Students reach for dreams
Meet young stars of Mary MacKillop Catholic College
HIGHFIELDS school Mary MacKillop Catholic College is full of inspiring students with bright futures ahead.
The students excel in a range of areas, whether it be kicking goals in sport, taking centre stage in the arts, or receiving straight A-grades and making a positive impact in the community.
We sat down with 17 students from the school who spoke about their biggest achievements and how they plan to make the world a better place.
ELISE SCRIVENS, 17
With a drive for helping others, Elise Scrivens pitched the idea of starting a school-based outreach program to her principal, in 2019.
Elise then founded the Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy group, and with the assistance of other students, has assisted hundreds of people in the community.
The year 11 student said she was proudest of an initiative which involved students gifting drought-stricken families in Inglewood and Texas with shampoo, conditioner and gift cards.
“Over the years, we’ve received cards from people thanking us for what we’ve done,” she said.
“Some of these cards bring tears to your eyes and serve as a reminder for why we do it.”
When she graduates from high school, Elise intends to apply for secondary teaching at UniSQ and specialise in business and biology.
LUCY WILLIAMS, 14
She may only be 14, but Lucy Williams has her sights set on becoming the next Grace Harris or Ellyse Perry.
Inspired by the two Aussie sportswomen, Lucy has already made her mark as a batter, after she was selected for UQ’s Firsts grade team and won the club’s Junior Cricketer Award last year.
The 14-year-old who travels to Brisbane for cricket three or four times a week and often completes schoolwork in the car, has also competed in various state comps.
Lucy hopes to one day qualify for the Women’s Big Bash League and attend UniSQ or a university on the Sunshine Coast.
“I really want to play professionally when I’m older and become a physio so I can help players too,” she said.
CAITLYN BARR, 14
It’s been a challenging journey for Caitlyn Barr, but the determined 14-year-old has gone from a C to an A-grade student in the flick of a switch.
Her dad – who served in East Timor – dreamt of one day living there, and the family made the move when Caitlyn was 11.
But after struggling to form friendships and adapt to the new curriculum, Caitlyn has found herself at home at Mary MacKillop.
Caitlyn said it was the best school she had ever attended, as it’s the first time she has felt accepted.
With a dream of pursuing criminal law at UniSQ, Caitlyn hopes to one day become a barrister.
JACKSON CLARK, 13
Some people struggle to find one sport they excel in, but Jackson Clark has difficulty making a choice between the growing list.
The 13-year-old who has been playing Aussie rules and rugby union for some time, now plans to take up league.
With too many trophies and medals to count, Jackson has represented the school and Darling Downs region for the two sports multiple times.
Among the awards he has claimed are Best and Fairest and Most Improved.
“(Hearing the crowd cheering) motivates me to keep pushing on the field,” he said.
“I love those sports for the contact and because I get to run around and stay fit.”
Spending many hours a week training, Jackson plays ruck in AFL and the outside centre for union.
He also supports the Brisbane Broncos and Lions and hopes to land a spot on the teams himself one day.