Sophia Crestani
Sophia Michelle McMillan Crestani, the youngest of 3 children and a twin, grew up in Wellington.
She demonstrated her innate ability in mathematics at an early age, winning the St Benedict's School Mathematics cup and an academic scholarship to Queen Margaret College ( QMC ).
"Sophia was a people person with an engaging and sparkly personality who could light up any space. She had a love of life and a kind and caring nature."
Elspeth Crestani, Sophia's mother
During her time at QMC , Sophia was a Year 9 class prefect and peer tutor helping girls navigate their way through middle school. She would later be a Year 13 mentor as well.
Sophia was a caring and enthusiastic spirit with a creative flair, having her Year 13 wearable artwork “The Fallen” displayed at the National War Memorial, Hall of Memories as part of the centennial commemoration of the Passchendaele campaign.
Her mother Elspeth says, "Sophia was a people person with an engaging and sparkly personality who could light up any space. She had a love of life and a kind and caring nature."
She was also a sporty young woman, competing in a number of sports including netball, dragon boating and gymnastics.
Through her love of working with children she gave back to the community as a gymnastics coach and recreation co-ordinator.
"I think she would be proud. She wouldn't quite believe the way the community has come together and the commitment. I think she would have been proud as we are proud of everything she has done."
Bede Crestani, Sophia's dad
Sophia had moved from her hometown in Wellington to study mathematics and statistics at the University of Otago.
Sophia tragically died while attending a party in North Dunedin in October 2019.
For Sophia's parents, their daughter's death has been a loss that can never be rationalised, justified or forgotten. Through efforts like The Sophia Charter, Sophia's parents hope her death will lead to change.
The pair say they "want some good to come out of this, and by working with the students and support organisations, we hope to keep other students safe, so that they go home to their families and mature into caring, generous adults and have full lives.”
Sophia's Dad Bede says good is coming from the tragedy.
"It's such a tragic loss that we don't want anyone else to have to face it," he says. "I think she would be proud. She wouldn't quite believe the way the community has come together and the commitment. I think she would have been proud as we are proud of everything she has done."
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