Jessica Smith
2010
Youth of the Year
Queensland Aboriginal woman Jessica Smith is an Indigenous Support Officer at Lourdes Hill College, where she ensures Indigenous girls are supported in their education, home lives and culture.
As a student herself, Jessica showed outstanding dedication by graduating from Nambour Christian College with top marks while expecting a baby.
Jessica went on to balance work, family and study to complete a Bachelor of Education with first class honours and a Bachelor of Creative Industries with distinction. During this time she also tutored refugee students as a volunteer mentor. Today she is studying for a PhD in Visual Arts.
At 24, Jessica Smith is already a leader, not only to her students, but to her colleagues and the wider Indigenous community.