ANNOUNCEMENT | YOUNG MENTONIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2025 🎉
On Tuesday 3 March, we were delighted to announce the Young Mentonian of the Year Award recipient, Kate Hore (Class of 2012). Although Kate was unable to join us, her parents, Jeff and Louise Hore, were thrilled to accept the award on her behalf. Jeff shared how honoured Kate felt to be recognised and passed on her sincere apologies for not being able to attend.
Kate has achieved extraordinary success as an elite athlete, leader and advocate. As captain of Melbourne’s AFLW team for three seasons, she combined outstanding on-field performance with meaningful work off the field, including mentoring emerging players, championing gender equality and strengthening community engagement. Her influence has helped shape the AFLW nationally and continues to inspire young people to pursue their passions with courage and determination.
The Young Mentonian of the Year Award celebrates Mentonians aged 35 and under who are making a difference in Australia or overseas through exceptional contributions in their profession or their passions. Kate exemplifies this spirit beautifully.
We’ll also be sharing a short video message from Kate, recorded before she headed overseas, as a warm thank you from her to our community.
In keeping with her commitment to supporting young people, Kate has chosen to donate her prize money to the Jim Stynes Foundation, where she serves on the board. The Foundation strives to create a generation of happy, healthy and resilient young people. At its core, it supports programs focused on youth leadership, wellbeing, and access to sporting opportunities, with a strong emphasis on delivering positive health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
This announcement took place on Founders Day, as we celebrated 20 Years of Coeducation at Mentone Grammar. Since 2006, coeducation has brought new voices, talents and perspectives into our School, enriching our culture and strengthening the foundations of respect, inclusion and shared experience that define our students’ journey.
✨ Congratulations to Kate Hore, our 2025 Young Mentonian of the Year. Her dedication, leadership and spirit embody the very best of our Mentonian values, and both the School and the Mentonians Association are immensely proud of her inspiring commitment, kindness and determination.
