The Beecroft Youth Awards of 2024 were a vibrant recognition of the exceptional accomplishments and contributions of the Beecroft youth. Held at the prestigious Beecroft Community Centre on March 24th, the event was brimming with vitality, excitement, and a collective sense of pride.
Twelve students were honoured for their achievements across a wide spectrum of nine diverse categories during the annual Beecroft Youth Awards organised by the Rotary Club of Beecroft. The awards were presented at a community afternoon tea, acknowledging outstanding contributions in volunteering, sports, journalism, performing arts, STEM, entrepreneurship, photography, education, and environmentalism.
Winners comprised students from Years 11-12 attending local schools such as Arden Anglican School, Cheltenham Girls High School, Hornsby Girls High School, Loreto Normanhurst, and Pennant Hills High School.
Esteemed guests, including Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, and Hon Philip Ruddock, Mayor of Hornsby Shire, graced the awards ceremony. The event featured an inspiring keynote address by Annie Liao, the founder of AI Build Club, Australia’s pioneering community and incubator for leading artificial intelligence engineers. Adding to the festivities, the Golden Kangaroos Concert Band delivered captivating musical performances.
Congratulations to all of the fantastic winners, including Young Performing Artist of the Year Isabelle Ogier, who, thanks to Northbeat Music, received a two-hour recording session in a professional music studio. Young Environment Leader of the Year, Hana Stennett, received a day with the keepers at Koala Park. Other prizes included diverse mentorships and professional experiences. Young Journalist of the Year was also awarded to two students, Rose Cunningham, in Year 11 at Loreto Normanhurst, and Anju Dhanushkodi, in Year 12 at Hornsby Girls High School.