Young Queensland Latter-day Saints Contribute to School Communities

For many students in Queensland, Australia over the last few years, how they receive their education has been changing from week to week.

From online to classroom learning, students have adapted in ways parents and educators may not have expected.

One thing that has not changed is the opportunity for young people to step up and serve their school community as school leaders.

Four young people from the Beenleigh Australia Stake (group of congregations) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are actively involved in contributing to the school communities.

Woodridge High School is nestled in the heart of Logan, Queensland and currently has approximately1,200 students from over 60 cultural backgrounds. As school leaders encourage students to be empowered, resilient and world changing, one particular student stands out as he leads his cohort through their secondary education.

Elgin Fepuleai, youngest of his seven siblings is no stranger to leadership, as this is the second time he has been elected to lead his student body. First in year six at Woodridge Primary School, and now again as his cohort navigates the final few months of their year 12 experience. Balancing his schoolwork, early morning seminary (scripture) classes as well as church and family responsibilities, Elgin takes it all in his stride.

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Elgin's mother, Moira, who serves as the president of the Relief Society (the Church of Jesus Christ’s women’s organisation) in the Beenleigh Second (Samoan speaking) congregation, is very proud of her son.

She says he is doing very well in school and that she is "hoping and praying" that he will continue in this way.

A little further south at Windaroo State School, three young Latter-day Saint students have been elected to leadership positions by their peers.

Taylor Stone and Larielle Ormsby have been elected as school captains, and Ruby Pearse chosen as music captain, where she assists teachers and students to provide music at school and community events.

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Taylor, Larielle and Ruby have taken on the school motto of "caring and learning together" as they support their classmates and the younger students.

These students have grown up watching their parents serving in various volunteer and leadership positions in their communities.

All four students are positive influences on their classmates and siblings as they exemplify service-based leadership.

Many young Latter-day Saints around the world participate in the Church's "Children and Youth" program that encourages young people to set and work towards goals that will help them develop intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually.