VCE student recognised with prestigious VCAA Leadership Award

2026-09-23

Year 12 VCE Vocational Major student Imogen O'Shannessy has been named the 2026 VCAA VCE Leadership Award winner, recognised for her outstanding leadership, advocacy and commitment to creating positive change for young people.

The prestigious award, presented by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), celebrates exceptional student leaders from across the state. More than 50,000 students complete the VCE each year, with just eight finalists shortlisted for the award before an overall winner is selected.

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2026 VCE Leadership Awards (Back L-R) Tristan Than, Bam Brickle, Aysha Haseeb, Victoria Meng and (Front L-R) Mustafa Khraim, Ruby Holderhead, Imogen O'Shannessy and Tejasvi Srinivas. Image supplied.

Imogen was announced as the Overall VCE Leader of the Year at a ceremony in Melbourne, recognised for her contributions to student advocacy, inclusion and educational reform.

After experiencing challenges in mainstream schooling, Imogen found her place studying VCE at The Gordon, where she re-engaged with education and developed a strong passion for representing the voices of young people.

An elected member of the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) Student Executive Advisory Committee, Imogen has contributed to discussions that help shape the future of senior secondary education in Victoria.

She is also the founder of Be Loud and Queer, a social enterprise that amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices and promotes inclusion for young people, particularly in regional communities.

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Imogen said,

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

VCE teacher Bronwyn Davies said the award recognised both Imogen's achievements and her character.

Imogen is an exceptional young leader who has used her own experiences to make a positive difference for others. She leads with authenticity, courage and compassion and consistently strives to ensure young people's voices are heard.

To be named the overall VCE Leadership Award winner is an extraordinary achievement and one that is incredibly well deserved. We couldn't be prouder of her.

The Gordon's Chief Executive Officer, Joe Ormeno said Imogen's award was a proud moment for the whole organisation.

"Imogen's achievement shows what young people can accomplish when their voice, leadership and individual strengths are recognised and supported. That is exactly what VCE at The Gordon sets out to do.

"Being named Victoria's VCE Leader of the Year as a Vocational Major student at a regional TAFE says a great deal about Imogen, and about what this pathway makes possible. She has shown remarkable determination and is already making a positive contribution to her community. Everyone at The Gordon is incredibly proud of her, and I warmly congratulate her on this recognition."

Imogen's award continues a remarkable journey of leadership and advocacy, while also showcasing the opportunities available through VCE at The Gordon for students seeking a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Congratulations, Imogen, on this exceptional achievement and on being recognised as Victoria's VCE Leader of the Year.