When service is both instinct and intention, remarkable things can unfold. For Madeleine Wilson, QMC’s 2025 Service Prefect, giving back has never been just a task – it’s been a creative, heartfelt calling grounded in the belief that small acts can change everything.

“Service has always been at the heart of QMC,” she reflects. “I was drawn to this role because I wanted to grow that spirit and create opportunities that felt meaningful and hands-on.”

Her definition of service is clear: noticing where you can help and choosing to act. “It’s about dignity, access, and empathy. Since taking on this role, I’ve realised service is also about listening,” Madeleine says. “Some of the most meaningful projects this year have come from hearing what other students and community members care about and finding ways to support those ideas."

The Pack a Pencil Case initiative that kickstarted Madeleine's service journey when she was 14 years old continues to make an impact. What began as a Year 10 Community Project has now delivered more than 1,000 stationery-filled pencil cases to students in low-decile schools across Lower Hutt and Porirua, breaking down barriers to learning and giving others the tools to succeed. She’s also extended the project to schools in Fiji and South Canterbury. Maddy has earned two Mayoral Awards for her incredible service work, including receiving a Civic Honours Award in August, presented to her by the Mayor of Lower Hutt, Mayor Campbell Barry.

But it wasn’t the accolades that shifted her thinking. “A recipient said, ‘I’ve never had my own stationery before.’ That comment stayed with me. It made me realise the power of giving and the importance of making others feel seen.”

This year, Madeleine led two service clubs through the Year 7-9 Queen’s Edge programme (Queen of Hearts Service Club) and the Years 1-6 Cross-Curricular programme (Service Club). Together, these service clubs have fundraised $4,000 to date for a life-saving AED, an automated external defibrillator used during sudden cardiac arrest.

Madeleine’s goal? To fund one AED for Hobson Street, benefitting the Thornton community, and a second AED to gift to another school. Service club students fundraised out in the community and made resin pocket hugs and stone magnets for the donors. “That project was about more than the money. We showed girls that their time and effort could literally help save lives.”

Madeleine’s leadership style is hands-on and inclusive – working with fellow prefects and younger students to embed service into everyday school life. From championing fundraising efforts for Relay for Life to partnering with our school charities Who Did You Help Today?, Embracing Hearts, and Wellington Free Ambulance, Madeleine’s opened doors for others to lead.

“I hope students walk away knowing they can make a difference now, not just later.”

As Madeleine prepares to leave QMC, she’s focused on passing the baton to the next generation of service clubs.

“I want service to be something students are excited about. I hope they see it as a way to connect, lead, and uplift others.”

Madeleine has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting others. Her work has not only mobilised her peers but also strengthened QMC’s culture of service and care.

In a recent social media post, Mayor Barry acknowledged Madeleine’s work, praising her for “making a serious impact and doing it all with heart, focus, and follow-through.” His words echo what our community already knows: Madeleine leads with heart, humility, and a fierce belief in the power of giving back. Her efforts reflect the values at the core of QMC – empathy, initiative, and a commitment to making the world better. We congratulate Madeleine on all her well-deserved recognition and can't wait to see what further impact her legacy of compassion creates, both at QMC and beyond.