Things go ‘Heywire’ for top local student

HEYWIRE winner and inaugural Dyiraamalang Cultural Captain, Janaya Rose, has had an exceptional final year at Dubbo College Senior Campus.

The win in the ABC Youth Storytelling competition is another addition to Janaya’s previous and ongoing achievements.

NASCA, the Indigenous girls’ program run within Dubbo College, presented Janaya with the opportunity to enter the competition.

Program Lead Tracey Pigott suggested the competition and assisted Janaya in preparing her entry.

“Janaya’s story is inspiring, she has overcome a lot of hardship to achieve what she has today,” Ms Piggott said.

Janaya was named the Western Plains winner and her entry has been featured on the ABC Heywire website.

“It felt surreal knowing they liked my story, I couldn’t stop smiling” Janaya said.

“It’s so important to me because it’s the first time I’ve ever spoken up and talked about my experiences, it felt good to share my story”

“(It’s) like a weight off my shoulders” she said.

Dubbo College this year broke NSW records with 71 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HSC graduates at one school.

“I’m proud, really proud of not just myself, but all of us to make it this far,” said Janaya, who also received two awards at her graduation ceremony – the Gleeson Family Prize of Achievement, which recognises a student’s embodiment of ideals of the school motto in the academic or cultural field, and the Charles Newman Memorial Award, presented to a student who achieved their HSC despite significant personal adversity.

In January 2022, Janaya will pursue her career in the Navy at the Victorian Naval Base.

Despite her personal and academic achievements, Janaya acknowledges the vital and ongoing support and opportunities presented by Dubbo College staff and programs.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t be headed off to the Navy without their support, especially the Dubbo College Senior Campus NASCA staff, Tracey Piggott and Abbie Merritt.

“They pushed me to achieve, they helped to find opportunities for me, some I would not have discovered on my own.

“I also took advantage of the schools tutoring and homework programs, they made a huge difference. I wouldn’t have completed the HSC without them.

“These programs and the teachers instilled so much more confidence in me and my ability” she said.

Tracey Piggott emphasised Janaya’s resilience, dedication and motivation for her successful future.

“I’m incredibly proud of Janaya and all she has achieved. I have been lucky enough to get to know her on a personal level and be part of her journey up until this point.”

“I look forward to watching her grow and succeed,” Ms Piggott said.

This story was originally published in Dubbo Photo News