Introducing Ebony Okonkwo (’25), the 2025 Old Girls’ Prize Recipient

In 2025, School Captain Ebony Okonkwo (’25) was the recipient, the culmination of her time at St Margaret’s that was full of spirit, community and passion. 

Ebony joined the St Margaret’s community in 2020 and since her first day was actively involved across extra-curriculars, leadership opportunities and immersed within the St Margaret’s community. Most notably, Ebony’s sporting capabilities have been highlighted in her numerous awards: Athletics Rising Star 2020, Athletics Spirit Award 2021, Athletics Most Valuable Player and Touch Football ‘Autumn Team of the Year’ 2022, Athletics State Representative Award 2023, and Athletics State Representative, Most Valuable Player, and Senior Athletics Champion in 2024. She participated in the QRSS Track and Field State Championships 2022-2024, Queensland Athletics All Schools 2023-2024, Queensland Athletics Championships 2021-2025, Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships 2022-2023, Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championships 2023, and Chemist Warehouse National Schools Challenge Final 2023-2024 – to name just a few of her incredible pursuits during her time as a Maggies girl. She served as School Captain, Prefect, and Dragonette in her final year of school. 

To be the recipient of the Old Girls’ Prize was, for Ebony, yet another highlight of her time at St Margaret’s, encompassing all that she embodied as a leader and as a peer.

“I’ve always just tried to be myself and lead with kindness. I don’t seek recognition, but being acknowledged by my peers and school community is incredibly meaningful to me. To me, this award isn’t about achievements but the values I try to live by and what I try to give to others, and I’m just incredibly grateful and humbled to receive it.”

In 2026, Ebony will be heading to university to pursue her interest in medicine, studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast in a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, with the hopes of gaining entry to Bond University’s Medical Program in May. While leaving the familiarity and community of St Margaret’s can be daunting, Ebony is excited for the next stage in her life and to pursue her passions.

“This year, since I’ll be going up to the Sunshine Coast and potentially down to the Gold Coast, I’m most looking forward to making new friends outside my Brisbane circle. I just think that’s so exciting while also not being too far from family and my friends up here.”

For Ebony, sport was the cornerstone of her St Margaret’s experience, unifying both her individual journey as a student, but also the one she went on in her various sporting teams, and more broadly, with her cohort, teachers, coaches, and everyone who was part of her journey.

“I feel like my whole six years here has been quite memorable, but the QGSSSA Athletics season was always something I looked forward to every year. Although athletics is an ‘individual sport’ the strong connections you make with girls across all events and year levels is something truly indescribable.

“It really does take a village and all my teachers, my amazing Head of Year, Mrs Barber, and my friends and family have all supported me one way or another and have played such a big role in my time at Maggies. I’m just beyond grateful for the amazing people around me.”

There is little doubt that Ebony has had a lasting impact on the St Margaret’s community and her peers via her leadership, authenticity and passion – we wish her all the best for her future endeavours!

By Lizzie Fowler (’19)

Relationships & Mentoring Manager