The Winners of The Advertiser’s 2024 Teen Parliament scholarship have been revealed
A future premier could well be in this list of 10 inspiring South Australian students who won this year’s Teen Parliament scholarships with their inspirational ideas to shape the state.
SA News
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Peyton Turner not only has an “aura of confidence” about her since taking part in The Advertiser’s Teen Parliament – she’s also lifted up her whole school community.
It took great courage for the shy Kaurna Plains School Year 10 student – one of 10 recipients of $10,000 scholarships as a result of the event – to stand up in Parliament House and make her powerful argument in both Kaurna and English for the teaching of Aboriginal language and culture in SA schools.
“It’s meant a lot to everyone, not just her and her family, the whole school community as well,” says Tom Guerin, Kaurna Plains School’s wellbeing and engagement leader.
“The opportunity for Peyton to go into parliament and talk about language and culture was massive. It’s been so rewarding. Since doing her speech there’s an aura of confidence around her.”
Mr Guerin said Peyton’s success had prompted discussion around the school about the benefits of being brave enough to put yourself in uncomfortable positions.
“It’s about pushing us forward, and she could be the person whose statement leads to culture being more prevalent in schools in SA,” he said.
Peyton, 15, is considering using her scholarship to secure more reliable internet at home, get her L-plates and possibly a car as she is keen to find a job, and putting some away for her education.
Chloe Wyatt- Jasper, 15
Playford International College, Year 10
In 2009, Chloe was just two weeks old, when her father – who had schizophrenia and a drug addiction – killed her brother Jakob, stabbed her mother, severed Chloe’s ear – resulting in six operations – before taking his own life.
Chloe Wyatt-Jasper, 15, bravely told of the horror story that engulfed her family which fuelled her determination to advocate for mental health resources to support younger generations.
Her story had a powerful effect on Premier Peter Malinauskas, who responded to her impassioned plea for more mental health funding at The Advertiser’s Teen Parliament by promising her a meeting with Health Minister Chris Picton and the state’s advocate for suicide prevention, Elder MP Nadia Clancy.
Denzel James, 18
Avenues College, Year 12
Denzel James, 19, of Para Vista, became a scholarship recipient for his innovative infrastructure ideas that would see the state grow to its full potential.
His suggestions include relocating the airport to make low density houses, increasing Adelaide Oval’s seating capacity and expanding the state’s transport system.
With the scholarship funds, he wants to buy a new laptop and take a “educational trip” to gain insights about climate change and the Great Barrier Reef.
“It should help with the financial barriers of supporting myself through Year 12 and then going to the Australian National University,” he said.
“It would be awesome to help get myself to do those types of things.”
The Avenues College student hopes to complete a degree in climate policy and politics.
Rachel Files, 17
Renmark High School, Year 12
Inspired by the idea that she could one day become “a member of Parliament”, Renmark High School student, Rachel Files now knows the power of using her voice.
“It means that my voice gets out there and my ideas get out.”
“The experience altogether was really good. I (got) to see what members really do, it’s really inspiring and it just sort of motivates me.”
Rachel wants to put her scholarship towards a political science university degree next year, which will alleviate the financial burden from her parents.
“The $10,000 would be really helpful for college fees,” she said.
Max Mander, 16
St Ignatius College
Max Mander, 16, of Paradise said he was “really shocked” to win a scholarship for his ideas to reform driving lessons.
The Year 11 St Ignatius College student suggested using technology to virtually replicate life scenarios to prepare young for dangerous eventualities.
He said the scholarship will be a massive financial help “especially with university” with future aspirations of working in the law field.
“Uni prices are going up so it’s going to really help me out. We are really grateful for that,” he said.
“I will be independently paying for it, so it’s personally going to help me a lot. I’m not sure what area yet, but I’m still trying to figure that out.”
Jordan Harvey, 16
Tjindu Foundation, Year 11
Jordan Harvey, 16, of Renown Park scored a scholarship for ideas to help young Aboriginal people access culturally appropriate education.
“I’m very blessed and I’m very happy that I got to win. It just show that my hard work does pay off,” Jordy said.
She said the scholarship will help become more independent.
“A car would change everything and make my life very easy,” she said.
“I could go to work, go to school, drive myself places that I need to go, instead of having to feel like I’m going to be late for everything.”
The Year 11 student Warriappendi School, who is an aspiring flight attendant, said the scholarship boosted her self-confidence.
“It means a lot because it will help me and my family so much,” she said.
“Having a voice to come out and see a better side of us, it’s just life changing.”
Indulee Jayawardena, 17
The Heights School, Year 12
Indulee Jayawardena, 17, of Modbury Heights is now one step closer to achieving her dream of studying a medical degree.
She proposed ideas that would minimise the discriminatory hurdles that stop students from accessing internships and employment.
“Being able to speak in Parliament about an issue I care about, it was a great opportunity for me to have that experience. It showed me that I can make a difference outside of my career path.”
The Heights School student plans on using the scholarship to “pay for university next year.”
“I want to study medicine then go into research, probably something related to neurology,” she said.
Brendan Talbot, 16
St Michael’s College, Year 11
Mental and physical health issues can be solved with fishing, according to Brendan Talbot vision.
“Fishing is proven to improve physical and mental health, as well as providing positive social connections,” he said.
An avid outdoorsman himself, Brendan of Elizabeth proposed an initiative called YOUthFISH that would help young people get off their screens by taking up a hobby and meeting up at a specific spot every month to fish.
“The online platform will have hints and tips, as well as highlight the benefits of fishing,” The Year 11 St Michael’s College student said.
It won the support of many parents in chamber who welcomed his love of the great outdoors.
Alex Johnson, 16
Sacred Heart College, Year 11
Year 11 at Sacred Heart College Alex Johnson wants our state’s to rival Queensland with world class theme parks in hopes of driving tourism to South Australia.
“I believe investing in theme parks to boost South Australia’s economy presents a multifaceted opportunity to stimulate growth, enhance tourism, and create a dynamic entertainment landscape,” the 16-year-old from Edwardstown Park said.
“There is definitely a lack of major attractions in Adelaide.”
Alex said theme parks in our state would benefit the state two fold: it would help the economy with increased tourism expenditure and also extend the length of visitors’ stay in SA.
“South Australia can cultivate unique attractions that showcase its cultural identity while pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling and experiential entertainment,” he said.
Natasha Moore, 17
Naracoorte High School, Year 12
Some students do not do well in tests, so Natasha Moore, 17, of Naracoorte devised a system to make sure student’s would no longer be disadvantaged.
She said “a more holistic approach” would allow students to be evaluated fairly and accurately.
“A more comprehensive system should be implemented that takes into account a student’s overall performance in various aspects of their academic and personal development,” the Naracoorte High School student said.
“This system can include multiple forms of assessment such as class participation, project work, presentations, and group discussions.”
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