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RSL YOUTH GRANT WINNERS TELL ALL
Jack Griffin
Personal Details
Year: 12 (2010)
Suburb: Cooroy
School: Suncoast Christian College
Grant: Community $5200
Major Achievements
- Chosen to open the Queensland Youth Festival at QPAC in Brisbane in 2006.
- 2008 Young Australian Award for Leadership (Australia Day Awards)
- Interviewed on the national television program Toasted TV in 2009 when homemade video clip of original music won a competition.
Project
Produce a CD compilation of original music to be launched in 2010 to coincide with the annual Free Youth Arts Festival.
Interesting Facts
Has a forum set up on My-Space where he gives other aspiring young musicians feedback, support and advice about starting out in the music industry. Jack has been referred to as a musical prodigy by his mentors – Robin Smith (UK music producer), Peter Koppes (The Church) and Kevin Statton (MiSex).
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Record a new album with the band
- Gain a bigger fan base for the band (at least 200 plus).
- Exceed my current limits when it comes to song writing.
“I have way too many. Mainly successful musicians who act as a constant source of inspiration.”
Brock Gunthorpe
Personal Details
Year: 11 (in 2010)
Suburb: Helensvale
School: A B Paterson College
Grant: Community $2600
Major Achievements
- Reaching the grand final of the regional debating finals on the Gold Coast for three consecutive years, culminating in being crowned the 2009 Gold Coast Debating Champions with his school team.
- Gold Coast Junior Champion and state finalist in the Rostrum Voice of Youth Queensland Competition representing South-East Queensland in 2008.
- Member for Coomera on the Gold Coast Junior Council.
Project
Selected to participate as the first ever Member for Coomera in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament in 2010. The Parliament elects one person from every electorate round Queensland aged between 15 and 25 – Brock was one of the youngest this year.
Interesting Facts
Brock wishes to extend his interest in parliamentary studies at Bond University on the Gold Coast in the fields of Law and International Relations Business.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- To be elected as the Junior Mayor of the Gold Coast City Council.
- To attend the 2010 Queensland Youth Parliament and be elected Premier.
- To be selected as College Captain Elect for 2011 at my school.
“Winston Churchill for his oratory power and decisive leadership in the face of great adversity. These are characteristics I hope to emulate in my life as I mature and learn.”
Grant Gwynne
Personal Details
Year: 12 (in 2010)
Suburb: Forest Lake
School: Ipswich Grammar School
Grant: Sporting $5200
Major Achievements
- Winning the Cross Country 16 yrs at nationals and being selected for the Australian Schools Cross Country Team for the 2010 world competition in Slovakia.
- Being selected in the Youth Olympic team for 2009 and winning a Silver Medal.
- Winning a Gold Medal at the National Track – Field Championships in the Steeplechase for the third time.
Project
- Grant will represent the Australian Schools Cross Country Team in Slovakia in 2010.
- He also hopes for the opportunity to represent Australia in the first Youth Olympic Games to be held in Singapore in August 2010.
Interesting Facts
Grant has an impressive history of cross country wins. In year 8 he was the state cross country champion for his age, and in year 9 he placed second and was the national steeplechase champion. In year 10 he was once again state cross country champion, and the national steeplechase champion. In year 11 he achieved these heights again and was subsequently selected for worlds.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Being selected for the Youth Olympics in Singapore.
- Medalling at the 2010 world cross country competition.
- Improving my personal bests for running and possibly begin running at the Open World Championships.
“My Dad – he is 48-years-old and still runs, and gives me the motivation to keep trying harder.”
Annika Hinrichs
Personal Details
Year: 11 (in 2010)
Suburb: Mansfield
School: Mansfield State High School
Grant: Academic $2600
Major Achievements
- Performing as a featured artist and backing vocalist in the televised ‘Creative Generations State Schools Onstage’ as part of Q150 celebrations.
- Mt Gravatt & Districts Young Achievers Awards 2009 for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts (13-16 years)
- Mt Gravatt & Districts Young Achievers Awards 2009 for Outstanding Achievement in the Community Services (13-16 years)
Project
Musical vocal tuition and Italian lessons to further her vocal studies and pursue a career in classical music/opera.
“A lot of singing in general is orientated around the Italian language and Opera especially, which I want to go into – it’s essential that you know how to speak Italian.”
Interesting Facts
Annika performs as part of the duo ELAN Sopranos with her sister Elyssa – while living in Blackwater, Annika’s parents had to travel almost 750km each weekend to provide them with the high-level tuition they required. Annika was a winner of the Department of Defence Long Tan Award for Leadership and Teamwork in 2009, and was also a Mansfield State High School representative on the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council in 2009. Annika hopes to be accepted into the Conservatorium of Music when she graduates, and would like to become a music therapist and a professional vocalist.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Further my vocal technique, repertoire and performance skills.
- Learn Italian.
- Maintain a good academic record.
“There is no one person who I aspire to be like, but many of my teachers, family members and friends have inspired me to do my best to develop my potential.”
Madison MacArthur
Personal Details
Year: 12 (2010)
Suburb: Bribie Island
School: Bribie Island State High School
Grant: Community $5200
Major Achievements
- 2008 Pierre de Coubertin Award in recognition of sporting achievements and demonstration of these endeavours which are consistent with the aims of the Olympic movement.
- 2008 Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Award for leadership and mentoring skills.
- School captain of Bribie Island State High School 2009-10
Project
Travel to Cambodia in 2010 with Bribie Island State High School to take part in a humanitarian project to improve living conditions at an orphanage and teach English to the children. Madison did a similar trip to Cambodia in 2009 and is keen to make a difference in the lives of others again.
Interesting Facts
Has been a member of the Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club since she was seven and was recently voted Vice Captain. Madison has spent many years fundraising for the club and was named Top Junior Fundraiser in 2006, 2007 and 2009. Named Top Junior Lifesaver in 2008.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Return to Cambodia in 2010.
- Achieve academic success in my final year at high school.
- Be selected in the Queensland Open School Girls’ Touch Football Team.
“My teacher Ms Jen Williams has inspired me to think globally and has taught me that it is possible to make a difference.”
Kimberley McClintock
Personal Details
Year: 11 (in 2010)
Suburb: Gympie
School: Cooloola Christian College
Grant: Community $2600
Major Achievements
- Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award Year 10 winner for 2009 (a leadership award through the school).
- Cooloola Christian College Band Section Leader for 2009.
- Cooloola Christian College Student Representative Council Secretary for 2009.
Project
A two week School Ministry trip to the Solomon Islands in 2010 that will aid the local community with children’s programs, school projects, and maintenance.
Interesting Facts
Kimberley is an active Christian in the community. In 2009 she has been a part of various school leadership groups and has assisted in the leadership of a weekly children’s program with her local church.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- To be chosen as part of the Cooloola Christian College Leadership Team for 2011.
- To pass Grade 4 Piano Theory Exam.
- To pass Grade 6 Piano Practical Exam.
“My music teacher because of her passion for music.”
Josh Mynott
Personal Details
Year: 11 (in 2010)
Suburb: Maryborough
School: St Mary’s College
Grant: Sporting $2600
Major Achievements
- Selection in the U/17 Australian Secondary School Boys Hockey Team to play in Hong Kong and China in 2010.
- Selected in the Queensland Men’s U/18 Squad for 2010.
- Being named captain in the U/12 and my first Queensland school boys team.
Project
Representing Australia in the U/17 Australian Secondary School Boys Hockey Team in a 13-day tour of China and Hong Kong in July 2010.
Interesting Facts
Selections for the U/17 Australian team took place in early 2009 when Joshua was only 14-years-old.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Make the U/18 Queensland team.
- Make the Australian U/17s hockey team again.
- Make the Queensland U/16s hockey team again.
“My brothers are my role models – I look up to them for their determination.”
Felicity Munton
Personal Details
Year: 11 (2010)
Suburb: Samford Valley
School: Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School
Grant: Sporting $2600
Major Achievements
- Represented Queensland seven times in Acrobatic Gymnastics at National Championships.
- Holder of three Australian National Senior titles.
- Placed fifth with her partner in the mixed pairs at senior international level at the World Cup in Publier, France, in 2008.
Project
To represent Australia in Acrobatic Gymnastics at the World Championships in Poland in July 2010 and achieve a medal placing. Felicity must first travel to Canberra to achieve a qualifying score for Australian squad selection at the Australian National Championships. She must also attend a further selection trial for the World Championships in either Sydney or Melbourne.
Interesting Facts
Acrobatic Gymnastics is not a sport supported financially by the Australian Institute of Sport or Gymnastics Australia. As a result Felicity must pay for all costs associated with her sport, including overseas travel for her coach, and competes against European gymnasts who are fulltime paid for professionals.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Selection to Australian squad.
- Represent Australia at the Pacific Rim Games, Melbourne, May 2010.
- Represent Australia at World Championships, Poland, July 2010.
“My coach, Reka Pungar. She has represented her country (Hungary) at World Championships and is also a very good dancer.”
Madicyn Scheu
Personal Details
Year: 12 (2010)
Suburb: Buderim
School: Mountain Creek State High School
Grant: Academic $2600
Major Achievements
- Elected one of four School Captains of Mountain Creek State High School for 2009-10 from 2000 students.
- Being awarded a scholarship for first year’s study in the International Baccalaureate way of learning.
Project
Travel to Germany with Mountain Creek State High School’s Environmental Systems and Societies class to investigate modern methods of using renewable energy with a possible outcome being the implementation of renewable energy ideas within the school.
Interesting Facts
Has a strong interest in trees and environmental issues which is reflected in her lino artwork, some of which Madicyn has received payment for.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma by year’s end.
- Further my knowledge of renewable energy and technology.
- Continue to help charities, such as the Salvation Army and Destiny Rescue, to aid those less fortunate, through school fundraising activities. Eg 40 hour famine
“My sister Courtney, who is a kind hearted and hardworking person. She has completed the International Baccalaureate diploma, was School Captain and is an inspiration to me. Courtney has a large influence on how I work.”
Jack Sinclair
Personal Details
Year: 12 (in 2010)
Suburb: Palm Beach
School: Elanora State High School
Grant: Community $5200
Major Achievements
- In 2008, was the youngest person ever, at age 15, to cycle 4500km across Australia in 30 days (to raise money and awareness for the youth mentoring charity Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia).
- In 2009, ran the full Gold Coast marathon and completed the 96km Kokoda Challenge bushwalk for charity.
- Giving speeches to Scouting Groups on helping others and doing your best.
Project
- Travelling to New York, USA to engage in two weeks work experience with one of the world’s most successful youth mentoring services, Big Brothers Big Sisters International.
- If time permits, engaging with the service community at the 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in the US.
Interesting Facts
Jack is a Corporal with the Australian Air Force cadets and has been a Patrol leader with the Palm Beach Scouts for three years. Through Scouts Australia, Jack volunteers annually at a camp for disabled and/or disadvantaged children.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Walk the South Coast Track (a 10-day Tasmanian wilderness bush walk).
- Acquire my Private Pilot License and fly solo.
- Complete a half Ironman Triathlon.
“My Dad (Brendan Sinclair) – he’s always out there doing things and he always encourages me to have a go at reaching difficult goals. After a while, I realise that anything you set your mind to you can achieve.”
Victoria Wilson
Personal Details
Year: 12 (2010)
Suburb: Chuwar
School: Kenmore State High School
Grant: Sporting $5200
Major Achievements
- 2008 Queensland Junior Women’s Curling Team member – competed at Australian Nationals held in New Zealand.
- Competed in 2009 Junior Pacific Curling Championships held in China as a member of the Australian Junior Women’s Curling Team.
- 2009 Australian Nationals in New Zealand as member of Australian Junior Women’s Curling Team.
Project
Travel to curling competitions held overseas to be trained by international curlers and purchase equipment such as curling stones (sets cost up to $2000) and shoes.
Interesting Facts
Victoria completed a 100km canoe expedition in July 2009.
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- Attend the Australian Nationals to be held in Naseby, New Zealand.
- Attend the Junior Pacific Curling Championships to be held in Korea or New Zealand.
- Attain good marks for school work in Year 12.
“I have different role models for different aspects of my life. My sporting role model would have to be my sister Madeleine who is also my team skipper. This is because she is an excellent leader and knows how to make everyone part of the team.”
Harrison Wood
Personal Details
Year: 11 (in 2010)
Suburb: Paradise Point
School: A B Paterson College
Grant: Academic $2600
Major Achievements
- Winning the national Future Problem Solving Finals in October 2009.
- Selected to represent Australia in the international Future Problem Solving Finals in 2010.
- Being invited to attend a week-long camp for gifted education run by the University of New South Wales.
Project
Will represent Australia in the Australian Championship team at the international Future Problem Solving Finals at the University of LA Crosse Wisconsin, USA in June 2010.
Interesting Facts
At the international Future Problem Solving Finals Harrison will be working on a futuristic problem and presenting potential solutions that relate to “green living”. He will be researching alternative energy sources, waste, economic costs, pollution and all elements of “green living” in preparation. The competition aims to give young people the skills to design and promote positive futures for the society in which they live.
“With the recent debates surrounding the Emissions Trading Scheme it’s as though the entire world is interested in this kind of topic.”
Face-to-face interview
Personal Goals
What are your three personal goals you hope to achieve during 2010?- To place highly in the international Future Problem Solving Finals.
- To be awarded an academic award at the end of the next school year.
- To achieve a VHA10 in Year 12 English.
“Werner Heisenberg – he had the ingenuity and courage to defy commonly accepted theories of physics and developed the famous uncertainty principle. In striving to have his theory accepted, he challenged Einstein himself.”