Aquinas College proudly welcomed back a distinguished alumna this week to help celebrate the achievements of today’s standout students.
Kimberly D’Mello, the college’s 2016 Dux and Head Girl, returned to speak at the first Honours Assembly of 2025, delivering an inspiring and entertaining message about overcoming hurdles and pursuing dreams.
A qualified doctor and medical researcher at Auckland Hospital, she shared the unexpected twists and turns on her journey to graduate top in general medicine — telling students that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.
“We need to learn to fail,” she said. “Roadblocks are chances to [build resilience] and come back stronger than before.”
Her message to the student body of 2025? Seize every opportunity, hold onto your dream, and trust that everything is possible.
During the April 8 assembly, Ms D’Mello presented High Honour Awards to 28 students who placed in the top three of a national competition or earned selection as NZ representatives. An additional 55 students received Honour Awards for their outstanding accomplishments. All of the awards were for achievements in the fields of academics, the Arts, culture or summer sports.
Challenging New Zealand’s tall poppy mindset, Ms D’Mello encouraged students to shift the culture by supporting and celebrating one another’s successes. (She aims to become an ENT specialist.)
The morning concluded with a special morning tea for award recipients and their families. A second Honours Assembly will take place later in the year.
