Close to 80 members of the BGS community connected over canapés and community spirit at a special event announcing the winners of the 2025 Betty Howell Awards.  

Since 2011, the School has held the annual award ceremony, Celebrating Our Community, recognising volunteers who go above and beyond to make Brisbane Grammar School a better place and to give our boys the best education possible. 

They are named in honour of Mrs Joan Elizabeth “Betty” Howell, a dedicated volunteer who served the School for more than 25 years.  

Betty was the wife of former Headmaster Mr Maxwell Howell and although she never held any official positions, she was a leader and mentor to others in the P&F Auxiliary and the Art Committee. She volunteered at important school events, such as Foundation Day, Speech Night, and Open Day, and served as a maternal figure to many boarders and day students.  

This year, five people were announced as the 2025 award winners. Each award winner was recognised for their unique skillset and contribution to different school programs, but the common theme was their ability to make people feel heard and their willingness to roll up their sleeves to get the job done – without ever asking for anything in return. 

Winners of the 2025 Betty Howell Awards 

• John and Rachel Emery 

• Jill and Michael James 

• Karuna Hoole 

On the night, Headmaster Anthony Micallef said: “Volunteerism has long been a key strength of this school. It has helped model for our students the core truth that to lead is also to serve.” 

He quoted Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  

“This quote is especially pertinent to a school setting, where education is not only about achievement but also about shaping character and values,” Mr Micallef said. 

“When students witness and participate in acts of service, they learn that true fulfillment comes from contributing to the wellbeing of others.” 

Congratulations to all recipients of the Betty Howell Award for 2025.