Outstanding Young Alumni Awards 2017

At a wonderful Senior School Assembly on Tuesday 29 August, the OHA was honoured to announce the five winners of the fifth annual OHA Outstanding Young Alumni Awards.

Following a large number of nominations and a strong voting process, winners were announced across the four categories of Arts, Business, Community and Sport. The nominations and winners are listed as follows;

Arts

Ben Burgess (OH 2012)

Ben is a multidisciplinary artist. He is an artist, photographer, author and actor. His art work has been showcased at the NGV,  and he has staged photographic solo exhibitions ‘as well as publishing photography books and writing his first novel titled “Your Life Story.” The end of the year sees Ben graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at RMIT, releasing his third publication and the opportunity to assist artists in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Business

Nicolette Kordos (OH 2010)

Since graduating from Haileybury, Nicolette has not only completed and graduated in a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at Monash University but also simultaneously managed to establish and run her own active wear business, Nicky Kay, which has become known worldwide in a small amount of time. Nicky Kay has been incredibly successful only through hard work, professionalism and the dedication of family and friends.

Community

Kenji Fujihara (OH 2013)

During 2015 and 2016, Kenji, along with the Department of Innovation & Inclusion at Gymnastics Victoria, developed a web-based exercise series that aims to create an accessible, engaging and innovative way for students to learn aerobics at school. Aerobase was recognised for its innovative approach as the winner of the 2016 VicHealth Awards for Building Health Through Sports. The Aerobase program continues to attract new schools and students with a particular focus on the inclusion of children and adolescents with disabilities throughout Victoria.

Sport

Karl Amon (OH 2013) and Courtney Clarkson (OH 2009)

Karl was drafted by the Port Adelaide Football Club in 2013. He debuted in 2015 and has since played 35 games and kicked 20 goals. Karl did not play football until he was 10 years of age. He spent two years unable to walk due to being diagnosed with Perthes’ disease which affects the growth of the femur bone. Karl plays in next week’s elimination final against the West Coast Eagles.

Courtney is the first ever Haileyburian to play in the AFL Womens’ League (AFLW). She was recruited from VFL Womens team, Cranbourne to the Western Bulldogs and made her debut in round 2 against the Adelaide Crows. Courtney combines her football career with her job as a Constable with Victoria Police.