Head Prefects for 2026 Announced
At a special assembly on Friday 12 September 2025, Principal Andy Müller proudly announced the appointment of Ben Costa, Curtis Murphy, Natalie Nomikos, and Ella Whittaker as the School’s Head Prefects for 2026.
Principal Müller commended the group for their academic achievements, cocurricular involvement, and commitment to our School’s values. Staff and peers have consistently described them as respectful, determined, humble, and committed – qualities essential for strong leadership.
These are the citations shared during the special assembly, highlighting the leader profile of each appointed student:
Ben Costa
Ben has demonstrated both academic excellence and sporting leadership. He has consistently achieved Merit and Excellence awards, including the Sports Science Prize, and is a long-standing member of the First XI Cricket team. His contributions to cricket have been recognised with half colours, MVP honours, and the Shane Warne Bowling Award. Ben is also a Sergeant in the Army Cadet Unit and has been a strong leader in House sport and cultural events. Beyond school, he shows his commitment to service by supporting causes such as Movember, raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health.
Curtis Murphy
Curtis is an all-rounder who has made an impact in Performing Arts, House leadership, and community service. A talented musician, he plays three instruments, has performed in ensembles, rock bands, and jazz cabarets, and has assisted senior students in their music exams. He is also an active member of his House, taking on leadership roles and supporting inter-House events in the Riviera Campus. As a Sergeant in the Army Cadet Unit, Curtis embodies the value of service, regularly volunteering at Open Days and school events. Beyond school, he serves as a surf lifesaving volunteer and competes in lifesaving competitions, further showing his commitment to teamwork and community.
Natalie Nomikos
Natalie is a high achiever whose leadership and dedication have shone throughout her time at Mentone Grammar. She has received academic awards every year since Year 6, represented the School through the Monash Scholars Program, and served as both Eblana and Bayview Captain. Beyond the classroom, Natalie is Debating Captain, a member of the AFLW Firsts squad, and a Sergeant with the Army Cadet Unit, proudly representing the School at ANZAC services. She also gives back to the wider community through coaching junior basketball and volunteering with St John’s Youth Ambulance Service.
Ella Whittaker
Ella has embraced leadership across every area of school life. She has been a Middle School Wellbeing Captain, Concert Band Leader, and Sergeant in Cadets, while also excelling as a Touch Football player at both school and state level. Her talents extend to the Performing Arts, where she has achieved AMEB Grade 8 violin, performed as the lead in Aladdin (2021), and contributed to numerous ensembles and bands. Ella has been recognised with multiple academic awards and a Performing Arts pocket, while also supporting causes such as Connor’s Run, Stride4Stroke, and the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
In the words of Principal Müller, “Our student leaders don’t necessarily have to have the best grades, have the lead role on stage or be the best players, but they do have to embody positive attitude and outstanding learning behaviours. The four Head Prefects for 2026 have lived out both key attributes, and in so doing have reinforced the Mentone Spirit.”
We warmly congratulate our 2026 Head Prefects and wish them every success in the year ahead. We also acknowledge the many impressive Year 11 students who applied for this role and thank them for their contributions to leadership within our School.
Additionally, we thank our current Head Prefects – Darcy, Helena, Julian, and Ruby – for the exceptional leadership they’ve shown throughout 2025. Each brought their own strengths and perspectives to the role, and they should feel incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished. They will continue in their positions until the end of the VCE Journey alongside our new Head Prefects.