On their very first day of Year 7 at St Stephen’s School Carramar, Jake Guyton and Taome Woolsey were seated together in the same homeroom by their teacher, Ms Chin. Neither could have known that the friendship sparked that day would become a relationship spanning nearly two decades, leading to careers in public service and a wedding planned for May 2027.
As members of Parresia, both Jake and Taome immersed themselves in school life, forming friendships that remain strong today. For Jake, one teacher in particular left a lasting impression. Modern History teacher Mr Plummer inspired a love of history that would influence his early career aspirations. “He was my Modern History teacher through Years 11 and 12 and helped me to follow a pathway through to university focused on History,” Jake recalls. Meanwhile, Taome was drawn to the school’s music and drama programs, performing in bands and productions while building the confidence and skills that would serve her well beyond the classroom.
“The teachers were highly approachable and thoughtful, fostering a supportive learning environment while providing meaningful encouragement and guidance on an individual level.”
After graduating, Jake followed his passion for history to Edith Cowan University, commencing a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a Major in History. However, after two years he realised teaching was not the right fit and began exploring a range of roles within State Government. Over the following years he worked as a Telecommunications Officer, Switchboard Operator and ICT Asset Officer, managing technology assets for a department of more than 1,300 staff. Although successful in these roles, he found himself searching for something more meaningful, ultimately finding his place as a Transit Officer.
At the same time, Taome had already begun pursuing her long-held ambition of serving the community through law enforcement. Leaving St Stephen’s School shortly after commencing Year 12, she joined the WA Police Cadets before progressing to the Police Operations Centre, recruit training at the WA Police Academy and eventually General Duties policing. Today, she works as a Detective with the Major Crash Investigation Section, following a pathway she identified early and pursued with determination.
While their careers have taken different routes, both credit their exposure to public service and community-focused work as influential in shaping their choices. Jake reflects that there is no need to have everything figured out straight after school. “There is no requirement to find the perfect career path the moment school is over,” he says. “I couldn’t have imagined I’d find myself in my current occupation, but I definitely enjoy it more than any other pathway I have taken.”
Perhaps the most special reminder of their St Stephen’s School journey will be present on their wedding day. The friendships formed in Parresia all those years ago remain as strong, with Jake sharing that all three of his groomsmen are friends he made during his time at St Stephen’s School and graduated alongside. It is a fitting reflection of a story that began in a Year 7 classroom and continues to be shaped by the people and memories made at school.