So it is no surprise the Columba College head prefect has developed an aptitude for debating.
"There have been some wars of words in my life so far. It's made me very competitive. I like getting up in front of people and having my say.''
Alice's ability to formulate and sustain an argument has served her well in public speaking and debating.
She has won Columba's speech competition for the past two years.
She is also captain of the school's A debating team and a member of the Otago/Southland debating team.
She believes she has been lucky to inherit her communication and leadership skills from her grandmother and great-grandmother, who were also head prefects at Columba College.
Becoming head prefect was one of her proudest moments.
‘‘It's pretty special. Maybe public speaking and leadership is in my blood.''
Alice's excellent time management skills allow her to combine academia with a wide range of co-curricular interests, including working with Youth Volunteer Otago, Students Against Driving Drunk, Otago Harbour Watch, Amnesty International, turning Columba into a Fair Trade School, helping to organise Columba's entry in Stage Challenge 2009 and coaching a junior miniball and volleyball team.
In the classroom, her academic ability is reflected in her NCEA level 1 and 2 excellence endorsements, which earned her two Academic Blues.
Alice is a conscientious and responsible leader who is respected by all when liaising with the student body, the staff and the wider school community.
Achievements: Head prefect (2009); academic Blues (2008 and 2009); Excellence endorsement in NCEA Levels 1 and 2; school tennis captain (2009); debating captain (2009); 1st XV football (2009); volleyball senior A (2009); Youth Volunteer Otago; Students Against Driving Drunk representative.
Role models: "People who are unfailingly positive, cheerful and sensitive to the needs and feelings of others."
Hopes for the future: To study law and neuroscience at the University of Otago.