Q&A with Elke Sprunt – A Life of Service, Sport & Heart
From student athlete to global volunteer, Elke Sprunt (Jenzen, 1988) has carried the Santa Maria spirit across continents and into many lives. We caught up with Elke to hear her reflections on her time at the College and her inspiring work with Make-A-Wish Australia.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Santa Maria?
“I spent eight years at SMC and enjoyed meeting new friends after moving there from a primary school in Rossmoyne. I loved participating in the school swim team and athletics team as well. Sports and fitness were and still are a big part of my life and the place I feel most comfortable.”
A standout memory? “Sitting out on the green lawn in Year 12 with the incredible view of Perth city is also a great core memory for me.”
Were there any teachers or experiences that particularly inspired you?
“Mrs Lievense, Miss Lenzo and Sister Consilii stand out to me as teachers who were positive leaders while I was there. I also adored our Principal Sister Sheila.”
Her leadership left a lasting impression: “If it is to be – it is up to me.” That was our principal’s catch phrase while I attended. I still believe this to be true today – only we can make a change, rather than always expecting others to change for us.
What’s your journey been like since graduating?
After studying Early Childhood Education at Edith Cowan University, Elke did an exchange to the University of Missouri before teaching pre-primary for five years. Life took her overseas, first to Houston, where she volunteered in schools and libraries while raising twin girls, then back to Perth, where she had two boys.
“In 2010 we moved to California for three and a half years and then up to Calgary Alberta for another three years. I volunteered in the library and at Meals on Wheels helping deliver food to people in difficult situations.”
Returning to Perth with four high schoolers, she found time again to give back.
What inspired you to join Make-A-Wish?
“I saw a friend working on an incredible wish and thought I have time, energy and enthusiasm for that,” Elke says. She is now president of the local branch, supporting 48 children and their families.
“Our wishes are wide and varied and super specific to the child and their ‘dreams and hopes’… We (as volunteers) are a small part of this equation, but I think the most important part, as we are the personal touch ‘on the ground’.”
Can you share a wish story that has stayed with you?
“This year I worked with a local child and her incredible family, and we brought her wish to life. She had a private performance from the Perth Symphony Orchestra… the emotion and magic in that room was incredibly powerful to be a part of.”
What keeps you motivated?
“The impact we can have on the journey for the child and their family is quite incredible. The excitement, anticipation, and joy that surround a wish are contagious. It reminds me of the strength of the human spirit and our ability to uplift others with our passion.”
What keeps you motivated?
“The impact we can have on the journey for the child, and their family is quite incredible. The excitement, anticipation, and joy that surrounds a wish is contagious. It reminds me of the strength of the human spirit and our ability to uplift others with our passion.”
Any advice for current Santa Maria students?
“Find something you are passionate about and that you can provide time and energy to. You will be so amazed at your ability to pour into others when you can see the difference you can make in someone else’s life.”
Elki is excited about the upcoming signature Make a Wish event Wishes at Sunset, celebrating 40 years of wishes. The event is on Sunday 21 September. For more information, click here.
Elke’s story is a beautiful reminder that leadership comes in many forms, through service, resilience, and the quiet power of showing up for others.
From her days on the athletics field at Santa Maria to creating magic through Make-A-Wish, Elke continues to live out the values instilled during her time at the College.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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