Shaping the Future: The SPS Student Inspiring Positive Change in Our Community
Making a difference is one of the greatest opportunities you can take hold of. Making a difference in the lives of youth across a suburb is an even greater opportunity. SPS Year 10 student, James Burt, exemplifies someone who has seized this chance to create positive change.
In January, St Paul’s School’s own Year 10 student, James Burt, was accepted into the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC). Since its formation in 2008, LMYAC remains a valuable platform for young people to engage directly with the Lord Mayor, Councillors, and Council Office to put forward ideas of projects that will support their local communities. After hearing about the program, James, with the high recommendation of SPS’ Director of Wellbeing, Erica Trudgian, applied to be the Warden of Bracken Ridge and was successful alongside a small group of 29 other passionate high school students of the region.
When asked about his ultimate goal was through this program, James advised he “wants to make Brisbane better for not just the youth of Bracken Ridge, but also the youth of SPS.” Already, James has been a part of several amazing projects seeking to provide support for various communities like Homeless Connect (an organisation that has supported over 22,320 people), School’s Out on the Green (an event to showcase and celebrate youth talent/culture) and Visible Ink (a program that provides graffiti artists a space to create beautiful murals).
“The LMYAC delegates are focused and positive, creating an environment where I’m constantly learning and growing,” James says. “It’s truly inspiring to be part of a team that’s making a tangible difference in the community around us. I’m excited for all the upcoming opportunities to serve our community, and I can’t wait to discuss the issues affecting the young people at SPS with Council.”
SPS would like to congratulate James on this incredible achievement and look forward to hearing more about how our community can support these incredible projects!
