Since graduating from Albury High School in 2016, Lewis Parrett has embarked on a remarkable journey, blending his passion for education and sport to make a significant impact in both fields.
After completing Year 12, Lewis took time to reflect on his future. He worked in various roles, from a pizza chef to a tool warehouse pick-and-packer, which gave him the flexibility to travel solo to America during his gap year. This experience reignited his passion for learning and set him on a path toward education.
“When I returned, I knew I wanted to make the world a better place through education,” Lewis explains. This drive led him to a role as a Special Learning Support Officer (SLSO) at James Fallon High School, where his interest in teaching was solidified.
Pursuing his passion, Lewis studied a double bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education (Secondary) at Swinburne University of Technology. After four years of dedicated study, including overcoming various interruptions, he graduated with distinction honours, fully prepared to make a difference in the classroom.
In 2022, Lewis began his teaching career at Melba College in Croydon, where his impact was immediate. He was entrusted with teaching Year 12 English in just his second year, a challenge he embraced head-on. The results were outstanding, with the college achieving its highest median study score in English since its merger in 2013.
The following year, Lewis was appointed VCE Leader, overseeing the academic progress of senior students. Under his leadership, Melba College achieved its highest-ever median study score and average ATAR. His success was attributed to the mentorship of experienced colleagues and a commitment to continuous professional development. As a result, Lewis was appointed Head of English and Literacy Teaching and Learning Specialist at the college.
“I’m excited to continue the excellent legacy of my predecessor and further build processes to support students in a holistic manner,” he says.
While Lewis’s career in education continues to thrive, he has also maintained his love for sport, particularly soccer. During his time at Albury High, Lewis was heavily involved in the school’s water polo and soccer teams. He played locally for Albury Tigers in water polo and for Albury Hotspurs in soccer. He also represented the Riverina in water polo, competing at the NSWCHS level, and contributed to the school’s soccer program by playing and umpiring matches.
After leaving school, Lewis continued playing football at a competitive level, earning promotion to State League 1 with Old Scotch SC in 2022. He also dedicated time to coaching, guiding both the boys' and girls' teams at Melba College to the regional stage, with the senior boys’ and junior girls’ teams performing exceptionally well.
Lewis’s journey is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and passion. From his time at Albury High to his current leadership role in education and sport, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I had at Albury High, especially in sport, which instilled a sense of teamwork and discipline that has been vital in both my career and personal life,” Lewis reflects.
Looking ahead, Lewis is excited to continue supporting students and fostering a love for learning while also contributing to the future success of his soccer teams. His journey, marked by hard work and a passion for education and sport, is just beginning, and there’s no doubt he will continue to inspire those around him.
