Lily Knox - Arts Prefect

Hi! My name’s Lily, I love art and photography, and I drive a little red moped to school, because I’m still (..still!) on my learner’s licence.

I went to the wonderful Balaclava primary school and intermediate at Balmacewen. At a glance, I am - born and raised in Dunedin, a day girl, tragic at anything athletic (doesn't stop me pouring my soul into a Just Dance though), and came to St Hilda’s in Year 9 after walking round the art rooms on Open Night, goggly-eyed.

I think I’ve spent more time in the Arts Building this year than at home, to be honest, which is no surprise given my subject choices (Photography, Art, Digi, Media Studies and Drama). St Hilda’s is one of my favourite places in the world. This year I’ve spent a lot of my spare time learning how to work the theatre lighting, building on my work with photography studio lighting, and this has been so valuable. If there’s one thing you can guarantee, our Arts Assemblies will be lit with colour like a show on Broadway.

I’m also a leader of the St Hilda’s Queer Straight Alliance, and the school Pride Week we organised has got to be one of my most rewarding moments at St Hilda’s. I have a passion for film-making, writing, debating (I competed at Debating Nationals this year on the Otago team), and anything creative. This year, I’m trying to sew some of my clothes (I sewed a semi-successful formal dress), and taking daily fashion inspiration from the humble road cone - bright, unnaturally colourful, unfailing high-vis.

One of my favourite things about being a Prefect this year has been working with Stella. She’s so creative and cool, and such an awesome soul. You’ll find us hatching plans for chalk art competitions, painting exhibitions, and general artsy world domination. And the Prefect team. (Where would I be without them?). They’re incredible. St Hilda’s is in good hands.

When I think about all the opportunities I’ve had - from competing in the 48HOUR film competition with my school team (5 years and counting!) to the St Hilda’s ShowQuest, I can’t believe how lucky I am. I get to spend my school day painting, organising photoshoots, performing, designing websites, making movies… Are you kidding?! An 11 year old Lily couldn’t be happier. We have the most incredible, kind, supportive teachers and staff - they’ve helped me get through a lot and taught me so much. I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am.

I have no idea what I want to do with my life after St Hilda’s. Concert photographer? Wedding planner? Artist in a tiny, high-rise apartment in Tokyo? Perhaps, as I confidently told Mr Potter in Year 10 social studies, I will be the Prime Minister! - But don’t get your hopes up, Mum. I think I’m going to take a gap year and travel to England and South Korea, spending a year seeing what happens. What I do know is that I’m excited for it. No matter where I end up in the world, I’ll take a bit of St Hilda’s with me wherever I go.