Born and bred local, Proserpine State High School student Reid Ogden did not expect to be welcomed back to the school year with an invitation to be a part of the Ministerial Student Advisory Council.
Reid is one of 16 students from across Queensland to represent youth opinions on matters that directly influence and impact on them with their school environment.
Established in 2018 by Minister for Education, the Honourable Grace Grace MP, the council gives Queensland students the opportunity and space to voice concerns, feedback, and advice on a range of educational matters.
With two meetings every year, the council discuss important matters, which Grace MP takes on board when creating changes in the education sector.
While not being able to discuss the agenda of his first meeting, Reid mentioned that previously the council discussed the e-cigarette and vape crisis occurring in schools, which helped inform the ban that was later put in place.
“I feel pretty privileged to be picked from this school and that I get to go down there and voice my opinion to someone of power,” Reid said.
“Voice my opinion formally and properly so they take it in and take it on board, yeah I feel very grateful that I get the opportunity to do that.”
Reid was put forward to the council by his school Proserpine State High School, based on his history of school commitment and outstanding effort.
Reid had been elected as a Junior School Executive leader in Year 9 and is currently in the Senior Leadership Team.
In 2022, when Reid was in Year 10, he was awarded the St Vincent de Paul Scholarship, for dedication to upholding school values, work ethic and leadership in the school community.
Don McDermid, Principal of Proserpine State High School, said “we have great confidence in Reid’s ability to be a valuable member of the Ministerial Student Advisory Council.”
Students come from all across Queensland, from Cairns, Longreach, and Tully, as well as Brisbane and Redcliff, as well as a range of year groups, with one student only being in Year 7.
Reid will remain in the council until he graduates at the end of 2024.
Until then, he continues to influence within his school, eyeing to become School Captain next year, as well as play Volleyball and AFL, as well as be a part of his House Committee.
Reid Ogden standing outside the William Street Queensland Government Building
Year 11 student Reid Ogden (back row, third from left) joins 15 other students to inform Queensland Government on youth and student opinion. Photo supplied
