Remote student finds feet as a leader
29 March 2007
Jessica Thorne, a Year 11 student from Shepherdson College on remote Elcho Island is coming ahead in leaps and bounds as a leader for the future.
Jessica was one of just three Territorians recently invited to join t he National Youth Round Table, which is managed by the Australian Government’s Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
That commitment took her to Canberra last month where Roundtable members from all over Australia met with the Australian Government on issues relating to youth.
Jessica’s teacher Sharon Asplin said it all began when Jessica was accepted in the inaugural intake of the Indigenous Students’ Leadership and Mentorship Program in 2005.
"Jessica, who has strong ideas about the future of Indigenous youth, discovered she had leadership qualities that she would like to pursue."
"Both the ISLMP and the Roundtable will be better for Jessica’s input, and I have no doubt she will find that serving on these forums will be an invaluable experience as she continues on her leadership path."
Ms Asplin said Jessica is a talented and confident musician and band member who others look up to and respect.
"Her school, community and family are very proud of her," she said.