Genevieve Cartmell - 2024 Dux
A passionate innovator and advocate for technology, Genevieve Cartmell leaves Epsom Girls Grammar School with a record of academic excellence, visionary leadership, and contribution to STEM education.
Genevieve began receiving national recognition for her work in technology and water quality monitoring at age 11. In Year 10, she founded SigmaEnigma, which went on to become the top-ranked all-girls high school team in the VEX Robotics Competition in Aotearoa. Under her leadership, which included overseeing operations, coding and sponsorship, the team won the national Design Award and qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championships in the United States. An elite event featuring the top 800 out of more than 20,000 teams globally.
Beyond competition, Genevieve worked to support a strong tech culture at EGGS. She led the Robotics Club and the Technical Committee, founded the VEX Robotics Club, and helped secure funding for equipment that will benefit students for years to come. Through this work, she mentored others and championed a culture of innovation and confidence.
Genevieve’s academic achievements include taking both Digital Technology and Calculus a year ahead, earning an NZQA Scholarship in Accounting, and receiving First in Course for COMPSCI 101 at the University of Auckland. She was awarded the Kathleen Mandeno and University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarships.
EGGS admired her strategic thinking, exceptional productivity, and commitment to empowering others. One of her most meaningful memories was watching younger students grow in confidence as they found their own passions in tech.
She also expresses gratitude to her Year 13 teachers: Miss Smith, Mr Tasneem, Ms Coldham, Mrs Heyes, Mr Nowell, and Mr Curwen, and the scholarship donors who helped open new opportunities for her.
In 2025, Genevieve began a conjoint Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce. Her goal is to develop innovative, real-world solutions using technology which address global challenges.
Her advice to younger students: “Find curiosity in your subjects and challenge yourself. You never know where it might lead.”
We can’t wait to see what she achieves in the future. Congratulations, Genevieve.
Per angusta ad augusta!
