Bright futures: Fairholme students making big impact on world

Whether they’re flourishing in the arts or sport, here’s just some of the most inspiring students from Fairholme College.

It’s been a tough two years for students who have navigated their way through unprecedented challenges during Covid-19, all while excelling in school and co-curricular activities.

Although the pandemic has meant some students have been unable to celebrate these achievements like they normally would, not even that can dull their spirits.

We recently sat down with 13 students from Fairholme College, to discuss the bright futures they have ahead of them.

Whether they are flourishing in the arts, kicking goals in sports or taking the first steps down their chosen career pathways, these are just some of the top inspiring students from Fairholme.

Kayla Belford – Year 12

Discovering the unknown has always sparked the interest of Kayla Belford.

Her teachers encouraged her to apply for the SPARQ-ED (Students Performing Advanced Research) program last year.

Not only was she successful in her application, but she also received a Lion’s Medical of Research Foundation scholarship to assist her in the program’s completion.

Alongside just nine other students from across the sunshine state, the opportunity provided insight into what a career in research would involve, helping Kayla to ascertain it is the path she would ultimately like to follow.

“I have a real interest for science and medical-related research, because I like finding out the unknown and it’s almost like solving a mystery,” she said.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve thought about how incredible it would be to be part of something like finding treatments or the cure for cancer, so that’s been a big motivator.”

But the 17-year-old has made her mark in the pool too, after captaining her school water polo team too.

Parents Daryle and Kylie Belford said they were proud of their daughter’s dedication to improve academically and personally.

“(We’re most proud of) the desire she has to pursue a science-based career so she can look at researching and developing better health outcomes,” they said.

“Fairholme has given Kayla the confidence, guidance and support needed to achieve and inspire a bright future.”

Skye Bleney – Year 11

Described by her parents as being a humble achiever, Skye Bleney has plenty of reason to boast.

The 16-year-old academic has given herself a head start after she managed to successfully complete headstart courses through The University of Southern Queensland and Sunshine Coast.

Interested in a legal career, the headstrong student’s initiative will give her a leg up when it comes to the university selection process, tertiary studies and future job opportunities.

“The selection process for the headstart courses is very competitive, but they are basically miniature courses that will reduce my overall time at uni once I finish school,” Skye said.

“I’ve always had a passion for law and want to pursue a career in that field, but I’m really interested in criminal or family law because it allows you to help others.”

Tossing up between UQ and QUT, Skye plans to move to Brisbane once she graduates from high school.

Parent Ace Bleney said his daughter was extremely humble, but her family were very proud of her growing list of accomplishments, from her volunteering and fundraising efforts, to be one of the youngest members to join the Rural Fireys.

“I am proud of the choices Skye has made as a young woman (and she’s) definitely making her mark on this world,” he said.

“Skye is definitely a shinning example of someone who has set her mind to achieve greatness, being the only one in her immediate family getting set to go to uni in 2023.”

Mahsa Nabizada – Year 11

The world should feel reassured with a future leader in the making expected to make plenty of positive impact.

Few people can say they have achieved as much as Masha Nabizada in such a short amount of time, but age is no barrier for this driven young woman, who is committed to making a difference in her community.

Since she was just 12-years-old, Mahsa has been volunteering her time for the greater good.

Selected as a youth leader for Toowoomba Regional Council, the now 17-year-old has helped to execute many projects.

Responsible for the Agriculture Industry and Rural Development portfolio, the Fairholme student has collaborated on many key issues including vegetation management, water storage and making government funding more accessible.

Serving as a youth member for the Toowoomba South electorate, Mahsa has also worked been part of creating a legislation, consulting with members of the community and raise concerns to parliament.

“One issue I’m very passionate about is mental health, so I took charge of a policy about addressing mental health issues and implementing practices to help farmers and rural communities,” she said.

“Seeing all the hard work come together and working alongside the community has been incredible, so as chair of my committee, I’m really proud of what our portfolio has achieved.”

Interested in maths and science, the academic student has her heart set on following a STEM pathway, but hopes to continue offering her contributions through some kind of community advocacy role.

Next year Mahsa has been invited to attend the National Youth Science Forum, where she intends to explore her career options.

And if that wasn’t enough, in her spare time, Mahsa also volunteers at a local radio station where she regularly produces programs.

Parent Sita Nabizada said while her daughter had many responsibilities, she was very impressed with her passion for service.

“It has been challenging at times for her to take time for herself when she is busy with school and her side projects, but her friends and family are there to regularly remind her to take a break for herself,” she said.

“It has been so absolutely rewarding to see my child want to give back to her community so much … the spirit of service in her at her age is highly impressive.”

Issy Reed – Year 12

Playing sport has always been a huge part of Issy Reed’s life and it seems the hard work has paid off in the best possible way for the high school senior.

While Issy only started playing rugby at Fairholme College last year, her years of touch footy experience helped her to pick up the sport with ease.

Opting to play the link or middle positions in touch and centre or first receiver in rugby, the 17-year-old was selected for the under 18s Australian touch football squad this year.

But the excitement didn’t stop there for Issy.

She was also invited to attend a camp that offers specific developmental workshops to emerging young female players in the National sevens league for under 18s.

“I’ve been playing touch since I was about nine and that was always my main sport, but when I started playing rugby, I just fell in love with it,” Issy said.

“With the Rugby Sevens being an Olympic sport, it definitely has that extra appeal to it … obviously there are a lot of steps involved to get there, but seeing ex-Fairholme girls play in the current Australian team has been a real motivator.”

Keen to gain qualifications in law and psychology, the high school senior plans to study a dual degree in Brisbane next year too.

Mum Janet Reed said the Covid-19 restrictions meant Issy sadly missed out on sporting opportunities which included training at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra with the Under 18s Australian rugby squad.

“Whether it’s her schoolwork or her sport, she has an incredible work ethic and is completely self-motivated,” Ms Reed said.

“The achievement we are most proud of is her playing touch football alongside her brother, who has Down syndrome, and his mates in the All Abilities Touch Football competition.”

Bronte Lane – Year 11

More than just a triple threat, Bronte Lane has represented the Darling Downs in a variety of sports, from football and water polo, to cross country and track and field.

The year 11 student recently competed at the youth national championships for touch football in Kawana, as well as the All Schools heat on the Gold Coast.

Whether it’s as an individual on the running track, or within a team on the field, Bronte has excelled, receiving runner up for the Under 20s athletics team and Darling Downs cross country championships.

“Even though cross country and athletics are individual sports, you get to meet so many different people and it gives you a lot of opportunities,” she said.

“I think the Olympics seems a little out of sight at the moment, but we’ll see what happens.”

At just 14-years-old, she was also awarded most valued player by the Toowoomba Football League and was elected school captain at St Mary’s Primary School, in Goondiwindi.

In addition to her own sporting accomplishments, Bronte has also spent time coaching younger children in athletics and has participated in the Hike For Homeless, It’s a Bloke Thing and Peak to Park charity events.

Parents Matt Lane and Chrissy Border said it had been a difficult couple of years for their daughter, with many sporting event cancellations.

Being a boarding student, they said it had also made it difficult for the Fairholme student to travel and visit family.

“Bronte is just that sort of person who participates in as many sports as she can, who is always training for something and is happiest when she is out running,” Mr Lane said.

“We are incredibly proud of her effort and dedication to her teams, her sports, and living a healthy life – she doesn’t do sport for glory or recognition, it is just what she enjoys.”

When she graduates from high school, Bronte hopes to continue playing sports and using her own experiences to help others, by pursuing a career as a physiotherapist.

Gabby Pellow – Year 10

Fairholme’s Gabby Pellow may just need a bigger belt to fit her growing list of musical achievements.

During her time at school, the young but talented violinist has received two music scholarships and been selected for countless prestigious programs including the Australian Honours Ensemble.

A proud member of the Queensland Youth Orchestra, Gabby was also chosen for the QSO Prodigy Project this year and has worked with Hungarian violinist Géza Szilvay.

Dedicated to her performances and progression, she travels to and from Brisbane every Saturday for rehearsals.

“I’ve been playing the violin for so long … maybe since kindergarten,” she said.

“My options are still open for when I leave school, but I definitely want to pursue music in some form, whether it’s at uni or through the Queensland Orchestra.”

Mother Karen Pellow said she hoped her daughter, who is a jazz and classical music fan, inspired other keen musicians to continue with their craft.

“In Australia, sporting achievements receive a lot more recognition and funding than the Arts – I think in general, people do not understand the level of time, energy and work that goes into learning a musical instrument well,” Ms Pellow said.

“We also love to see how Gabby’s performances, along with her fellow string players, can be used to bless our local community with performances at Blue Care, Blush Breast Cancer Fundraisers and Women in Strength.”

Jemima Brodie – Year 12

Helping others has always been something that feeds the soul of Jemima Brodie and something she hopes she’ll be able to continue after she finishes school this year.

Nominated by her peers as Fairholme’s prefect for services and the Interact Club’s president, Jemima has always been service-orientated.

But when she became the Toowoomba North youth member for parliament in year 10 and began volunteering with Rosie’s the following year, this desire to be part of a greater movement was only further emphasised.

“I strive to be a kind person above anything else and by being empathetic to others, I’ve been able to connect with people in the community and my peers,” she said.

“Giving people a voice is how you create a supportive community and it’s something I’ve found myself wanting to do more and more.”

During her time as Interact president, Jemima said her proudest moment has been helping to raise nearly $70,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation and witness the camaraderie within her cohort.

With plans to head to Brisbane and study medicine, the year 12 student hopes to join other community clubs, continue volunteering and participate in public speaking.

Parents Suzie Holt and Miles Brodie said their daughter emerged as a leader for her peers this year, all while remaining true to her self.

“She is endlessly kind and giving of her time to her College, her community and her friends -five minutes with Jemima has improved the day of parents, teachers and school friends alike,” Ms Holt said.

“She is moral, fierce and determined to bring positive change to the world around her … she is a joy to have in our home, but we are extraordinarily excited to see what she achieves in the coming years.”

8. MJ Scanlon – yr 12, 18

Being voted in as the school’s head girl wasn’t the only big achievement made by MJ Scanlon, with the high school senior looking to make her name in sustainable fashion.

After taking out the top prize at the school’s Spring Fair parade every year, the college captain quickly developed a love for the world of fashion.

But after learning about the impact caused by fast fashion through a program offered by Fairholme, MJ quickly discovered her passion for sustainability and combined the two.

“I’m a very visual person and really enjoy playing with textures,” she said.

“Sustainability has become such a huge trend, but I don’t think people fully understand it … it’s about minimal waste, the fibres used in fabrics and how a lot of what we’re wearing is contributing to the downfall of the environment.”

Committed to being part of the sustainable movement, MJ avoids purchasing fast fashion items from chain stores and enjoys incorporating second hand pieces into her designs.

Currently working on a summer collection, the creative designer is giving new life to clothing that once belonged to the wardrobe of her great grandmother.

With the ultimate goal of becoming a big brand designer, MJ plans to move to Melbourne to study fashion and sustainable innovations, before starting her own ethical empire.

“I’d love to be a designer that makes clothing in a sustainable and thoughtful way, but still being on trend,” she said.

“It would be amazing to create a global enterprise too, by sharing knowledge and contributing by donating a portion of proceeds to charity.”

And when she’s not working her magic behind a sewing machine, the college captain is giving back to others.

When Covid-19 threatened to disrupt Hike For Homeless, an annual fundraising event that MJ has participated in for the past five years, she took it in her stride, walked 50km on her own and helped raise more than $6000 for charity.

While most would need a break, MJ isn’t one to follow the crowd and performed at Walton Stores with the Toowoomba Grammar RnB Band, straight after completing her walk and scoffing down a protein bar.

Originally from W.A, MJ and her family relocated to Hong Kong for her father’s job.

Attending Fairholme College alongside her three older sisters, she went to Fairholme as a boarding student from the ages of 12 to 16, before moving in her brother.

Adjusting to the culture shock and feeling homesick, it wasn’t an easy journey for MJ, but one that looking back, she wouldn’t change.

Mum Sandra Scanlon said being away from home had presented challenges for her daughter, but she was proud of her ability to show compassion and gratitude.

“Having her parents so far away when navigating boarding at such young age was a challenge with homesickness and adapting to the Australian cultural norms, as was the fact that at the end of each term she travelled internationally to get home, initially with her siblings and as they left school by herself,” Ms Scanlon said.

“She cares deeply for others and does what she can to help – MJ finds joy in the smallest of things and loves to share it with everyone.”

Chelsea Gladwin – Year 9

Following in the footsteps of her parents and older brother who have always been active runners, Chelsea Gladwin may just be the fastest 14-year-old there is.

Training since she was just six-years-old and running competitively since she was nine, she became Fairholme’s Middle School Sports Woman of the Year in 2019.

But her long list of achievements on the track don’t stop there.

Placing second in the 4km state championships for her age group in cross country this year was a dream come true for Chelsea, who has been striving to win a state medal since she first started competing.

But it’s not surprising with the runner’s commitment to her several training sessions throughout the week, as well as sessions with her school and club touch football teams.

“People think running is an individual sport and it has definitely taught me a lot of discipline and independence, but there’s a real team element that I love about it too,” Chelsea said.

“I love my coach and the squad I run with because they make it really fun and keep me intrigued, which helps me to want to excel more and more in the sport.”

Mum Natasha Gladwin said her daughter had not only excelled in cross country, but athletics and touch football too.

Thanking the coaches and role models for their assistance over the years, she said she was most proud of her daughter’s incredible work ethic.

“We like that Chelsea has a competitive spirit and gives 100% every time she trains or races, but balances this with having interests outside of sport,” Ms Gladwin said.

“She trains for running six days a week and is always self-motivated and she follows her running program from her coach and arranges her own times of day to get her program done.”

Chelsea said while she is keen to study nursing, her heart is set on qualifying for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics or Commonwealth Games.

Sophie Khan – Year 9

Not one to put all her eggs in one basket, Sophie Khan is excelling in just about anything she puts her mind to.

From her academic achievements and being awarded the year 8 dux last year, to representing the region in cricket and soccer and being named the best female chess player.

A recipient of several prestigious schooling and academic awards, the now 14-year-old student was also awarded a music scholarship through Fairholme and has won many eisteddfod awards for her piano playing.

In between all her commitments, the year 9 Fairholme student also volunteers at St Vincent’s Hospital and Tony’s Kitchen.

“Time management is huge for me as it’s allowed me to structure my life around the things I enjoy, which motivates me,” Sophie said.

“Ever since I was young I have wanted to pursue a career in medicine, specialising as a neurosurgeon because I’m fascinated by the human body and love the idea of giving people hope and saving lives.”

“We are proud of Sophie and she continues to achieve success … it is a long journey but we are confident Sophie is well prepared for future challenges and she will do great,” parent Tariq Khan said.

“Sophie is a bright girl and loves doing things to the best of her ability – she won’t cut corners and will give you the perfect finished product, be it an art project or science.”

Hannah Pollock – Year 8

Age isn’t a barrier for Hannah Pollock, who at just 13-years-old, is on her way to becoming a serious competitor on the track and in the pool.

The year 8 Fairholme student was thriving in aquathon competitions for years, before she progressed to triathlons last year.

Devoting hours to her co-curricular and sporting activities, Hannah generally commits to four running, three swimming, four riding and four gym sessions a week.

And now the hard work has paid off, after she won gold at the state championships this year.

“I like that every race is tough – you’ve got to push yourself, it’s not easy and that makes the feeling so much sweeter when you finish at the end,” Hannah said.

“The Brisbane Olympics are on my radar and I want to do it competitively after school, but I’m still pretty open to all options.”

When she’s not training, she’s out playing AFL, socialising with friends or working on her favourite subject – maths.

Mum Lisa Pollock said watching her daughter win the state triathlon championships in Hervey Bay this year and excel at such a high level was an inspiring.

“Hannah is so humble in her achievements which is a beautiful thing … she is fiercely determined and gutsy and never ever gives up which I think is a strength that will see her succeed in whatever she puts her mind to,” Ms Pollock said.

“Hannah loves what she does and seeing that in your children is the most important part of sport – it is their journey and whilst we are here to support her in anyway we can, it needs to be driven by her and she needs to have fun amongst the hard work.”

Lottie Ostwald – Year 9

She was part of the team that made history for Fairholme College when they won the Lorette Wigan Cup in equestrian for the first time in August this year.

But Lottie Ostwald’s achievements in the sport don’t stop there.

The 15-year-old student began riding horses five years ago, after her family moved to a farm.

Inspired by her mum who used to ride, Lottie said she couldn’t have made it far in the sport without her constant support.

“My mum really helped me and if she didn’t help me transport my horse everywhere, I wouldn’t have been able to go to nationals, so she’s been really encouraging,” she said.

“The things I love most about the sport is I get to spend time with my horse and see how far I’ve come, but the community is great too and everyone helps each other to improve.”

The boarding student trains at her Jondaryan property a few times every week and boards at Fairholme full-time.

And while she has proven to be a talented equestrian rider, the young gun isn’t sure if she’s ready for the Olympics yet, but is looking forward to attending global events in the future.

Signing herself up to the Youth4Youth leadership program, Lottie said she loved learning about how building a social enterprise can solve world issues and it has inspired her to pursue a career in business or law.

Parents Kirsty and Matt Ostwald said their daughter always showed relentless resilience and the more falls and challenges she encountered, the more it fed her determination to succeed.

“Lottie had a significant horse fall when she was only 11-years-old which resulted in

multiple fractures of her left arm,” Ms Ostwald said.

“It showed great mental strength to not only ride again but to compete and gain selection in the Queensland team the following year and place fourth at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships.”

Rachel Yap – Year 9

In a bid to combat discrimination and educate younger generations about the harms of racial inequality, Rachel Yap is working with another student to release a children’s book with a big purpose.

The powerful project all came about when the 14-year-old’s business class received an assessment that asked them to solve a present issue in the world.

Choosing racism with her partner, the pair have already had their book professionally edited, are now working with an illustrator and plan to release it early to mid next year.

“We didn’t just want this to be an assignment – we want this to make an impact,” Rachel said.

“People have pretty solid opinions when it comes to these issues, so we thought it would be better to teach children about this from a young age to promote the idea that being different isn’t a bad thing.”

Titled The Thorned Rose, the student has also launched a crowd-funding campaign to help get the children’s book published sustainably, by using soy-based inks.

Excelling academically and in the performing arts, Rachel has been playing the piano since she was just three-years-old.

Her love for the arts has become a growing passion, leading to her active participation in school musicals, choirs, dancing, speech and drama and learning to play the double bass.

While she has plenty of time to determine for future pursuits, the year 9 student hopes to study law, start a business or become an actor.

Parents Hin-Wai and Elaine Yap said in addition to her success in the arts, their daughter had also flourished academically over the years.

But they said they were most proud of her humility, kindness and supportment of others.

“Reaching the top in any endeavour is much easier than maintaining those efforts to stay at the top, so it requires hard work and continuing commitment and I think Rachel tries to do that but it is obviously not an easy task,” they said.

“It is hard to put down in words the immense pride we have in Rachel, not just for her achievements but her as a person, developing in her own thoughts and maturing in her journey.”

Originally published as Bright futures: Fairholme students making big impact on world