Ginnie Thorner wins Marily Scanlon Award

After dedicating 21 years to St Andrew’s College, excelling as a teacher and production director, and in 2025, leading both the Preparatory and Senior Drama programmes, Performing Arts Co-ordinator and Dance and Drama Teacher, Ginnie Thorner, was awarded the Marily Scanlon Award for Teaching Excellence at the 2025 Prizegiving.

Rector, Mark Wilson, says Ginnie’s ‘strong, passionate and clear’ approach to teaching and directing sets exceptionally high standards for herself and her students.

“Ginnie’s capacity and personal commitment to direct and support major productions annually at St Andrew’s, in addition to her full teaching load, has been exemplary. She inspires creativity, confidence, and collaboration, fostering a culture of excellence, or arête, within the performing arts. Her productions consistently amaze audiences with their quality and professionalism.”

Nationally recognised for her expertise, Ginnie also shares her knowledge through conferences and mentoring, strengthening arts education beyond St Andrew’s.

Ginnie is the 19th recipient of the Marily Scanlon Award, which was established in memory of Marily Scanlon by her husband, former Board member, Jay Scanlon, and honours an educator who has made a significant impact.