Year 9 student Chanae Cannon still calls Hope Vale home, yet after two years at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Brisbane, her weeks follow a rhythm far removed from the Cape’s easy flow.
Boarding life is “way more planned out,” according to Chanae. “You kind of know what’s going to happen – there’s always a planner for the year.” The timetable suits her love of structure and has helped her grow into a student who, in her parents’ words, is “much more mature and organised”.
Chanae’s path into Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) was paved by family. “My mum and aunty said it was the best option possible,” she said. Their knowledge of the scholarship eased Chanae’s concerns, but the move south was still “pretty scary”. The fear faded quickly with CYLP’s start-of-year camp and the weekly Student Support Officer (SSO) check-ins meant she was never alone.
“They don’t just get you the opportunity and leave,” she explains. “They’re very active – always asking if we need anything.” Those early conversations, combined with a naturally outgoing streak, saw her collect friends from the boarding house, the classroom and the basketball court. “Over the years, it got easier and easier,” she says. “Camp activities forced you to talk – sometimes teamwork, sometimes just communication – and that built my social skills.”
Chanae’s favourite subject is science, “especially biology, because you’re discovering more every day”, but her long-term dream points to a different arena. “I want to be a lawyer,” she said.
Hopefully, I can change something or someone’s life.
CYLP scholar Chanae Cannon
The ambition grows from a belief that schooling should expand horizons. Chanae believes that finishing Year 12 opens up many more opportunities in the future, including a good-paying job, as well as friendships, connections and relationships.
CYLP’s hands-on approach extends to the small but crucial details of student life. Helping students acquire sports gear, new shoes and subject supplies. “Instead of getting stuff last minute and stressing out, they’re willing to help,” Chanae said. That reliability allows her to focus on study, weekend basketball and the quiet pleasure of drawing when she’s back in Hope Vale.
To younger Cape students weighing up a CYLP scholarship, Chanae’s message is direct: “You’re not alone. There are people here – blood or not – and you can find connection.” She knows the thought of leaving community can feel isolating. She also knows how quickly that feeling fades once the network of mentors and peers surrounds you.
With each term, Chanae adds another layer to her story: a budding scientist, a committed boarder, a future lawyer who already understands the power of connection.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information visit the Cape York Leaders Program website
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