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Year 9 Students soar with Australia’s brightest young leaders!

By June 16, 2016Event, Schools

Each year yLead runs a series of one-day leadership events, known as Altitude Day. Altitude Day brings together Year 9 students from across the country and encourages them to dream big and recognise how capable they are of making a difference in our world.

This year the Altitude Day roadshow spanned 11 events in 6 states and territories impacting over 2,700 people. yLead partnered with 18 amazing speakers who shared their wisdom with students from 164 schools across Australia!

Each event was a huge success, with yLead facilitators and guest speakers inspiring students to discover their passions, unlock their potential and seek out opportunities in life. The impact from the day was felt on both a personal level by those who attended, and by schools that benefit from the enthusiasm and ideas their students return with.

In 2016 yLead launched ‘Project: Action Year 9 Altitude Day Challenge’ students were encouraged to join the 10-week challenge to take back learnings from the day and create long-lasting change within their schools and communities. Find out more about Project: Action here.

A huge thanks must not only go to schools and teachers that supported the 2016 roadshow but to our 30 yTeam volunteers for their continued support and the incredible speakers that donated their time. Our speakers spread the consistent message of – be your true authentic self, find what motivates you, say YES! to opportunities, surround yourself with great people and take action!

Speaker Highlights

The 18 Altitude Day speakers shared their personal stories, including hardships, failures and successes. Each with a unique message of what leadership means to them.

Young Australians of the Year 2016, Nic Machesi & Lucas Patchett from Orange Sky Laundry, told the story behind the Orange Sky movement and shared moving stories about the impact they have had on the lives of vulnerable Australians through washing clothes and conversations.

X-Factor top 5 and Australian Country Music sensation Caitlyn Shadbolt, shared her journey on how being open to opportunities and treating everyone with respect can lead to amazing experiences and success.

Daniel Flynn Co-Founder of Thankyou encouraged students to be bold and take risks, explaining his belief that ‘everyone has the power to change stuff’.

Stroke survivor, Barnaby Howarth, opened up about his personal struggles and stressed that a trying mindset will lead to a champion mindset and to remember that life is a series of small decisions.

Altitude Day veteran, Rowie McEvoy, shared her tips on how to live a happy, healthy fit and strong life with another generation of leaders.

To learn more about the Altitude Day roadshow and make sure your school is part of the 2017 events find out more here.