Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison today hosted an afternoon tea to congratulate the five nominees in Maitland’s Local Aboriginal Student of the Year award.

The Award recognises emerging leaders, rewards students’ commitment to their local community and connects students to community leaders and role models.

The 2016 nominees are:

Zoe Crouch - Maitland High School

Belle Leonard - Maitland Grossmann High School

Elizabeth Davey - Francis Greenway High School

Scarlet Avery - All Saints College, St Joseph’s Campus

Monique Freeman - All Saints College, St Peter’s Campus

Ms Aitchison was joined by teachers and parents to recognise the five nominees.

“All five nominees are exceptional representatives of their schools who have shown strong leadership whilst promoting reconciliation and cohesion amongst their peers,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Coming into NAIDOC Week it is only fitting to recognise emerging Aboriginal leaders in our community” Ms Aitchison said.

Ms Aitchison announced Scarlet Avery, of All Saints College, St Joseph’s Campus, as this year’s successful recipient.

“Scarlet has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to her studies and to her community. She is a very diligent and articulate student who provides strong leadership for the Aboriginal community,” Ms Aitchison said.

Scarlet is currently the President of the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) at St Joseph’s.

“Through her active involvement in the Junior AECG, Scarlet has organised a number of events that has ensured the cultural inclusivity of St Joseph’s Aboriginal community,” Ms Aitchison said.

Scarlet is one of 20 students across NSW who will head to Parliament House on 3 August to attend the Emerging Leaders Forum, where she will meet with Aboriginal, business and government leaders.

“By engaging with other young Indigenous students, Scarlet will acquire new skills and knowledge when she attends the Forum that will greatly assist her as she participates in the Junior AECG,” Ms Aitchison said.