Learning to be leaders
In 2023, applications opened for the “Together We Can Scholarship”, which would see five recipients undergo leadership training and head to Congress to present and participate as emerging leaders.
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Funded by the Sherry Hogan Foundation, the scholarship was awarded to Ethan Parry from Queensland, Jerry Richter-Nguyen and Mia Johnston from South Australia, Joseph Salt from Western Australia, and Annalise Haigh from Tasmania.
For the past five months, the group has met regularly on Zoom and undergone training to develop their leadership and public speaking skills.
They are now getting ready to head to Congress where they will give presentations and meet a range of people from the international Down syndrome community.
Here, the five emerging leaders tell us who they are, what they’ve been learning in the training program, and what excites them about going to Congress.
“I will be the best leader, and mentor. I am caring to others, cheerful, brave and hopeful.” – Mia Johnston
“I believe my background, attitude, personality, desire to help and inspire others and my training make me a great leader.” – Jerry Richter-Nguyen
“I have to stand up for any issues and things I think are important, be more of an advocate.” – Annalise Haigh
“I want to be a good leader and show others that they can try to do new things. I want everyone to know that they can be treated the same.” – Ethan Perry
“As individuals we can strive for excellence but together we can be amazing.” – Joseph Salt
Why did you apply for the Sherry Hogan scholarship?
Mia Johnston: I saw the scholarship and I got excited. I got accepted and I look forward to Congress.
Annalise Haigh: Because it is important to us being a leader to other leaders. And be brave and supportive to others. Being in a Sherry Hogan Scholarship means to me is that other girls and boys are different and we don’t know who has disabilities around the world.
Jerry Richter-Nguyen: I applied for the scholarship to learn more about advocacy and leadership, I like to grow as a person and help other people. I love new experiences, meeting people, travel and learning.
Joseph Salt: I really enjoy being around people, and taking an active role in bringing people together; uniting them.
What have you been learning in the leadership training?
Mia Johnston: I have been learning to be caring to others, someone in need of support, and we should help them.
Ethan Perry: I learned about respecting people and listening to others, my rights to have a voice, and equal opportunities.
Annalise Haigh: It is important to know things like meetings, rights, public speaking, leadership units to be worked on, together we can.
Jerry Richter-Nguyen: I have been learning about meetings – what they are and new to participated to talk about issues, making decisions, share ideas, plan things and learn new things.
What makes you a great leader?
Ethan Perry: I’m a good person and make good choices. I encourage people to be good.
Annalise Haigh: I am a good leader. Public speaking to others is important, and to be responsible and respectful to others. I am also a great at teamwork with others and Down Syndrome Australia helps me with the program they run during with Zoom with Liz and Claire and others too.
Jerry Richter-Nguyen: I believe I am a great leader because of my will to try new and challenging things and “can do attitude”. I try to live a happy, fulfilled and meaningful life. My biggest contribution to leadership is my outgoing personality and interest in others. I talk to anybody and have introduced my family to many people.
Joseph Salt: I really enjoy being around people, and taking an active role in bringing people together; uniting them. As individuals we can strive for excellence but together we can be amazing.
What excites you about going to Congress?
Mia Johnston: I feel positive energy, and am excited to be studying to be an ambassador. I am a little bit excited to fly to Brisbane, and see my best friend Owen.
Ethan Perry: Doing activities with my friends. I would like to be on stage talking to everyone.
Jerry Richter-Nguyen: Everything about it! Travelling there, meeting people, showcasing what I can do, inspiring others and waiting to have a dance with Liz!
Joseph Salt: Learning from others and having fun being involved in all the activities.
What does this scholarship mean to you?
Ethan Perry: It is special because I get to tell everyone my message and I get to be a leader and learn more. I want help everyone understand how to treat people with a disability. I want to be treated the same as everyone else.
Joseph Salt: It is a chance to meet new people from all over the world and show them how awesome Australians are. It is an opportunity to learn new skills throughout the program, give back and serve my community and develop as a leader.
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