VCE Leaders 2024
Congratulations to Isabelle Cooke, who is the 2024 VCE Leader of the Year.
We also congratulate the 2024 Leaders – Niamh Coffey, Tajwyn Corben, Georgia Kaminis, Myeesha Mohammed, Hannah O'Loghlin, Ruby Streit and Raghad Yousif – for their outstanding leadership achievements.
The 2024 VCE Leadership Awards ceremony was held at Treasury Theatre on Friday 13 September 2024. Thank you to our sponsor, Lenovo.
Find out more about the VCE Leadership Awards.
As a leader, I really listen to the people around me, and understand I’m leading for others and not for myself.
Isabelle is an exemplary role model, passionate about increasing opportunities for young people in her rural community. She has influenced educational policies and promoted regional development through her roles as a Rural Youth Ambassador and Rural Education Support Network Ambassador. Isabelle co-created a Community Careers Expo, bringing together local industries and students to platform local job opportunities. As a member of the Civic Engagement Youth Advisory Group for the Australian Department of Home Affairs, Isabelle has attended forums in Canberra alongside Ministers. As Deputy School Captain for Community Development, she has demonstrated a commitment to fostering connections within and beyond her school.
I’m particularly good at not just taking charge but making sure everyone in the group has a say and bringing a group together.
As an active member of multiple Youth Councils, Niamh advocates for local young people. They assisted planning for the Nillumbik Youth Hub and have organised events including the last three Nillumbik Youth “16 Days of Activism” campaigns, the Eltham 2022 Youth Mental Health Art Show, and Nillumbik Youth Summits. They were recognised for their work within the community as Nillumbik Council's Young Gender Equity Leader 2024. At school, Niamh champions student voice; they led the 2024 Student Forum to empower students to share their perspectives and have consistently promoted gender equity as the lead of the Feminist Collective. Niamh is dedicated to aiding progress and uplifting other youth.
In a situation where change is necessary, you need to allow young people to express their ideas and values.
Tajwyn has played a pivotal role in significant school events, including rewriting and presenting at the Reconciliation Assembly to share a stronger message of equality, and actively participating in ANZAC Day ceremonies. As Music Captain, he has led Senior Bands at the Merrimbula Jazz Festival and East Gippsland Music Festival, earning the Hay-Smith Music Scholarship for his dedication. Tajwyn has chaired the Student Representative Council and led change to integrate student voice into the leadership structure. He has applied for the 2024 Parliament Prize, focusing on reconciliation and the Voice to Parliament. Tajwyn is an empathetic and approachable leader who inspires his peers to excel.
The idea of unity towards a common goal has always driven me – the joy and success you feel when reaching that goal, shared with other people.
As College Captain, Georgia plays a pivotal role in amplifying student voice and fostering community engagement. She has represented the student body on the College Council and Community Engagement Subcommittee, organised numerous initiatives such as the ASRC Food Drive, and leads the Interact Club, which partners with the community and Mount Waverley Rotary Club on local and international community projects. Georgia has also led the International Affairs Club, mentoring students in global issues and debating skills for the Evatt Model United Nations competition. Beyond school, she has advocated for youth concerns to State and Federal MPs as a member of the Ashwood Youth Advisory Committee and the Chisholm Roundtable.
There should be more young advocates to talk about the things needed to be said.
Myeesha is a dedicated leader who has made a significant impact on her school community as a Cultural Lead on the Student Representative Council. She has been a strong advocate for cultural diversity and has played a key role in organising events like the Cultural Parade and National Reconciliation Week. She has also supported initiatives such as the Fair Wages for All Ages campaign and IDAHOBIT. Myeesha represented the school in discussions with the Victorian Premier and Minister for Education, highlighting her leadership in both cultural advocacy and the VCE Vocational Major program.
I enjoy mentoring people and teaching others the skills I’ve learned.
Hannah has fostered school spirit and artistic expression through her roles as House Captain and Visual Arts Captain at Padua College. Her dedication extends beyond the school, as evidenced by her work on a mural at an aged care facility, membership with the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Youth Advisory Committee, and her leadership in Scouts. For her service to the local community, Hannah was recognised as the 2024 Young Citizen of the Year for Mornington Peninsula. Hannah’s vocal advocacy for youth perspectives and her ability to inspire others make her an exemplary role model.
Passion has to come first. I feel my purpose as a leader is to share my love and passions, and to empower others to share their own.
Ruby has made a profound impact on her school and broader community through her exceptional leadership and dedication to the performing arts. As the Music and Performing Arts Captain at Westbourne Grammar School, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including founding the Music and Performing Arts Leaders (MAPAL) program, which fosters leadership skills among students through a dual approach of self-directed learning and mentorship. Ruby has represented Victorian Opera as a Youth Ambassador and participated in their Youth Chorus Ensemble. Her efforts have fostered a culture of creativity, celebration and empowerment amongst her peers.
I’m proud of building a community in which everyone can get involved.
Raghad has quickly established herself as an influential leader at Brentwood Secondary College since joining the school in 2023. Her extensive involvement includes roles as Senior House Captain and Senior Debating Captain. Raghad is a passionate advocate for youth, demonstrated through her participation in VicSRC and attendance at roundtable discussions with Federal MP Carina Garland. She plays a key part in organising National Science Week, contributes to the Green Team as a Planning Team Leader, and serves on the Year 12 Executive Committee. She was named Lions Youth of The Year by the Wheelers Hill Lions Club in recognition of her exceptional leadership.
