St Hilda's College
I am delighted to announce that second-year History and Politics student, and current JCR President, Taeja Dawson-Smith has won this year’s Rachel McLean Award. Among an outstanding field of eleven nominees, Taeja’s contributions to outreach, college life, and the wider university marked her as the standout candidate.
Words by Elizabeth McCluskey, JCR Secretary 2025-26
The Award is given annually in memory of Rachel McLean, to the member of St. Hilda’s JCR who ‘has improved college life and/or raised the profile of the college within the University.’ It recognises the outstanding contributions that students have made to the St. Hilda’s community, as leaders, team-players, and most importantly, as friends. In my role as JCR Secretary, I am responsible for organising this event, from nominations, through to running the ceremony itself.
Taeja’s dedication to her role as JCR President goes far beyond what is expected of the role. She is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds through outreach schemes like Target Oxbridge and UNIQ, advocates for the college at university-wide meetings, and has directed plays with the Oxford University Drama Society. She works in the college bar and in the Jaqueline Du Pré, highlighting her roles in all aspects of college life. Receiving three nominations for the Award, she is universally respected by staff and students alike as the leader of the JCR community.
Her constant contributions to life at St. Hilda’s have embodied the spirit of the Rachel McLean Award entirely. Through her leadership, and commitment to college, she has made significant and lasting positive change, and we were all very proud to celebrate her many achievements.
We would also like to highlight the significant achievements of the remaining shortlisted candidates, representing the very best of what St. Hilda’s can be:
Ella Gaskin (2nd Year, Biology), for setting up St. Hilda’s Run Club, creating a safe and welcoming space for students, and for advocating for women in STEM through her extracurricular roles.
Charlotte Macari (2nd Year, English), for her commitment to St. Hilda’s feminist legacy, as Womxn’s Representative, through her revival of the St. Hilda’s Feminist Society, and through her journalistic endeavours.
Rosie Sutton (2nd Year, Music), for her outstanding role in the Oxford drama, music, and arts scenes, reviving St. Hilda’s Drama Society, and expanding Arts Week to new heights, building a stronger artistic community at college.
The full list of nominees includes: Charlotte Allen (3rd Year, History), Thomas Bessant (1st Year, Maths), Pranav Choudhary (2nd Year, Maths & Computer Science) Taeja Dawson-Smith (2nd Year, History & Politics) Aimée Dixson (3rd Year, English), Ella Gaskin (2nd Year, Biology), Peter Hardisty (2nd Year, Music), Fathima Imthiyaz (2nd Year, Medicine), Charlotte Macari (2nd Year, English), Rosie Sutton (2nd Year, Music), and Madeleine Wilson (2nd Year, French).
Each nominee has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their community. Their contributions to college and university life in fields as wide-ranging as journalism, musical theatre, and sport, highlight the very best of what St. Hilda’s can achieve. I was proud to read every single nomination, and picking a winner was undoubtedly a difficult choice.
Congratulations once again to Taeja, and to all our nominees!
The 36th Annual Rachel McLean Award will take place next Trinity Term, 2027.