Bright futures: Concordia 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 Concordia Lutheran College.

Here are 13 students from Concordia Lutheran College, with bright futures ahead of them. Picture: Kevin Farmer.

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 Concordia Lutheran 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 Concordia.

Opening up about the special accomplishments they have made throughout their time at school are students Dinuk Wijesiri, Charlie Pietsch, Isabel Barton, Mark Sims, Meg Osborne, Selina Richards, Jack Bolam, Anya Vermeulen, Thomas Tang, Emma Walkington, Harleen Dhaliwal and Chloe and Ellie Denning.

Dinuk Wijesiri – Year 7

You would struggle to find someone as keen on maths as this grade 7 student.

Fascinated by its practical applications and how it can be used in the real world, Dinuk Wijesiri lives and breathes mathematics.

In fact, he has been ranked as his school’s highest performer for the Australian maths Trust program on two occasions, obtained a credit through Kangourou Sans Frontieres and scored within the 78th percentile in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking competition.

“When I was in grade one, maths was something that I would sit down and try to learn but struggled with, but I learned that if you just keep going at it, it becomes a lot easier,” Dinuk said.

“Every morning my mum says a prayer and she counts them, so I like to add the minutes to the time to find out what count she’s up to … it’s basic maths but I enjoy applying it in real-life.”

Listing his hobbies as anything to do with maths and coding, Dinuk said he hopes to become a doctor, scientist, mathematician or engineer.

His mum Lakmini Wijesiri said ever since her son was young, he would put his best efforts into everything he did.

“We’re so blessed to have him and he’s honestly the best little boy a mother could ever have,” Ms Wijesiri said.

“He’s kind hearted, caring and helpful – he always asks how he can help me in the kitchen and will help me unload groceries … there’s so much I love about him.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Dinuk Wijesiri for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Charlie Pietsch – Year 9

Spending close to four years of his life living in America is a life-changing experience and one that Charlie Pietsch has never taken for granted.

The 15-year-old student first moved to the states with his family in 2013, before returning late 2016 and during that time, discovered his love for baseball and basketball.

Last year, the sporty student was selected to play in the state titles for baseball, the under 16’s Queensland team and also participated in a national showcase for the sport.

But his abilities don’t stop there – the avid basketball player was also chosen for the Darling Downs under 16’s basketball team this year, as well as the school’s accelerated maths program, alongside just five other year 9 students.

“I like to look at the opposing team I’m going to play, assess their strengths and weaknesses and form a strategy ahead of the game, but once I get out on the field or court, it’s just about having fun,” Charlie said.

“The reason I enjoy maths is because you don’t have to write about it beyond your calculations … there’s just the one answer and I like the straightforwardness of that.”

Charlie’s dad David Pietsch said his son was just six-years-old when the family moved to America and he instantly developed a passion for his sports, which has yet to subside.

“The fact that he picked up baseball when we were in the U.S. and kept going at it, when it’s not one of those mainstream sports in Australia, really impressed us,” Mr Pietsch said.

“He heads to Brisbane several times a week for training, games and tournaments and that shows real commitment.

“We really want to support whatever opportunities he wants to pursue … even if that means driving miles and miles every week.”

Keen to return to America after school, Charlie hopes to continue with his sporting interests and even attend a college.

Concordia Lutheran College student Charlie Pietsch for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Isabel Barton – Year 12

Being appointed as school captain for Concordia Lutheran College wasn’t enough for Isabel Barton, who has a long and growing list of achievements.

The year 12 student has participated in the school’s Kokoda challenge, multiple music eisteddfods and was even selected for a youth leaders program, designed to enable young people to make a difference in their communities.

But after experiencing a personal tragedy, it’s undoubtedly the college captain’s commitment to helping others that is most inspiring.

“My brother passed away due to suicide and my family and I wanted to honour his memory and make a difference for others, so we started Hike to Heal, which is an annual charity event and scavenger hunt,” Isabel said.

“It raises funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, shows people that there is support out there and helps organisations like Lifeline to get programs off the ground and help others.”

Wearing her school badge with pride, Isabel said she believed her role as school captain was to build other students up, give them a platform to let their voices be heard and celebrate their achievements.

With plans to enrol in a dual degree in engineering and design, at The University of Queensland (UQ), Isabel intends to continue her involvement in leadership and innovation roles.

Dad Jim Barton said while he might be a little bias, he thought his daughter was an amazing young lady.

“She’s had to cope with some pretty challenging circumstances over the years, especially with the passing of her brother,” Mr Barton said.

“But she has made it her mission to help others suffering from mental health, she wants to make a difference in the world and I’m very proud of her.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Isabel Barton for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mark Sims – Year 11

While it’s usually the performers on stage receiving applause, Mark Sims has been an integral part of school productions, working behind the scenes to ensure things run smoothly.

Assisting with the school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mark worked behind the red curtain of the Empire Theatre and assisted with the technology, sound and schedule.

And while the 16-year-old is leaning towards following a path that feeds his creative side, he is quite the academic too and last year received the best academic achiever award for his grade.

“My favourite subjects are music, maths, physics and modern history,” Mark said.

“I do probably enjoy the creative side more though, because it can be helpful in applying it to other things … if you’re only looking at maths in terms of formulas and not thinking about its uses, you’re kind of missing its whole purpose.”

Heading into his final year of school next year, the year 11 student is already thinking about his future and upon leaving school, hopes to study music composition or sound production at university.

A member of the school’s big band since year 7, Mark also plays the trumpet and while he loves to sing in his own company, said he would never take his voice to the stage.

Mark’s mum Michelle Sims said she was very proud of her son and loved to watch him play the trumpet.

“From an early age, Mark could read and he’s always been very smart and at the top of his class or close to … by the time he was in prep, he was reading at year three text … I sometimes wonder where he gets it from to be honest,” Ms Sims said.

“His passion for music started in high school and we were quite surprised because he was very sporty in primary school, but he loves composing music and using his mathematical mind, which actually works very well with music.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Mark Sims for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Chloe Denning – Year 9 and Ellie Denning – Year 8

Strong genes run through the Denning family and sisters Chloe, 15, and Ellie, 13, are proof.

Oldest sibling Chloe has made many achievements in sport over the years and taken home her fair share of medals.

The triple threat is one to watch on the track, bike and in the pool and made the state team for triathlon this year.

“Unfortunately I didn’t get to compete because of Covid, but it was still pretty cool to be selected to represent Queensland,” Chloe said.

“I did my first qualathon, which is a swim and run, when I was 12 and got into triathlons because I enjoyed it so much … I’d love to keep it up when I leave school and it would be awesome to qualify for the Brisbane Olympics.”

The driven year 9 student was also appointed as one of nine middle school captains and one of three for sport.

But it seems athletic talent runs in the family, with younger sister Ellie following in the footsteps of her big sister.

After participating in the aquathon for two years, the year 8 student has developed her own passion for swimming and running and is equally keen to make it to the Olympics, after making the state team too.

“I really like the social aspect of it because I’ve made a fair few friends and get to compete with friends which is fun because we spur each other on,” Ellie said.

“It gets a bit competitive in our family, especially when you’re in the same division … when I versed my younger sister who is also good at swimming, it motivated us to go faster because we just wanted to beat each other.”

The girls’ mum Sharon Denning said while the postponement or cancellation of events over the past two years had been challenging, she was proud of the girls, their resilience and ability to bounce back.

“It’s been really difficult because the girls have all these goals that have been cancelled because of Covid, but it’s been great to see their response which is to reset, try again and keep working towards it,” Ms Denning said.

“They enjoy a bit of friendly competition with each other and their father as well, who is now into the triathlons too … I love watching them and probably get more nervous watching than they do actually competing.”

Concordia Lutheran College students Chloe (left) and Ellie Denning for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Meg Osborne – Year 7

Developing a strong sense of commitment, resilience and sacrifice is something all competitive athletes learn and 13-year-old Meg Osborne is not the exception.

And swimming for as long as she can remember and competitively since she was just eight-years-old has seen the aspiring athlete go from strength to strength.

Winning her first state medal in 2019, Meg placed second in the 50m butterfly and took out second place for the 100m butterfly this year when she represented Queensland at the state championships.

“I love the competitiveness of racing, but I also like pushing myself in training and connecting with people through sport,” Meg said.

“Swimming is especially hard because you’re a bit isolated when your heads in the water and it’s not like you can turn to your teammates for encouragement while racing.

“But your team still encourages you when you’re out of the pool and it’s always an incredible rush to hear the crowd cheering when you’re racing.”

The swimmer’s dad Kyal Osborne said his daughter was now old enough to qualify for and ready to compete at a national level.

“It’s been a bit awkward for her during Covid with all the cancellations, but she’s a pretty driven young lady, so she’s taken it in her stride and is looking forward to getting back in the pool,” Ms Osborne said.

“We actually try to hold her back a bit because we don’t want her to burn herself out, but she just loves competing and she gets herself up out of bed early for trainings because she wants to go.

“As long as we can keep her love for the sport there and encourage her to keep a balance, we’re happy, but we are very proud of her.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Meg Osborne for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Selina Richards – Year 8

Strength, dedication and a love for weightlifting is just some of the reasons behind Selina Richards’s success in her sport of choice.

The 13-year-old can manage a boastful 53kg in a clean and jerk lift and 46kg in a snatch lift.

Dedicating three days a week to school and weight training, and four days during school holidays, Selina’s focused and hardworking attitude is taking her places.

In fact, the year 8 boarding student originally from Miles, placed second in the under 15 women’s category at the national championships in Tasmania recently.

And her commitment doesn’t stop there.

The driven weightlifter manages her own low-carb, high-protein diet to ensure she can stay fit for competition.

“I started doing weightlifting when I was 10-years-old and I just fell in love with it,” Selina said.

“I’m also indigenous, so to place second at a national level and be able to represent indigenous Australia communities, is something I’m pretty proud of.”

Selina’s mum Brittany Richards said her daughter had made state teams for softball and orienteering and was also a talented swimmer, but weightlifting was her true calling.

“I’m spewing because she could have been the next Ian Thorpe because she’s so tall and was such a great swimmer … but she just loves weightlifting and I’m so proud of her,” Ms Richards said.

“Because I’m a mum of five kids and was very young when I had Selina, I was always pretty honest with her about the cost of sport, because I wanted her to understand the expectations of training.

“But it’s never been a problem because she’s always been so grateful for the opportunities she’s received and she really earns her spot because she works and trains so hard.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Selina Richards for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Jack Bolam – Year 12

Sending your child to boarding school is a challenging decision for most parents, including Jack Bolam’s, but after seeing how much he has thrived at Concordia, it’s one they wouldn’t change.

Originally living on his family’s cattle farm, in a rural town two hours away from Cunnamulla, Toowoomba was a bit of a change for the year 12 student.

But with Jack’s relaxed, laid-back and positive attitude, you wouldn’t know it.

Stepping into the leadership role of boarding house captain this year, the graduating high school student said its something he had taken a lot of pride in.

“I don’t see it as a responsibility because I really enjoy helping out the boarding staff and younger students,” Jack said.

“When you’re living in a boarding house, you start to see everyone like your brother or sister, because they basically are … we’re a real close-knit and united family, which is pretty special.”

The boarding house captain plans to return home and spend a few months helping out on his family’s property when he graduates, before heading to Brisbane to study a degree in agricultural science.

With experience in assisting on the family farm, Jack hopes to then kickstart a career in crop management or cattle logistics and hopes to assist other agricultural businesses.

The year 12 student’s mum Felicity Vagg said her son had done exceptionally well after moving away from home at a young age.

“He’s been boarding since he was in primary school, which has been tough and of course you don’t want them to go, but it’s the only way to give them an education where you’re based so rurally,” Ms Vagg said.

“It’s actually been quite easy for Jack because he’s thrived so much and we look forward to every holiday when he’s home.

“Nothing is really a problem for Jack – he’s a very happy go lucky boy and whatever he does, he does well at … he’s so happy and that’s all that matters to us.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Jack Bolam for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Anya Vermeulen – Year 5

Nothing makes 11-year-old Concordia student Anya Vermeulen happier, than when she’s running around on the footy field.

After sitting on the sideline and cheering on her brother while playing AFL, Anya decided it was time to step up to the challenge herself and she has been kicking goals ever since.

Two years on, the talented player hit her biggest milestone to date this year, when she represented the Darling Downs region at the state championships in Cairns, where she captained three of the 10 games.

While she doesn’t have a favourite player, the Brisbane Lions fan said she is inspired by the professional women’s league.

She said she one day hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Concordia student Zimmorlei Farquharson, who was drafted into the elite AFLW competition last year.

“I love tackling people and I usually play mid, but am happy to play any position really,” Anya said.

“My parents are really supportive and mum came to watch me play in Cairns which was great.”

And mum Suzette Vermeulen tends to agree.

“We’re so lucky to be her parents … she’s just so self-driven and motivated and it just makes me happy to see her reaching her full potential,” Ms Vermeulen said.

“Anya is one very clever cookie … she just doesn’t stop reading and it’s so lovely to watch a child that loves learning so much.

“But she’s also so independent and hard working – she will unpack the dishwasher, feed the dog and have a lunch box packed for her and her younger sibling without even being asked.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Anya Vermeullen for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Thomas Tang – Year 5

Few 11-year-olds would spend their spare time capturing kings, but Thomas Tang is one of a kind.

The talented chess player has been check mating opponents for more than two years and the game which started as a fun hobby for the young player, has grown into a real passion.

Applying his skills in mathematics and strategic thinking, little Thomas loves to challenge opponents of all ages, including his dad, who Thomas admits he often manages to beat.

“Most of the time I can beat dad because he makes small mistakes and that’s how I win, but he will occasionally beat me,” Thomas said.

“Every game differs because sometimes you start on the white, but sometimes you start on the black, so you have to try and match what your opponent is doing, but I love it because it helps me with my mathematical calculations.”

The grade 5 student takes chess classes before school once a week and recently placed 11th and 12th in a tournament.

Mum Yvonne Tang said

“He’s an ordinary little boy who is sometimes naughty and silly, but I feel so happy that he has found his own interests for things like chess,” Ms Tang said.

“As his mum, it’s been so nice to see him achieving and making progress in many areas that also bring him so much happiness.”

Thomas said he’s unsure what he would like to do when he grows up and he’s keeping his options open.

Concordia Lutheran College student Thomas Tang for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Emma Walkington – Year 5

She might be just 10-years-old, but Emma Walkington is already making a name for herself at school and in the pool.

Selected for the Darling Downs and state championships, Emma also trains at the Aquatic Centre just for fun.

And while the year 5 Concordia student has won medals for running and athletics too, it’s swimming that really fuels her ambitions.

“I always liked breaststroke but was only doing it for fun until I went to states for swimming last term,” Emma said.

“I love to compete against other kids my age and I really love to win … when I grow up I want to be a swimmer and go to the Olympics.”

Supported by her parents when “Covid isn’t happening”, Emma said they often come to cheer her on at races.

The 10-year-old’s mum Amanda Claridge said while she played sport when she was young, it definitely wasn’t as competitively as her young daughter.

“I’m not really sure where she gets it from, but it doesn’t surprise us at all because she has always been very driven ever since she was a little girl,” Ms Claridge said.

“Emma is very focused and if she wants something, she puts her mind to it and does it … watching the Australian swimmers do so well at the Olympics has really made her want to work towards that ultimate goal.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Emma Walkington for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Harleen Dhaliwal – Year 5

For as long as she can remember, Harleen Dhaliwal has loved painting and drawing.

Inspired by the beautiful scenery around her, the 10-year-old artist mostly enjoys painting nature, trees and flowers.

And while she has plenty of time to consider her career path, Harleen already has a plan in mind and hopes to one day study art in Canberra.

“My mum and dad are very encouraging and always buy me art supplies when I need them,” Harleen said.

“When I first started drawing and painting, there were some people who didn’t encourage me at first, so I encouraged myself to keep doing it and I keep improving.”

The young creative’s mum Sandeep Dhaliwal said she displayed her daughter's drawings and paintings were displayed throughout their home.

“She started getting into art last year and she is a really great drawer and painter,” Ms Dhaliwal said.

“I’m good at drawing but I didn’t teach her anything … I have encouraged her but she’s doing this all herself and she never wants anything except art supplies.

“My daughter is really helpful and loving and she helps me with cooking and chores without being asked.”

Concordia Lutheran College student Harleen Dhaliwal for Bright Futures feature. Picture: Kevin Farmer