Jessica Waston OAM, K² Guest Speaker

We welcomed Jessica Watson OAM, the youngest person to sail solo and nonstop around the world at just 16 years old, to Kellett Prep School and Senior School! She shared her incredible journey, discussing resilience and dreaming big with our KellettY4, Y5, and Y6 students. Our SAMP (Student Athlete Mentoring Programme) students enjoyed a Q&A led by our talented student sailor Emily. Thanks to the K² for supporting this her visit. 

"What an unforgettable day! Our senior students were absolutely spellbound by the incredible Jessica Watson OAM, who become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop around the world, aged 16.  Her captivating storytelling and humble spirit inspired everyone, turning her into an instant hero for many.  I am sure that the students feel even more able to now push the limits of their comfort and face challenges head on. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet such a remarkable woman and are grateful to K² for making it possible. "

Joe Alsop, Head of Senior School

About Jessica Waston

Jessica Watson (OAM) (Medal of the Order of Australia) navigated some of the world’s most remote oceans and survived seven knockdowns and 210 days alone at sea to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop around the world, aged 16 in 2009. Upon completing the voyage, Jessica was met by the then Prime Minister who declared her an Australian hero.

In a simple speech that won admiration across Australia and around the world, she responded to the Prime Minister by announcing that she disagreed with him, that she didn’t consider herself a hero—just an ‘ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible’.

Overcoming early struggles with dyslexia, Jessica became a storyteller, firstly on her popular blog and then in her bestselling, internationally published book True Spirit. The documentary she filmed while at sea was narrated by Sir Richard Branson and a film adaption of Jessica’s story was released on Netflix in February 2023 (suitable for ages 10+).