Gordon Institute of TAFE VCE Vocational Major student and founder of social enterprise ‘Be Loud and Queer’, Imogen O’Shannessy, has taken the crown for the Overall VCE Leader of the Year 2026 at the annual VCE Leadership Awards.

Imogen is one of 8 Victorian student finalists recognised for their exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to their schools and communities.

As an elected member of the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) Student Executive Advisory Committee, Imogen has served on the VicSRC Senior Secondary Pathways Student Advisory Panel, contributing to discussions on future senior secondary education reforms in Victoria. 

After struggling in mainstream schooling, Imogen re-engaged with learning at Geelong’s Gordon Institute of TAFE, where she has made a positive difference advocating for young people and alternative education pathways.  

As the founder of ‘Be Loud and Queer’ – a social enterprise focused on amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and promoting inclusion for young people – Imogen has provided a platform for students across regional Victoria.

Other award recipients were recognised for their achievements contributing to civic and school decision-making, advancing reconciliation, promoting wellbeing and mental health awareness, and raising funds for girls’ education in Indonesia. 

The students were celebrated at a ceremony in Melbourne attended by their families and special guests including teachers who had inspired and guided their achievements. 

VCAA CEO Andrew Smith said the Awards give opportunities for Victoria’s future leaders to shine. 

“The VCE Leadership Award recipients embody the qualities we hope to see in our future leaders - resilience, creativity and a genuine commitment to helping others,” Andrew said. 

Now in its 29th year, the Awards are open to VCE students from government, Catholic and independent schools across Victoria and assessed by a dedicated panel, with finalists selected based on their leadership, achievements and contribution to their communities.

VCE Leaders 2026

Imogen O’Shannessy, Gordon Institute of TAFE

'I really got involved because I wanted to advocate for students when talking to government.'

After struggling with mainstream schooling, Imogen re-engaged with education at Gordon Institute of TAFE, enrolling in VCE Vocational Major and making her mark advocating for young people and alternative education.

Imogen is an elected member of the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) Student Executive Advisory Committee, one of 15 students statewide to provide student voice representation to the Victorian Government. She has also served on the VicSRC Senior Secondary Pathways Student Advisory Panel, contributing to discussions on future senior secondary education reforms in Victoria. 

In addition, Imogen is the founder of ‘Be Loud and Queer’, a social enterprise focused on amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and inclusion for young people – especially those in regional areas. 

Aysha Haseeb, Darul Ulum College of Victoria

'I want to show girls that there's no reason to be scared, no reason to be intimidated.'

Aysha has demonstrated her commitment to student voice and meaningful change in her role as School Captain and as a member of her school’s Student Representative Council.

With a focus on wellbeing and developing confidence, Aysha founded a basketball program for girls that has grown to include more than 60 students across 4 divisions, and has also initiated a peer-led public speaking support group. 

Outside of school, Aysha contributed to the ‘Innit for Indonesia’ campaign, which helped raise $9,000 to sponsor the education of Indonesian girls. She has also worked with libraries, local youth groups and Merri-bek City Council to develop a program that targeted the foundational literacy and numeracy skills for students experiencing disadvantage. 

Bam Brickle, Parkdale Secondary College

'To lead, you have to listen first.' 

As School Vice Captain, Bam has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, cultural pride, and community engagement.
Bam led a student delegation to Reconciliation Week celebrations as leader of Parkdale Secondary College's Koorie Mob, fostering cultural connection, inclusion and pride.

A talented footballer, Bam has captained the St Kilda Next Generation Academy in their annual match against South Australia’s Tjindu Foundation All Stars. 
He was also selected to participate in the Yagilaith program at the University of Melbourne, where he connected directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Mustafa Khraim, Mill Park Secondary College

'What motivates me is showing young people that they truly have a seat at the table.'

Mustafa has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to leadership at his school, and at municipal and state levels.

In addition to serving as College Captain, he founded and leads a 20-member team at Mill Park Secondary College’s Social Media and Yearbook Club.
Mustafa is an active member of the Victorian Youth Congress, where he has advised state government ministers on policy, youth civic spaces, and mental health resources.

As a City of Whittlesea Youth Councillor, Mustafa co-designed an anti-vaping campaign, co-facilitated the 2025 Youth Summit for over 30 schools, and helped enact the municipal Youth Charter of Rights. Mustafa also contributes to grassroots advocacy with the Young Leaders of Tomorrow at Whittlesea Community Connections.

Ruby Holderhead, Saints College

Known as a courageous leader among her peers and across the local community, Ruby has made meaningful contributions through a range of leadership, advocacy and mentoring initiatives.

As a participant in Saints College’s innovative BlendED program, which allows students to learn online from home while still being part of a school community, Ruby has shared her educational journey in information sessions with prospective students and families. Ruby also represented BlendED in a Riverine Herald newspaper feature.

Within her school, Ruby leads 'Ruby Tuesday Circle Time’ each week, with activities that encourage student participation, connection and wellbeing. Through her student outreach work and by modelling class participation, she encourages students living with anxiety to actively contribute to learning sessions.

Tejasvi Srinivas, Mount Waverley Secondary College 

'Being a leader not only means advocating for the people around you, but advocating for yourself.'

Serving as school captain and a dedicated member of Mount Waverley Secondary College’s Student Representative Council, Tejasvi strives to make a positive difference in her community and beyond.

Tejasvi is a member of the Ashwood Youth Advisory Committee and will be presenting to Parliament about the need for greater emphasis on financial literacy in the curriculum.

As a leader of her school's Sustainability Warriors group, Tejasvi has hosted assemblies to educate students about waste. She is also a youth advisor for the Butterfly Organisation's ‘Body Kind’ Youth organisation, where she developed materials to educate students on body positivity.

As president of Mount Waverley’s International Affairs Club, Tejasvi mentors students entering the Evatt Competition, Australia's Model United Nations competition for secondary students.

Tristan Than, St Joseph's College

'Every voice has its own power. You just need to find the right crowd to harmonise with.'

In addition to representing his peers on the St Joseph’s College Student Representative and Executive Council and as School Captain, Tristan still finds time to mentor young people across his school and local communities.

Tristan is a pioneering member of Voratix, a global youth-led media, communications and leadership organisation that delivers workshops to schools.

He also serves as Lead Mentor for Swinburne University's ASTRAL Institute, where he has helped develop youth research opportunities, and is also the first student leader of the Monash University Scholars Program, supporting the development of communication and collaboration opportunities across Victoria.

Tristan also holds a passion for local advocacy and is an active member of the Knox Youth Advisory Committee.

Victoria Meng, Huntingtower School

'I’ve learned how much potential there is in people once they stop disqualifying themselves.'

Victoria is a deeply committed student leader who has contributed extensively to her school and broader community.

Within Huntingtower, Victoria is an active member of the Wellbeing Team, leading initiatives for Kindness Day and Cultural Diversity Day, while also contributing to the school magazine committee and representing students on the child safety committee.

Beyond school, she represents Huntingtower on the Ashwood Youth Advisory Committee and has mentored students through the National Council of Women Victoria’s ‘My Vote, My Voice’ program.

Victoria is also the Co-Founder and Head of Business Strategy of Jiayuan Charity, a youth-led charity with more than 200 student members. Under Victoria’s leadership, Jiayuan has fundraised for young people, environmental initiatives and animal welfare organisations.

More information on the VCE Leadership Awards can be found on on the VCE Leadership Awards page.