“Shock” was the initial reaction Year 12 student Isaac Buckle had when he first heard that he was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Aboriginal Student Award in Catholic Education in WA for 2013.
Presented as part of the Catholic Education Office Awards of Excellence, the award recognises Isaac’s strong academic performance, his highly developed leadership skills, the generous support he gives to his peers and for maintaining links with his community during his five years of secondary schooling.
“I didn’t even think I was worthy of getting nominated because I thought I was just doing what I had to do to get a good education,” Isaac said.
Now that the initial surprise has worn off, Isaac, who plans to study social work or psychology next year, said he was thrilled to receive the award because he feels it can be used to show other young Aboriginal people, especially those in regional communities, the importance of committing to getting a good education.
After growing up in the town of Derby in the Kimberley, Isaac moved to Perth to complete his secondary education at Aranmore Catholic College in Leederville.
He said the transition was quite a change for him.
“I was homesick when I first started at Aranmore because Perth is very different to Derby,” reminisces Isaac.
“From the weather to the buildings – our tallest building is only three storeys tall – there’s so much difference between Perth and Derby.
“But all my classmates were really good and, with the support of staff, it didn’t take long for me to settle into the routine of studying in Perth and then going back home for the holidays.”
Isaac, who plans to go back to his community in Derby after university, also acknowledges that young people from all walks of life face a variety of challenges in today’s society.
“Everyone needs to be told they’re doing a good job,” he said.
“It makes people feel good about themselves and motivates them to keep achieving. I think all young people need to be told regularly that they’re doing a good job.”