McDonnell was keen on taking the roles even though it meant a lot of responsibility.
“I like to consider myself an activist of some sort. I like to be a spokesperson for people,” she said.
“I like to speak for marginalised groups and represent others.”
Taihape Area School has children from year 1 to year 13 and McDonnell has been at the school since she was 5.
Leadership was something she had always been keen on developing.
“From the moment I stepped into school, I remember seeing all the head girls and leaders up on the stage and I always wanted to be like them.”