Eurovision 2022: Sheldon Riley’s amazing past at Palm Beach Currumbin
Staff and students at PBC are celebrating after past pupil Sheldon Riley stormed into the Eurovision Final, with teachers recalling a student destined for great things.
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A FORMER Palm Beach Currumbin student has announced himself on the world stage by making it to the Grand Final of Eurovision.
Sheldon Riley, who graduated from the school in 2016, wowed judges in Turin, Italy, with his performance of powerful anthem Not The Same.
It was the latest in a string of showstopping performances from the former X Factor, The Voice and Australia Decides contestant, who cut his teeth in PBC’s music and visual arts programs.
Teacher Paula Hall said it was always clear the 23-year-old was destined for great things.
“I was his visual arts teacher but we’ve kept in a lot of contact since he’s left school,” Ms Hall said.
“He was always the kid who would be in my art room at lunchtime. He was always creating. Really elaborate things.
“Even when he was in high school, if he was doing a performance, he would make his own costume. We would be in the art room at four o’clock in the afternoon gluing beads onto something.”
Ms Hall said the school community had been eagerly following the progress of Sheldon’s career and would be cheering him on during the Eurovision Grand Final on Sunday.
“We’ll all be cheering him on,” she said.
“We’re just very, very proud of him.”
Sheldon, who appeared on the front cover of a Gold Coast Bulletin magazine in 2016, said making the final was a dream come true.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” he said.
“Tonight I just wanted to deliver my best performance and make Australia proud.
“It’s a huge thrill that people across Europe have appreciated Not The Same, and I’m so happy I get to be on the stage again this weekend.
“I can’t wait to be part of the Grand Final in front of 200 million people, and see what all the other amazing acts are going to bring to the stage.
“This is honestly a dream come true for me. I am so thankful for all the support from fans over here and everyone back home.”
* The Eurovision Grand Final will be broadcast live on SBS at 5am on Sunday.
SCHOOL’S BIG PARTY TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
PALM BEACH Currumbin State High School is holding a major event to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Members of the community are invited to attend a special Gala Day at 3pm on Saturday, June 11. It will have displays of school memorabilia from every decade, food trucks, artworks and student performances.
Participants will be able to go on a self-guided tour through the school to see how it has expanded since it welcomed its first students in January 1972.
Later the same day, PBC is hosting a Sunset Soiree Ultimate Reunion at its new library precinct, offering past pupils and other friends of the school an opportunity to reconnect with friends and teachers.
The night will feature guest speakers, performances and videos from throughout the school’s history.
Entry to the Sunset Soiree is $30 and includes food and one free drink on entry. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.au.
The Gala Day takes place from 3-5pm, while the Sunset Soiree runs from 5-8pm.
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Originally published as Eurovision 2022: Sheldon Riley’s amazing past at Palm Beach Currumbin
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