AS Kelso High marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, the school community is reflecting on the people who have shaped its past, present and future.
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To celebrate this milestone, the school has created a special series, Humans of Kelso High, which was inspired by the well-known Humans of New York project.
From February 2 to 8, the Western Advocate will share the personal stories captured by the project.
In the 12th and final part of the series, we're taking a look at former Kelso High families, where several members, and ex-students, have gone on to forge their way in the world of education, sports, and journalism.
To see previous parts of the Humans of Kelso High Series, click the following links: Part 1 (Science, engineering and environment) | Part 2 (Health) | Part 3 (Sport) | Part 4 (Sport continued) | Part 5 (Business) | Part 6 (Business continued) | Part 7 (Academics and educators) | Part 8 (Academics and educators continued) | Part 9 (Media, arts and entertainment) | Part 10 (Media, arts and entertainment continued) | Part 11 (Chefs)
The Franks family
Parents Warwick and Denise Franks must be proud - they have three children who have received Kelso High's Decade Award.
Their daughter, Dr Alison Franks completed a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours at the University of Sydney before undertaking PhD studies in biochemistry, graduating in 1995.
She went on to a postdoctoral research position in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado in the United States.
After several years in research, she returned to Australia and has since pursued a career in teaching, bringing her scientific expertise into the classroom.
Meanwhile, their son, associate professor Ashley Franks is a microbiologist at La Trobe University with a career spanning research and teaching in Australia, Ireland, and the United States.
After completing his BSc (Hons) and PhD at UNSW, he held postdoctoral and research positions in Ireland and Massachusetts, receiving the Young Investigator Award from Montana State University in 2011.
Since joining La Trobe in 2011, he has progressed from senior lecturer to professor and was appointed to the Australian Research Council College of Experts in 2018.
Son Owen Franks is a media executive with extensive international experience in broadcast journalism.
A graduate of Kelso High School and the University of Sydney, he began his career at the BBC before moving to Al Jazeera English, where he rose to program editor and later became senior executive producer at Al Jazeera America.
He also led digital production at AJ+ in San Francisco before taking on senior leadership roles with Bloomberg TV in the Asia-Pacific region, including as Executive Producer in the Philippines.
The Gerard family
Jan and John Gerard, both former Kelso High School teachers, went on to dedicate their lives to education, serving as both teachers and later as principals of local schools.
Known for their commitment to students and their strong leadership, they made a lasting impact on their school communities, guiding generations of young people with a focus on learning, respect, and opportunity.
Alison Gerard, a distinguished academic and university lecturer, has built a career defined by her expertise in law, justice, and social policy.
Passionate about teaching and research, she is recognised for engaging students with critical thinking while contributing to national and international discussions on issues such as migration, human rights, and community justice.
Through her scholarship and leadership in higher education, Alison has made a lasting contribution to both her students and the broader academic community.
Ian Gerard has built an accomplished career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, serving Australia as an ambassador and senior diplomat.
Known for his strategic insight and commitment to strengthening international relationships, he has represented the nation with distinction across a range of postings.
His work has focused on advancing Australia's interests abroad, fostering cooperation, and building partnerships that support both regional stability and global engagement.
The Gibson Family
Bathurst has long been home to a strong culture of running, but few names embody that spirit quite like Wes and Charley Gibson.
Together, they represent a running family whose achievements span competition, community, and coaching.
Wes Gibson is well known across the Central West as both an accomplished trail and road runner and a dedicated coach.
From placing on the podium at the Mount Panorama Punish and the Bathurst Half Marathon, to winning the Wentworth Falls Trail Run, Wes has consistently shown himself to be one of the region's strongest competitors.
Beyond his own performances, Wes has become a leader in the athletics community through his coaching program RUN RIOT, mentoring athletes of all ages and abilities across track, trail, cross country, and road disciplines.
Running is not just Wes's passion - it's a family affair.
His wife Kellie and their children have competed alongside him in multiple Mount Panorama Punish events, making the Gibsons one of Bathurst's most recognisable running families.
Charley Gibson, Wes's son, is now following closely in his father's footsteps.
Already a keen competitor, Charley has built a reputation as a promising young runner with a strong future in the sport.
Training under Wes's guidance, Charley has taken part in major community events and is quickly emerging as the next generation of Gibson endurance talent.
Together, Wes and Charley highlight what it means to be a true running family - competing side by side, pushing each other forward, and inspiring the local community.
With Wes's experience and Charley's growing achievements, the Gibsons continue to cement their place as one of Bathurst's most exciting family names in running.
