What our YES! recipients have achieved
Isabella - Arts
Isabella, a teen living in rural NSW has visions of one day performing on Broadway, not just in any role but as Glinda in Wicked.
The vibrant 16-year-old, loves learning and believes creative arts are an important part of any young person’s education.
Isabella says receiving the YES scholarship was ‘amazing’ allowing her to enrol in courses not available to country kids.
“I was able to do several dramatic arts courses online and face- to-face and spend a week at the Australian Theatre of Young People in Sydney. Incredible.”
She has become a regular on the Parkes theatre stage. Now planning to do a Bachelor of Arts (Drama) she helps out at her local PCYC after school care, sharing her love of creative arts and with other young people.
Imogen - Sport
Imogen’s love of gymnastics started as a toddler doing tumble rolls at Kindy Gym. But Imogen had to put her ambitions as a competitor aside following a series of injuries. Undeterred she quickly changed her focus to coaching and judging.
“I have been a judge at multiple competitions including my most recent at a state level event. None of this would’ve happened or been possible without the YES scholarship,” she says.
Imogen who is in her HSC year and studying PDHPE at TAFE has a part- time coaching role at a Central Coast PCYC where she says she enjoys helping and inspiring the young people of her community.
Coaching is about looking after the whole person says Imogen.
“I love to encourage my students to eat well and make sure their bodies and minds get what they need.”
Ryan - Music
Ryan doesn’t know where his passion for music came from, but he does recall teaching himself how to play an online electric guitar at an early age. Years later when a high school teacher opened a cupboard full of instruments and said take your pick. Ryan says he fell in love with a saxophone.
“It’s like it spoke to me from the shelf”. His YES scholarship provided funds for lessons at the prestigious Conservatorium of Music and the purchase of his very own saxophone.
“That’s something I had never dared dream was possible” he says. Since then, Ryan has completed his HSC, represented his school in soccer, while continuing to focus on his creative side.
“I practise every day,” the 19-year-old says, “Music puts a smile on my face. I am going to apply for busking license so I can share my love of music with everyone and play one of my favourite pieces of music Fly me to the moon”
Morgane - Sport
Morgane was a regular at Glebe PCYC helping out with the younger kids when a serious injury forced her to reconsider her sports career. The PCYC Cheerleader coach suggested Morgane consider cheerleading, but the ongoing costs were beyond her family’s means.
“The YES scholarship allowed me continue my cheerleading and get back into sport. It’s been an amazing experience making new friends, having a supportive coach, continuing to have an active lifestyle and representing my club at competitions throughout 2023,” says Morgane.
"Through the YES initiative I was also guided to and supported through to the BlueStar Leadership program which allowed me to travel to New Zealand, an opportunity I had never dreamed of.”
Morgane says thanks to YES she has been able to keep her ‘cheer’ learn, stay fit and keep healthy.”
Sir Henry Braddon
The scholarships are named as a tribute to Sir Henry Braddon who was significant in the foundation of both Rotary in Australia, PCYC and their enduring partnership; Braddon was the first President the RCS in 1921, one of the two foundation Clubs in Australia. He was again President of the RCS in the 1930’s when the Club agreed to establish the PCYC (then called the Police Boys Club).
