Lions Youth of the Year contestant, Noosa District State High School Year 12 School Captain Ella Wilkinson championed the voice of female leaders from around the world with an inspirational speech.
Ella, 17, an inspiring young student, progressed through two successful rounds in the nationwide citizenship competition.
Numerous young leaders entered the competition from schools across the Sunshine Coast.
Ella, at such a young age, already has a host of accomplishments, including academic Dux, age swimming champion, Student Council chair and she belongs to various school committees and charities.
“I also compete in local soccer and netball competitions, because I see the virtues of sport for alleviating stress,” Ella said.
Representing the best of youth today, Ella is a Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) ambassador, and a showcased artist and a performer, who stars in the 2021 school musical Matilda.
This budding film director used the opportunity of Lions Youth of the Year to capture her audience’s attention with the topical issue of female leadership, citing famous role models such as Jacinda Ardern, Serena Williams and Grace Tame.
Ella’s successful run in the competition came to an end, last weekend in Buderim, despite an extremely close result.
Ella was appreciative for the tireless support of Pomona Lions Club, especially, organiser John Edwards.
The first round of the Pomona competition featured five outstanding candidates from NDSHS leaders, including Bianca Grau, Ceri Bright, Sophie Byrne and Ashanti McLean.
The school community is particularly proud of all the NDSHS representatives in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition who showcased the values of the school.
Principal Brett Burgess said Ella is an ideal role model.
“Future young leaders at the school and in the community can look to Ella,” Mr Burgess said.
