RSL YOUTH GRANT WINNERS TELL ALLMeet some of our 2011 RSL Youth Development Program grant winners, learn about their greatest achievements, and hear how they will be utilising their grants. 
ELEANOR MILLS
Personal Details
Year: 11
Suburb: Kenmore Hills
School: Centenary State High School
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Competing for the Australian Open Swimming Nationals
- Awarded the youngster of the month, twice
- Best Junior Athlete of the year with Sporting Wheelies
Project:
Attend World Blind Swimming Championships in Colorado Springs and purchase equipment. Interesting Facts: - Eleanor holds 10 Australian records
- Eleanor’s brother is also an athlete. Eleanor’s goal is to compete in the Paralympics in London with her brother.
Face-to-Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“Remembrance Day is a day to remember those who have fallen, those who have fought to save our lives and those who have worked to save our country. My Grandfather helped in the war and he came back, which was awesome.” Q2- What does ANZAC Day mean to you?
“ANZAC Day we celebrate the combination of the Australian and the NZ Army coming together and working as a team. It shows that just because we are different people it doesn’t mean that we can’t work together for one goal.”
ADAM MASA
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Mermaid Waters
School: Australian Christian College - Moreton
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Representing Australia in a Soccer tournament, held in Dubai UAE.
- Adam has played Soccer for various professional clubs.
- He is currently one year ahead in his schooling.
Project:
The grant will contribute to Adam’s trip to Europe where he will play Soccer. Adam has a keen interest to play Soccer in Europe, as the standard of Soccer in Europe is the best in the world. Interesting Facts:
Adam likes to surf and read. Face-to-Face interview: Q1- Why should more youth learn about the RSL?
“The values of mateship, loyalty and respect are not as strong as they used to be, in older generations. The RSL plays a key role in in-stilling those values into the youth of today. They have stories and have great experiences from their lives and can help people like me.” Q2- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“Remembrance Day is the day to reflect on how lucky we are in Australia that we have brave men and women fight to protect us. It’s a day to remember and never forget the sacrifices.” 
ANIKA SMITH
Personal Details:
Year: 12
Suburb: Burpengary
School: Dakabin State High School
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Working in UAE Dubai with the Star Production Team.
- Travelled to New York, where Anika danced with high profile choreographers and producers.
- Anika has been a member of the Stars Production Team for three years.
Project:
Attending vacation camp at "Brent Street" Dance School in NSW Interesting Facts:
Anika can dance a wide variety of steps. These include jazz, tap, ballet, acrobatics, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and song and dance. She loves to learn new dances at camps. Face-to-Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“Remembrance Day means remembering the sacrifice over freedom. My Nan always talks about it, it’s funny but if you think about it, they have sacrificed heaps and nothing would be the same [without them].” Q2- Why should more youth learn about the RSL?
“I didn’t know much about the RSL; it opened my eyes to what they have done. They are really good people and they have done good stuff for us, so people should be aware of that.” 
RENAE PERKINS
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Upper Kedron
School: Ferny Grove State High
Grant: $5,000 Major Achievements: - Renae was accepted into the World Junior Nation [Taekwondo] Team.
- First Queensland Taekwondo athlete to win both senior and junior national titles in the same year.
- Winning ten national titles consecutively.
Project:
Attending the Commonwealth Championships in India for Taekwondo. Interesting Facts:
Renae is a very sporty person; she is also an avid fan of the AFL and NRL. Face to Face interview: Q1- What have you learnt about the RSL?
“The are amazing, they do so much for the service men who have come back from overseas. It’s about remembering them; we are not going to forget in a few years because the RSL is always going to be there.” Q2- Why should youth learn more about the RSL?
“They don’t have much respect anymore. The respect has gone out of the window for the ANZAC’s and the WW1 and WW2 [veterans]. They don’t realise how much they did for us and what they suffered when they came home. Hardly any of them could live a normal life anymore. So we need to look back and respect these men and women.” 
JARED GILLILAND
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Bracken Ridge
School: Nudgee College
Grant: $5,000 Major Achievements: - Medalling at the Australian Age Championships in 2010.
- Achieving individual QLD Champion in 3 events during 2009-2010.
- Winning a GPS record in Breaststroke
Project:
Attending the National Age and Shortcourse Championships in Adelaide. Jared will also compete in Shanghai and USA, and Brothers Centre for Excellence Program. Interesting Facts:
Jared’s role model is Kosuke Kitajima, who is the Olympic champion for 100m and 200m Breaststroke. Face to Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“Because I’ve had family in the army it gives me time to reflect on what they’ve done.” Q2- What I’ve learnt about the RSL-
“I’ve learnt quite a lot, I’ve learnt that they are very generous and I already know quite a lot because I have had family members that have gone to war and family members that have worked at the RSL too.”
KIM DAY
Personal Details
Year: 11
Suburb: Waterford
School: Canterbury College
Grant: $2,500
Major Achievements: - Being selected as Middle School Captain and joining the leadership team at Canterbury College.
- Has won several rowing medals and has made state finals.
- Being part of the Highest Youth Fundraising Team for Relay for Life in 2009.
Project:
The grant will be used to help fund a humanitarian tour to Nepal in 2011 with Canterbury College. On the tour she will be completing a community project to benefit those in need. Interesting Facts:
On top of being a top rower, Kim also plays the clarinet in an award winning band. Face to Face interview:
Q1- Why should more youth learn about the RSL?
“Through the application process, I learnt a lot about the RSL. I really got a deeper understanding of the RSL’s values and their role in the community and the things that they do. It’s good to see there are still people helping out.”
Q2- How did you react when you found out you were awarded the grant?
“When I found the letter from the RSL, I ripped it open. Winning the grant has is very exciting and it’s definitely another one of those achievements you can be proud of.” 
JACK DOYLE
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Varsity Lakes
School: Varsity College
Grant: $5,000 Major Achievements: - Making the national squad for kayaking and winning four medals at 2010 Nationals as well as a Gold Medal at the Queensland State Marathon in 2010.
- Being part of the Varsity College Aspire University Program for Academic Excellence.
- Being a double recipient of the RSL Youth Development Program for sporting and community.
Project:
The grant will be used for a trip to Tanzania to do community work at the school of St Judes and Mandela Primary. Jack will be spending his time teaching and working with the Maasai orphans. He will also help paint a classroom and will fundraise for the Tanzanian schools. Interesting Facts:
Jack hopes to qualify for the Australian Junior Team to compete at the World Championships in Poland in 2011.
While in Tanzania, Jack hopes to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro as part of the charity climb on his expedition to Tanzania. Face to Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“To me it’s a day of remembrance and I see it as an important day in Australia. It’s important because people gave their lives so I can live how I live.” Q2- What would you say to encourage other students to apply for the RSL Youth Development Program Grant?
“It’s not what you’ve done that matters; it’s what you want to do. So if you have something you aspire to do or can help others with, the RSL Youth Development Grant can make those goals be realised.” 
GEORGIA PASE
Personal Details
Year: 11
Suburb: Corinda
School: St Peters Lutheran College
Grant: $5,000 Major Achievements: - Rhythmic Gymnastics Australian National Champion in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
- Rhythmic Gymnastics New Zealand National Champion in 2009 and 2010.
- Recipient of the 2010 Women’s Sport ‘Rising Star’ Award.
Project:
The grant will be used for Georgia to attend the Australian National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Perth and if selected, the New Zealand National Championships in Hamilton, New Zealand. In addition, Georgia will be able to purchase equipment and leotards. Interesting Facts:
When she is not impressing judges with her Rhythmic Gymnastics skills, Georgia likes to go to the beach, swim, watch movies and spend time with her family.
Competing in the next Commonwealth Games is in Georgia’s four year plan. Face to Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“I think Remembrance Day is really important, because it shows the community its meaning. It shows what these people have done to fight for their country and it shows what it means to remember.” Q2- What opportunities would you have missed if it were not for the RSL Youth Development Program?
“Without the RSL Youth Development Program, I wouldn’t be able to attend the important competitions. Attending as many high level competitions as possible is what I need to do to improve my performance and skills.” 
PORTIA LARGE
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Surfers Paradise
School: Trinity Lutheran College
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Founder of the Eco Kids Reef Guardian Club Whitsundays.
- Founder of the ‘Bee a Friend, Lend a Hand’ Book Collection in support of Aboriginal Foster Children.
- Recipient of a scholarship of excellence to attend Trinity Lutheran College in Ashmore.
Project:
The grant will be used to help stage The Festival of Wishes against the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Interesting Facts:
Through having a strong community focus, Portia already has many skills in marketing and sales including being an accomplished public speaker, events manager and fundraiser.
When she is not busy with community projects, Portia can be found on the beach surfing. Face to Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“It is important to understand what they (Defence Force Personnel) went through to save our country. As youth we take a lot for granted and we forget that a lot of people have sacrificed themselves for our country.” Q2- Why did you decide to apply for the RSL Youth Development Program grant?
“With a huge festival like this, it’s hard to get it off the ground without funding. When I heard about the RSL grant I was amazed at the link between the RSL and the youth and how it’s bridging the gap. I think it’s important that we get to know about our veterans and their stories and they are engaging with the youth of the community.” 
ALEX MILLER
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Toowoomba
School: Toowoomba Grammar School
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Being asked to make my professional debut as a soloist with the Queensland Symphony at 16.
- Coming second in the International Horn Symposium’s Soloist Competition at the age of 15.
- Being a dux in grades 8, 10 and 11 at the Toowoomba Grammar School.
Project:
The grant will be used for Alex to travel to San Francisco for the International Horn Symposium where he will be able to learn from the greatest horn players in the world. Interesting Facts:
On top of travelling the world with his music and making his professional debut in March, Alex has a personal goal to achieve an OP 1. Face to Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“Remembrance Day of course it’s a time to remember what Australians have done for us and remember how their sacrifices allow us to enjoy the liberty and freedom that we do today.” Q2- Why did you decide to apply for the RSL Youth Development Program grant?
“Competing in the International Horn Symposium’s Soloist Competition was a great experience and I wanted another taste of it. Unfortunately with it being in America, we needed a little financial assistance. And I heard about this grant through my parents and I thought it was a great way to not only get the financial assistance I needed but to learn about the RSL and become involved in the process.” 
KARA JAESCHKE
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Wellington Point
School: Redlands College
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Receiving a number of academic awards including Gold Award for overall achievement and Outstanding Achievement for Maths B, History, Graphics and Drama.
- Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in 2010.
- Being an active member of SALT (Student Action Leadership Team).
Project:
The grant will be used for a two-week mission trip to New York to work at Camp Shiloh. The children at Camp Shiloh come from backgrounds involving social, emotional and physical trauma and Camp Shiloh offers them the opportunity to experience positive relationships and enjoy life as children should. Interesting Facts:
Kara’s family and friends are very important to her. But when she is not doing things with them she can be found playing piano or dancing. Face to Face interview: Q1- What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“I am a history student so we always take part in Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day services at school and we run them. So we acknowledge how the soldiers who fought for Australia gave up their lives and have made the nation what it is. I think it’s important that young people participate in services like this and I think history should be taught in all grades, because they get a better understanding and learn about Australia’s military past.” Q2- What would you say to encourage other students to apply for the RSL Youth Development Program Grant?
“The RSL Youth Development Program grant gives you the opportunity to pursue projects that would not have otherwise been possible. It allows you to gain life experience and gives you a head start in the real world.” 
TYLER BLAH
Personal Details
Year: 12
Suburb: Hope Island
School: Ormiston College
Grant: $5,000 Major Achievements: - School Captain of Ormiston College
- Australian representative for the World Youth Ten Dance
- Airfares to Moldova to represent Aus in Ballroom dancing, entry fees, costumes and overseas lessons
Project:
The grant will be used for airfares to Moldova so Tyler can represent Australia in ballroom dancing. It will also cover entry fees, costumes and overseas lessons. Interesting Facts:
Tyler’s family immigrated to Australia from the UK in 2006 after speaking to an Australian neighbour about the country. Prior to moving to Australia, the family considered moving to Florida. Face to Face interview: Q1- How did you get started in ballroom dancing?
“I started dancing when I was about eight-years-old; I was in the room with my parents watching a movie called Dance With Me and my sister and I started dancing. My mum was a previous dancer so she knew some routes to get me into it so we started in a studio.” Q2- What would you say to encourage other students to apply for the RSL Youth Development Program Grant?
“The RSL Youth Development Program is a really unique project and people don’t always notice and recognise it. More people should recognise what it’s done for the young people who have received grants.” 
MADELINE LACY
Personal Details
Year: 11
Suburb: Oxenford
School: Saint Stephens College
Grant: $2,500 Major Achievements: - Wining the ‘Sedes Honoris Award’ (The Seat of Honour), in 2007.
- Winning the Junior Ambassador public speaking, in 2006.
- Being selected to travel to the USA to participate in the FBL Youth Leadership Program.
Project:
Setting up a Youth Group. Interesting Facts:
Madeline is interested in bringing together the youth of the community. Face to Face interview: Q1- What is a personal goal of yours in 2011?
“To study at Bond in the ‘Student for a semester conference’ program.” Q2- Who is your role model?
“Helen Keller, as she was diagnosed with a condition leaving her blind and deaf, yet she triumphed over adversity and became one of the most inspirational people of all time.”
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