One of the School’s most impressive young men, 2025 Vice Captain Oscar Hill, is an outstanding leader who has excelled across every facet of School life. From the stage to the track, he left no stone unturned during his time at King’s, making him a worthy recipient of the Alan Mitchell Prize for the best all-round boy.
“King’s gave me mentors, teachers and peers who always encouraged me to aim higher. More than anything, it was a school that felt in equal measures like a safety net and a springboard. The high standards and the opportunities in leadership, sport and service pushed me beyond my comfort zone.”
Oscar shone in leadership roles, representing his cohort on the Student Representative Council from Years 8 to 11, for which he earned Full Colours. He also received the 2024 HEL Ryrie Prize for efficiency at work and games and for influence on the life of the School.
In his final year, Oscar served as School Vice Captain and Adjutant of The King’s School Cadet Corps. He displayed exceptional interpersonal skills, calm judgement, compassion and respect, virtues for which he will be long remembered by the younger students he so graciously led.
“Serving as the Vice Captain of the School alongside James and the Monitorial team was an incredible privilege that allowed me to support and develop younger boys, broaden my impact across the School and contribute to the rich culture that defines The King’s School.”
As Adjutant, he served as the senior cadet responsible for the administration, coordination and overall running of the Cadet Corps, acting as the key link between the Cadet Under Officers and Staff Officers. In this leadership role, he also acted as Parade Commander for the 159th Annual Cadet Corps Regimental Passing Out Parade and played a central role in facilitating the planning and delivery of the Annual Field Exercise.
The King’s School Cadet Corps Commanding Officer, LTCOL (AAC) Brendan Stewart says that Oscar was one of the best Adjutants with whom he had the privilege of working. “Oscar is a natural leader who will no doubt go on to do great things in his life”.
According to Oscar, the Annual Field Exercise was a highlight of his time in the Corps. “I was able to work closely with staff and senior cadets to coordinate planning, develop a love for the Corps in younger cadets, and ensure the camp ran smoothly while maintaining morale and discipline. My most memorable experiences in the Cadet Corps, however, were the conversations around the campfire and the profound sense of pride and achievement that came from completing the trek.”
“I’ve come to see leadership is really about mentorship. The best leaders make you believe in them, but more importantly, help you believe in yourself. This year taught me to stay composed when things get tough, to listen before acting and to help others find their strengths.”
In addition to his legacy of outstanding leadership, Oscar pursued many other passions and talents in school life. He was Vice Captain of Cross Country and a two-year member of the 1st squad, for which he received Full Colours. Oscar brought quiet determination to long sessions on the track. He trained with the Athletics Squad and contested the 800 metres at AAGPS in 2023. An exceptional performing arts student, Oscar stepped confidently into the theatre with appearances in Jersey Boys and Amadeus in 2024. He received the academic prize for Drama, ranking first in his cohort. His achievements were recognised by an OnStage selection for his HSC Individual Project and a nomination for his group performance.
At the heart of his co-curricular life was service for the betterment of the community. Through the King’s Big Sleepout, the Vinnies Van Night Patrols, Rough Edges and visits to Karonga School, alongside completion of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, Oscar translated the School’s values into purposeful action that strengthened others in our local community.
For Oscar, to be a Kingsman is to be a man for others, to be someone who upholds and lives out the values of The King’s School, carries himself with respect and integrity, and approaches every challenge with confidence and resilience.
Looking ahead, Oscar intends to study law at the University of New South Wales. He is still exploring specific pathways, yet he hopes to remain connected to the formation of young men and the development of leadership and character in others. In 2026 he plans to travel, spend time with friends and continue running before commencing his degree.
“The greatest lesson I’ve learnt at King’s is the value of embracing the opportunities available to you and really discovering for yourself who you are and who you want to be as a future leader of tomorrow.”
“I will always look back on King’s with deep gratitude; as a community that gave me the freedom to pursue my passions, the courage to step beyond my comfort zone, and the privilege of being shaped by its long tradition of history and leadership.”