It is a remarkable achievement for two School Captains at The King’s School to achieve first in the state for their respective HSC courses, with Ethan Zhu (‘24) in German Extension and James Napoli (‘25) in Agriculture.
2024 School Captain Ethan Zhu embraced every opportunity the School offered him in academics and beyond the classroom. At graduation, he received the prize for German Extension and German Continuers, The King’s School Lodge Prize for Economics, the Alan Mitchell Prize, the Burkitt Shield and the Reverand Canon Wallace Mort Prize for Dux of the School.
Ethan’s breadth of achievements speaks to his well-roundedness. He earned Honour Colours in Academics, Debating and Music, as well as Full Colours in Athletics and Cross Country. His contributions extended to numerous academic clubs, including The Twelve Club, the Student Colloquium, the Da Vinci Decathlon Team and the Business and Investing Club. In 2023, Ethan founded the Debating and Public Speaking Club.
The same year, Ethan became only the second Kingsman to win the prestigious Lawrence Campbell Oratory Prize, a highly competitive impromptu speaking contest involving students from leading public and private schools across NSW.
In addition to his role as School Captain, Ethan served as Britten House Captain and a Company Commander as a Cadet Under Officer (CUO) in The King’s School Cadet Corps. He also completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
A keen athlete, Ethan represented the School in Athletics and Rowing. In 2022, he was part of the 1st Junior VIII Rowing Crew, which achieved victory at the Head of the River and the U17 Australian Rowing Championships. “I was never really interested in sport before King’s. The sports programs are a perfect example of how the care shown by the staff directly contributes to our success,” says Ethan.
Despite his numerous accolades, Ethan remains humble. “The awards I’ve received are special but what means the most to me is how King’s has helped me grow in character. The School has supported me in living out its values.”
2025 School Captain James Napoli completed the HSC Agriculture course as a Year 11 accelerant student, receiving the Agriculture Prize. At the 2024 Presentation Day, James also received the Geography Prize and a Certificate for Academic Proficiency for his efforts throughout Year 11.
Before he was appointed School Captain, James has held several leadership positions at the School, including President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Dalmas House Monitor and Gowan Brae Monitor. He has had significant involvement in the Cadet Corps, including as Colour Corporal and Colour Sergeant and he has now been promoted to Cadet Under Officer.
“I try to learn from every experience and apply those learnings in the next situation, as well as continuing to immerse myself in team environments. I love hearing everyone’s perspectives because that diversity really shapes King’s and the Monitorial team. We’re lucky at King’s to have such variety in ideas, culturally and academically, even in the sports we play,” he says.
James is also an enthusiastic swimmer, which helps to balance out his academic work. As the incoming Swimming Captain and having received Honour Colours for Swimming, James is a year-round swimmer, as well as a State and National medallist.
“The early mornings can be challenging, but the self-discipline required for swimming has enabled me to develop a broad range of skills. Juggling sport and co-curricular activities while ensuring I still do my best academically is, of course, a challenge, but one I welcome.” He says.
The King’s School congratulates both Captains for their exceptional achievements, recognising their vast contribution to the School community and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours.