Batemans Bay Youth Foundation
Our 2026 Students
Matilda Buck
Occupational Therapy
University of Newcastle
Apart from her diligent work for her HSC, Matilda also enjoys team sports such as basketball, and she has reached Representative level as a netballer. At school Matilda provided a positive role model as House Prefect. Demonstrating her independence, she has held a casual job at a local pharmacy since she was in Year 8. Matilda hopes to continue casual work while she is studying in Newcastle.
Katelyn Brabrook
Bachelor of Legal Studies
University of Canberra
Katelyn has been recognised at her school for her academic endeavours and commitment, including a Eurobodalla Council award. Katelyn is interested in Visual Arts, especially mixed media and painting. Katelyn is also able to speak Mandarin fluently, and one subject on her HSC program was ‘Chinese and Literature’ which she studied by Distance Education. And that is a true demonstration of independent learning and commitment.
Alex Booth
Electrical Apprenticeship
NECA
Alex has completed Year 10 at school and he has already commenced training as an electrician. He will study his apprenticeship through the National Electrical and Communication Association in Moruya. Alex is a top sportsman and for any golfing enthusiasts he has a handicap of +2.2. Alex would like to be a professional golfer, but understands that being qualified in a trade is a very sensible Plan B.
Savannah McGann
Bachelor of Law/Criminology
University of Wollongong
Savannah was elected as the Social Justice Captain at school and was very involved in fund raising. Savannah balanced her school activities around casual work at a café, participating in cheerleading classes, attending and teaching dance lessons. She hopes to continue dance tutoring in Wollongong to supplement her income. Savannah is the special RSL Sub-Branch awardee, having a grandfather who served in the Australian Army.
Kalani Scognamiglio
Astrophysics
University of Wollongong
Kalani is a highly motivated student who has a deep love of physics. This has driven her decision to study Astrophysics and is hopeful this could lead to her being the first female on Mars! At school, Kalani played a pivotal role in many activities, including: fund raising; organising the Year 12 Formal; and writing and editing the Year 12 Yearbook. Kalani also manages to participate in music and gymnastics, including coaching children with special needs.
Kaeleigh Peard
Bachelor of Exercise Science
University of Canberra
Kaeleigh has a very impressive academic record and she was also elected Captain of her school. Kaeleigh and her team admirably represented her school at the Model United Nations Assembly in Canberra. She plays a range of sports at representative level, and she is also an accomplished member of the Broulee Surf Lifesaving Club. Kaeleigh plays bass guitar and has enjoyed performing with her band at many local events.
Jye Isaacs
Bachelor of Business Management
University of Newcastle
Jye is passionate about music. He is a keen musician and he currently plays in a band as the drummer. Looking to a secure future he wants to study a Bachelor of Business and his goal is to be a music manager. Jye’s ability at school has been acknowledged with numerous academic awards for excellence in a range of subjects. Jye is a confident, capable young man who worked at the Steam Packet Hotel in Nelligen.
Mia Blunden
Bachelor of Law/Arts/Media
Monash University
Mia has a strong interest in politics and the legal system. Her outstanding academic achievements have allowed her to enrol in a double degree of Arts and Law at Monash University in Melbourne.
At school, Mia was head of her house and she has taken a leading role in netball coaching and public speaking.
Emily Shanahan
Bachelor of Arts/French
University of Melbourne
Emily known to her family and friends as Milly, will be studying a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concurrent Diploma in French Language. She recently returned from a grand tour of France and England. As well as her school studies, Milly balanced several casual jobs to achieve her dream of speaking French and finding her own way around France. Her long-term goal is to work at the French Embassy.
Erin Drewson
Fine Arts
Sydney Acting School
Erin is going to follow her great passion in performing arts by studying at the Sydney Acting School in Surrey Hills this year. She demonstrated her commitment to acting as well as her academic pursuits by playing the lead role in the Bay Theatre Players’ show ‘Ladies in Black’, all while sitting her HSC exams! Erin was Vice-captain at school and received awards for leadership, dedication and community spirit. She was ‘Student of the Year’ in 2025. In her spare time, Erin is an active patrol member of Broulee Surf Life Saving Club.
Danika Edwards
Bachelor of Education
University of Newcastle
Danika has a gift for singing and music. It is no surprise that Danika received early entry to her chosen course at university. She looks forward to inspiring and teaching young people to love her chosen subjects & music as much as she does. At school she received awards for academic excellence, citizenship and the highly regarded Eurobodalla Council Award for Application to her studies. Danika sings in a band, which she manages, she also has two casual jobs and is a representative netball player.
Maxine Wilson
Bachelor of Fine Arts/Education
University of NSW
Maxine is a talented piano player who adores music and she performs in a couple of bands. At her school, Maxine earned several academic awards and was elected School Captain. She is also a keen sports person – participating in soccer, AFL, and tennis where she has tennis official status. Aside from sport, her studies and music, Maxine has managed two casual jobs, tutored students in maths and she completed a Certificate II in hospitality.
