s Careers Advisor who convinced me to apply. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here.
Others will see potential in you that you don’t always see in yourself. So don’t let your own self-doubt stop you. Never count yourself out because of what you think you aren’t, because even if you consider yourself ordinary, you can achieve exceptional things.
Read more about last year’s 2024 St Andrew’s Scholars: Marcel Forrer, Nathan Sewart and Atlanta Gervasoni.